Texas Certificate of Formation: Fees, Forms 201 and 205, and Steps

Written byPatrick Moumiet

Forming a Texas entity starts with a $300 Certificate of Formation. Here are the forms and other fees on the state’s schedule.

Key takeaways:

  • The Texas certificate of formation for a corporation or LLC costs $300 per the Secretary of State’s fee schedule.
  • Form 201 is for for-profit corporations and Form 205 is for LLCs.
  • Expedited processing is $25 per document, preclearance is $50, and name reservation is $40 for 120 days.
  • Franchise tax comes after formation; plan for it.

Texas filing fees at a glance

1. What you file

To form a Texas corporation or LLC you file a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s fee schedule lists the certificate of formation for a corporation or LLC at $300, covering Forms 201 (for-profit corporation) and 205 (LLC), among others.

Context on choosing between entity types is in LLC vs. C corp for startups.

2. The fee schedule

Texas fees: $300 certificate of formation, $25 expedited processing, $50 preclearance, $40 name reservation for 120 days, $25 assumed name certificate

  • Certificate of formation (corporation or LLC): $300
  • Expedited processing of a document submitted for filing: $25
  • Preclearance of a filing instrument: $50
  • Name reservation (120 days) or renewal, Form 501: $40
  • Assumed name certificate, Form 503: $25

Fees change, so verify against the Secretary of State’s current schedule before you file.

3. Which form

Form 201 is the certificate of formation for a for-profit corporation; Form 205 is for a limited liability company; each has a $300 filing fee

Use the form that matches your entity. Do not treat the fee schedule as advice on which entity fits you.

4. The sequence

Forming a Texas entity: choose the type, check the name, pick a registered agent, file online, plan for franchise tax

Check name availability and consider the preclearance or name reservation options, choose a registered agent, file, and then plan the annual franchise tax. Read Texas franchise tax for LLCs and corporations. Before you pick a name, run the checks in trademark and business name checks.

5. Beyond the filing fee

The filing fee is not your whole cost. See LLC formation costs in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Where DoubleCheck fits

DoubleCheck is built for businesses that start legal work with AI. Bring your question or draft, use an AI-first workflow to understand and verify it, and when professional advice is warranted, you can connect with an independent attorney. Attorneys on DoubleCheck are independent professionals; an attorney-client relationship forms only if an attorney accepts your engagement.

Sources: Texas Secretary of State: Corporations fee schedule.

FAQ

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

The Secretary of State’s fee schedule lists $300 for the certificate of formation for a corporation or LLC.

Which form do I file for a Texas LLC?

Form 205, the Certificate of Formation for a limited liability company.

Can I reserve a business name in Texas?

The fee schedule lists a $40 name reservation for 120 days (Form 501).

How much is expedited processing?

The schedule lists expedited processing of a document submitted for filing at $25.

General information only. This article is not legal, tax, investment, or accounting advice.