How to Start an LLC in Texas for Free: 10 Steps
You can form an LLC in Texas for free by following these 10 simple steps.
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Overview
Search the name you want for your LLC
You’ll need to pick a name for your LLC that’s not already in use by another business in Texas. To find out if your desired LLC name is available, search the Texas Business Filings Database.
Go to the Secretary of State Website
The first step to starting an LLC in Texas is to go to the Secretary of State website and search for the name you want for your LLC. The name must be available and not too similar to any other business name in the state. You can reserve a name for 120 days for a $40 fee.
Find the Business Filings Database
The Secretary of State’s Business Filings Department maintains a database of all businesses registered in Texas. This is a good place to start your search for the name you want for your LLC. The database is called the Business Database and is available online.
To use the Business Database, go to the Secretary of State’s website and click on the link for “Business Filings.” When you get to the Business Filings page, click on the link for “Business Database.”
When you get to the Business Database page, you will see a search box near the top of the page. In the search box, you will want to enter the type of business entity you are looking for (in this case, “LLC”). You can also enter other relevant keywords, such as the city or county where you want to do business.
Once you have entered your search terms, click on the “Search” button. This will bring up a list of businesses that meet your criteria.
Search for the Name You Want
Now that you have an LLC, you need to promote it. And the first step in promoting your LLC is creating a name.
Your LLC name is important for two reasons. First, it’s how customers will find you online and in the real world. Second, in many states, your LLC name must include certain words or abbreviations, and it can’t be too similar to another business name.
To choose your LLC name, start by doing a search of business names to make sure no one else is using the same or a similar name. If you find another business with the same or a similar name, you may not be able to use your first choice for your LLC. So it’s important to do a search early on in the process.
File the Certificate of Formation
To form an LLC in Texas, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The Certificate of Formation is also known as the Articles of Organization. The filing fee is $300.
Go to the Secretary of State Website
Go to the Secretary of State website. The site will have a link for forming an LLC. Once you click on that link, you will be taken to a page with links for downloading the necessary forms.
Find the Business Filings Database
The Business Filings Database is a good place to start your search for any business filings in Texas. This online database is maintained by the Office of the Secretary of State and can be searched by business name, filing number, or filing type.
File the Certificate of Formation
To form an LLC in Texas, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The Certificate of Formation must include the following information:
-the LLC’s name and address
-the LLC’s purpose
-the LLC’s duration
-the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent
-the name and address of each member of the LLC
-whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers
-the names and addresses of the persons who will serve as the initial managers or members of the board of managers, if applicable
Get an EIN from the IRS
To start your LLC in Texas, you’ll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Texas Secretary of State. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. This is a free service that you can obtain online.
Go to the IRS Website
The process for getting an EIN is fairly simple. You can do it all online through the IRS website. Just follow these steps:
1. Go to the IRS website and select ‘Apply for an EIN online.’
2. Enter your business information and choose a type of entity.
3. Verify your identity with the IRS.
4. Have your EIN confirmation number ready to give to your bank or creditors.
Applying for an EIN online is the quickest way to get your number, and you can have it within minutes if you have all the information you need handy.
Apply for an EIN
You will need to apply for an EIN from the IRS. An EIN is an Employer Identification Number and is used by the IRS to identify businesses. It is also used by banks when opening business checking accounts and by businesses that hire employees. Applying for an EIN is free and can be done online, by fax, or by mail.
To apply for an EIN online, you will need to have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have either of these, you can apply for an EIN by fax or by mail.
To apply for an EIN by fax, you will need to complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS at (866) 699-4083. To apply for an EIN by mail, you will need to complete Form SS-4 and send it to the address listed on the form.
Open a Business Bank Account
In order to open a business bank account, you’ll need to have the following information and documents ready: your Employer Identification Number (EIN), your business formation documents, your personal identification, and your business license (if required). You’ll also need to decide what type of business account is right for your LLC.
Go to Your Local Bank
One of the first things you need to do when you start a company is open a business bank account. This is a separate account from your personal one and is used to track your business expenses and income. It’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate to make your bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.
The best way to open a business bank account is to go to your local bank and ask about their small business banking options. Many banks offer special services and products for small businesses, so it’s worth asking about what they can provide for you. Once you’ve decided on a bank, you’ll need to open an account and deposit some money into it. You can do this online or in person at your local branch.
Open a Business Bank Account
The first step in starting an LLC in Texas is to open a business bank account. This will ensure that your personal and business finances are kept separate, which is important for both legal and tax purposes. It’s also a good way to keep track of your business expenses.
To open a business bank account, you’ll need to have your LLC formation documents handy. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number and the date of birth for each owner of the LLC. Once you have all of this information, you can visit any bank or credit union to open an account.
File Your Annual Report
You must file an annual report with the Texas Secretary of State to keep your LLC in good standing with the state. The report is due every year on the first day of the LLC’s anniversary month. The report is not a tax return, but it does require you to update the state on your LLC’s contact information and to pay a filing fee.
Go to the Secretary of State Website
Go to the Secretary of State Website – The first step is to go to the Secretary of State website and look for the business filings section. Look for the link that says ” Annual Reports.” Click on that link and it will take you to the page where you can file your annual report.
-If you don’t see a link for “Annual Reports,” try looking for a link that says “Business Filings.”
-When you find the right page, look for a button or link that says “File Now,” “File Online,” or something similar.
-Click on that button or link and it will take you to the online filing system.
Find the Business Filings Database
Assuming you have already formed your LLC in Texas, the next step is to file your annual report with the state. This is required by Texas law, and failure to do so can result in late fees, penalties, and ultimately, the dissolution of your LLC.
Luckily, filing your annual report is easy and can be done entirely online. The first step is to find the Business Filings Database on the Texas Secretary of State website. This database contains all of the information that you will need to file your annual report.
File Your Annual Report
All LLCs in Texas are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The purpose of the annual report is to update the state on your LLC’s information and activity for the past year.
You will need to file your annual report even if your LLC did not have any activity or changes during the year. The only exception is if your LLC has been dissolved or cancelled.
The annual report must be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website. You will need to create an account and login to begin the filing process.
Once you are logged in, you will be asked to provide some basic information about your LLC, such as the name and address. You will also be asked to update any changes that have occurred since you last filed your annual report.
After you have provided all of the required information, you will be able to review and submit your annual report for filing. Once it has been submitted, you will be able to print a copy for your records.
You will need to file your annual report by May 15th of each year. If you do not file by this date, your LLC may be subject to late fees or other penalties.
Once you have filed your annual report, you should keep a copy in your business records. This will help you stay organized and keep track of any changes that occur with your LLC over time.

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