How to Form a Texas LLC
- 1). Select a name for your Texas LLC. When constructing the name, you must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company" or an abbreviation of one of those phrases.
- 2). Contact the Texas Secretary of State at 512-463-5555. Connect to "relay services" at 7-1-1 to request a search for name availability. You may also send an email to corpinfo@sos.state.tx.us. The Secretary of State will run a name search to ensure that your desired business name is not already registered by another LLC or company. You will receive preliminary authorization to use your LLC name if it is available.
- 3). Determine LLC membership and management. An LLC in Texas must have at least one member. The LLC has the option of assigning a manager. If the LLC has no manager, the member or members manage the LLC.
- 4). Access the Texas Secretary of State's "Form 205." This "Certificate of Formation--Limited Liability Company" form allows you to register a Texas LLC. You may use either this paper form or create an SOSDirect online account to form an LLC in Texas. The Secretary of State advises that the form provides the statutory legal minimum for filing and suggests that you consult with an attorney before filing your LLC. Fill out and print two copies of the LLC formation certificate.
- 5). Make out a check or money order, payable to the "Secretary of State." You may also order by Visa, MasterCard, Discover and LegalEase debit cards. Texas charges 2.7 percent extra when paying by credit card. As of 2010, the fee for Texas LLC registration is $300. You may also pay $25 for expedited service. The Secretary of State will process the certificate by the close of business on the day after receiving a filing with expedited service.
- 6). Mail in, fax or physically deliver both copies of the formation certificate and fee. Include a "Payment Form" when submitting by fax. Use the following contact information to submit the form and fee:
Texas Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-463-5583
Fax: 512-463-5709
sos.state.tx.us
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