Texas LLC Formation – How to Form an LLC in Texas Without Hassle

Last Updated on 3 weeks by Edidiong Jesus

Starting an LLC in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. If you’ve ever put off forming your business because you thought it was too much hassle, this guide is for you!

In this article, I’ll break down two easy ways to form your Texas LLC:

1. The DIY approach – where you do everything yourself (cheaper but requires effort).
2. The Expert approach – where you let a company like Bizee handle everything for you (saves time and ensures accuracy).

By the end, you’ll know exactly which route is best for you and how to get your LLC set up in under 10 minutes.

So, whether you’re a solopreneur or starting the next big thing, let’s dive in!

The DIY Method: Setting Up Your LLC Yourself

If you like to be hands-on and want to save some money, you can set up your Texas LLC on your own. 

Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name

Your LLC name must be unique and not already registered in Texas. Use the Texas Secretary of State’s online search tool to check name availability. 

Your name should also include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” at the end to comply with state laws.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

A registered agent is responsible for receiving official government documents and legal notices on behalf of your LLC. 

You can act as your own registered agent, but this means your personal address will be public. Many business owners prefer hiring a professional registered agent service to maintain privacy and ensure they never miss important legal paperwork.

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Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation

To legally establish your LLC in Texas, you need to file Form 205 (Certificate of Formation) with the Texas Secretary of State.

• Filing Fee: $300 (non-refundable)
• How to File: Online, by mail, fax, or in person.
• Processing Time: 5-7 business days (expedited processing available for an extra $25).
• Required Information: Your LLC name, registered agent details, business purpose, and management structure (whether it will be member-managed or manager-managed).

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement (Optional but Recommended)

An Operating Agreement is a legal document outlining ownership structure, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. 

Although Texas doesn’t legally require it, having one helps prevent future disputes, especially if your LLC has multiple members. This document typically covers:

• Member contributions and ownership percentages.
• Voting rights and decision-making rules.
• Profit and loss distribution.
• Procedures for adding or removing members.

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You’ll need it to:

• Open a business bank account.
• File business taxes.
• Hire employees.
• Apply for business licenses and permits.

You can get an EIN for free from the IRS website in minutes.

Step 6: Register for Texas Taxes

Texas has no state income tax, but you may need to:

• File for a Sales Tax Permit if selling products/services.
• Pay Franchise Tax (required for most businesses making over ~$2.5M per year).
• File Annual Reports to keep your LLC in good standing.

You can register for sales tax and franchise tax through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.

Step 7: Keep Business & Personal Finances Separate

To maintain liability protection and make accounting easier, it’s crucial to keep your business and personal finances separate. Here’s how:

• Open a business bank account in your LLC’s name.
• Get a business credit card to track expenses.
• Use accounting software like QuickBooks to manage finances efficiently.
• Maintain clear records of all business transactions.

The Downsides of DIY

I remember the first time I did this myself – it was stressful! The paperwork alone took me hours, and I almost made costly mistakes. Plus, I had to find a registered agent because I didn’t want my home address on public records. 

On top of that, I was worried about making errors in my filing that could delay my LLC approval or cause legal issues down the line.

Over the years, I have set up several LLCs for my business. I can still remember when I used this approach to file my LLC to save costs and money. 

I went through a lot of stress trying to get a registered agent because I didn’t want my address to be on public records. The last thing I needed was an angry customer knocking on my door to lodge a complaint. 

Eventually, I had to hire a lawyer to help me draft the Articles of Organization because I couldn’t just use any random template I found online.

Honestly, I was scared my LLC would get rejected over a silly mistake. The most frustrating part? Using this approach meant I was completely on my own—no customer service, no guidance, just figuring things out myself. 

Compare that to using a formation agent like Bizee, which handled everything for me smoothly and efficiently. And here’s the surprising part: both methods still require paying the same state filing fees directly to the government!

So, if you love the DIY approach, this guide will help you. But if you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with the stress, hiring a formation agent should be your top priority. This is even more important if you’re not a U.S. resident—unless you have a relative permanently living in the U.S. who can help.

From my experience, using an agent saves more time by eliminating mistakes, reducing processing time, and providing ongoing support throughout the process. 

I personally recommend using Bizee to handle everything for you. Disclaimer: This is not just an ad; I have personally tried both approaches, and I know firsthand that using a formation agent makes a world of difference.

That’s when I discovered the Expert Approach…

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The Expert Approach: Let Bizee Handle Everything for You

If you don’t want the headache of dealing with paperwork and legal jargon, you can let professionals handle it for you. Bizee is one of the best LLC formation services out there, and they do it for FREE (you just pay the state filing fees)!

Why Choose Bizee?

✅ They handle all the paperwork. 

✅ They provide a FREE Registered Agent service for the first year. 

✅ They ensure 100% accuracy to avoid costly mistakes. 

✅ They process your LLC faster than doing it yourself.

How to Form Your LLC with Bizee (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the Bizee Website.
2. Enter Your Business Name – They’ll check availability for you.
3. Choose Your State – Select Texas.
4. Fill Out Basic Business Details – Industry, business type, and contact info.
5. Select a Plan – Their basic package is free, and they have upgraded if you want extra services (like EIN registration or operating agreement drafting).
6. Submit & Let Bizee Handle the Rest!

That’s it! They’ll file everything for you, and you’ll get your LLC documents as soon as they’re ready.

Which Option Is Best for You?

If you’re on a budget and enjoy DIY, go for it! But if you value your time and want peace of mind, Bizee is the best option.

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Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Starting an LLC in Texas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can either DIY and save money or let experts like Bizee handle it for you stress-free.

🚀 Next Steps: ✅ If you want to file your LLC yourself, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website. ✅ If you want Bizee to do it for you (for free!), check out the link in the description.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m here to help!