5 Best Texas LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

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When you decide to start an LLC in Texas, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in Texas becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in Texas. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in Texas. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC Texas LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in Texas, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your Texas LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in Texas

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in Texas
How to Form an LLC in Texas
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Texas
FAQs

Best LLC Formation Services in Texas

Here is the list of best LLC services available in Texas. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in Texas at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in Texas-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in Texas we picked for you.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Texas that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0.

LegalZoom Plans

Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the Texas filing fee while filing the Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose.

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in Texas with LegalZoom

2. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide.

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer-

Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
Permit & License Search Service – $125
Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($300 for filing online, by mail, in person filing, or by Fax in Texas). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal.

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in Texas with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Texas? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost.

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, Texas name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

Registered Agent Service – $199/year
Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
Annual Compliances – $299/year
Operating Agreement – $29
Expedited Filing – $49
Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $300 must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons.

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

Form LLC in Texas with TailorBrands

4. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in Texas, though you must pay the state filing fee of $300 to the Texas Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state.

ZenBusiness Plans

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form Texas nonprofit
Free LLC formation in Texas	Additional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in Texas at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in Texas. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee.

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in Texas. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature.

Form LLC in Texas with ZenBusiness

5. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including Texas. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly.

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in Texas are listed below-

LLC formation in Texas at $39 + state filing fee
Registered Agent at $125 yearly
Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
Obtaining EIN at $50
Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Registered Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in Texas	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional charges to obtain EIN in Texas
Purchase only the service you need to form Texas LLC.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in Texas

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in Texas. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need.

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($300). If you have already formed your LLC in Texas and are willing to appoint Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in Texas and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

Form LLC in Texas with Northwest Registered Agent

How to Form an LLC in Texas

Texas, popularly known as The Lone Star State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 30,345,487. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Texas is $2,402,237 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Texas will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Austin, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

To form an LLC in Texas, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your Texas Registered Agent, filing the Texas Certificate of Formation, creating Texas LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes.

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better.

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Texas

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What is the best LLC formation service in Texas?

The best LLC formation service in Texas is dependent on individual needs, but top options include Incfile, Rocket Lawyer, ZenBusiness, and LegalZoom.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Texas?

There is a $300 fee to file articles of organization with the Texas Secretary of State’s office.

Can out-of-state residents form LLCs in Texas?

Yes, out-of-state residents can form LLCs in Texas.

Can non-US citizens form LLCs in Texas?

Yes, non-US citizens can form LLCs in Texas.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Texas?

LLC approval from the Texas Secretary of State’s office takes an average of 5-10 business days, but expedited processing options are available for an additional fee.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Texas?

LLCs and corporations are both business entities that shield personal assets from business liabilities, but they differ in terms of management structure, tax status, and other legal requirements.

What are the advantages of forming an LLC in Texas?

Advantages of forming an LLC in Texas include the ability to shield personal assets from business liabilities, pass-through taxation status, and flexibility in organizational structure.

What are the disadvantages of forming an LLC in Texas?

Disadvantages of forming an LLC in Texas include more complex tax reporting compared to sole proprietorship or partnerships, and additional fees and paperwork requirements.

Can a single person form an LLC in Texas?

Yes, a single person can form an LLC in Texas.

Do I need a registered agent for my Texas LLC?

Yes, a Texas LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state who is available during regular business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business.

Can I serve as my own registered agent in Texas?

Yes, you may serve as your own registered agent in Texas, but you must have a physical address in the state where legal documents can be delivered.

Can I change my registered agent in Texas?

Yes, you can change your registered agent in Texas at any time by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office.

Do I need an operating agreement for my Texas LLC?

Texas law does not require an LLC to have an operating agreement, but having one can help clarify internal operations and protect business interests.

Can I file for Texas state tax exemptions for my LLC?

Yes, you may file for state tax exemptions for your Texas LLC, such as the Texas Franchise Tax Measure Texas H.B. 500.

Do I need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for my Texas LLC?

Yes, you must obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes and other financial transactions.

Are there any residency or citizenship requirements to be a member of a Texas LLC?

There are no residency or citizenship requirements to be a member of a Texas LLC.

Can I change the name of my Texas LLC at any time?

Yes, a Texas LLC may change its name at any time by filing a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State.

How do I dissolve my Texas LLC?

To dissolve a Texas LLC, you must file a Certificate of Termination with the Texas Secretary of State.

How can I check if a Texas LLC name is available?

You can check the availability of a Texas LLC name on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Can I reserve a Texas LLC name before filing?

Yes, you may reserve a Texas LLC name for up to 120 days by filing an Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of an Entity Name.

Do I need to renew my Texas LLC annually?

Yes, Texas LLCs must file an annual report and pay a franchise tax to the Texas Comptroller’s office.

What is the Texas LLC franchise tax rate?

The Texas LLC franchise tax rate is .375 percent of the LLC’s taxable margin or .75 percent for wholesale or retail trade companies.

Can I operate my Texas LLC in other states?

Yes, you may operate a Texas LLC in other states by registering for a foreign LLC in those states.

Can I convert my Texas LLC to a corporation?

Yes, a Texas LLC can be converted to a corporation by filing Articles of Conversion with the Texas Secretary of State.

What is a certificate of formation in Texas?

A certificate of formation is the legal document that establishes a Texas LLC and provides information such as the name of the business, registered agent, and management structure.

Can I use a PO box for my Texas LLC address?

No, a PO box cannot be used as a registered address or principal place of business for a Texas LLC.

Are there any annual requirements for Texas LLCs?

Texas LLCs must file an Annual Franchise Tax Report with the Texas Comptroller’s office and renew its registration with the Texas Secretary of State each year.

Can I form a nonprofit LLC in Texas?

No, Texas law does not recognize nonprofit LLCs, but there are other options such as forming a nonprofit corporation or partnering with a nonprofit organization.

What are the requirements to form an LLC in Texas?

In Texas, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State and pay the required fees to form an LLC.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?

The filing fee for a Certificate of Formation in Texas is $300 for LLCs.

Can I form an LLC without a registered agent in Texas?

No, Texas requires every LLC to have a registered agent located in Texas.

What is a registered agent in Texas?

A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of a company registered with the Secretary of State in Texas.

Can I serve as the registered agent for my own LLC in Texas?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Texas if you have a physical address in the state.

Do I need to file a DBA for my LLC in Texas?

No, Texas does not require LLCs to file a DBA.

Can I change my LLC’s name in Texas?

Yes, you can change your LLC’s name by filing a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State.

What is an operating agreement in Texas?

An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC in Texas.

Is an operating agreement required for LLCs in Texas?

No, but it is strongly recommended to have an operating agreement for an LLC in Texas.

Can I have a single-member LLC in Texas?

Yes, Texas allows for single-member LLCs.

Is there an age requirement for owning an LLC in Texas?

No, there is no age requirement for owning an LLC in Texas.

Can foreign nationals own an LLC in Texas?

Yes, foreign nationals can own and operate an LLC in Texas.

Are there any restrictions on naming my LLC in Texas?

Yes, the name must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”.

Can an LLC with only one member have more than one owner in Texas?

No, the owner of an LLC in Texas is referred to as a member.

What is a name reservation in Texas?

A name reservation is the process of placing a temporary hold on a business name before formally registering an LLC in Texas.

How long does a name reservation last in Texas?

In Texas, a name reservation lasts for 120 days.

How many managers can an LLC have in Texas?

An LLC in Texas can have one or more managers.

Can an LLC have shareholders in Texas?

No, LLCs do not issue shares and do not have shareholders in Texas.

Can I dissolve an LLC in Texas?

Yes, you can dissolve an LLC in Texas by filing Articles of Termination with the Secretary of State.

What are the taxes for an LLC in Texas?

In Texas, LLCs pay a franchise tax of 1% of the LLC’s taxable margin or 0.575% for qualifying EZ Form LLCs, in addition to any necessary sales taxes or employee-related taxes.

Can I convert my LLC to a corporation in Texas?

Yes, an LLC in Texas can convert to a corporation by filing Articles of Conversion with the Secretary of State.

Can I change the ownership percentage of my LLC in Texas?

Yes, the ownership percentage of an LLC in Texas can be changed by amending the operating agreement.

What are the benefits of forming an LLC in Texas?

An LLC in Texas provides limited liability protection to its members, offers flexibility in management structure, and has simpler tax obligations than a corporation.

Do I need an attorney to form an LLC in Texas?

No, you do not need an attorney to form an LLC in Texas, but it may be helpful to seek legal advice.

How often do I need to file an annual report for my LLC in Texas?

In Texas, you do not need to file annual reports for your LLC; however, LLCs must file a public information report every year.

Can I form an LLC in Texas online?

Yes, you can form an LLC in Texas online by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State through their website.

How do I know if my LLC name is available in Texas?

You can search for the availability of LLC names in Texas on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Can a nonprofit organization form an LLC in Texas?

Yes, a nonprofit organization can form an LLC in Texas if the LLC is organized exclusively for charitable or educational purposes.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in Texas is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in Texas. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.