Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in Texas, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Texas corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Texas Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in Texas. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Texas with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- 24-hour turn-around. There is a 24-hour filing option in Texas, which is outlined in our pricing.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Formation.
Corporate name. The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," “Limited,” or an abbreviation thereof. Symbols cannot be used in the name. Names submitted with superscript or subscript letters/numbers will not appear in that format in the official company name. (For example, H20 would appear as H20.) The name may not contain the word "Lottery." The name must not imply a purpose other than that stated in the Certificate of Formation. It may not be the same as, or deceptively similar to, the name of any domestic or foreign corporation, or reserved or registered name. However, a name already in use may be used if the corporation gets written consent from the user filed with the Secretary of State. Use of words tied to education (such as but not limited to "College," "School," and "Seminary") cannot be used without approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Use of words such as "Bank," "Trust," and those implying ties to Veterans ("Veterans," "War," etc.) also require additional approvals prior to use.
Director information. The following are Texas’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. Texas does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. Texas does not have age requirements.
- Inclusion in the Certificate of Formation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Certificate of Formation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Formation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Certificate of Formation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in Texas. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in Texas for professional services businesses.