For LLC formation services in Texas, we recommend Mainstay Filing ($199), TX Registered Agent.org ($199) and Texas Registered Agent.ai ($199) in 2026, ranked from first to last. The costs split into $300 for the state and $397 to $597 for three years of service.
Written by the Simple Filing Guide editorial team
Start here
State fee to file
$300, not recurring
Every year after
The report has no fee
Registered agent
Yes: the state requires it
Where to start
Mainstay Filing, TX Registered Agent.org then Texas Registered Agent.ai
Texas picks, best first
The order follows our five checks: three-year cost first, then what the price covers.
#1Start here
1. Mainstay Filing: best for one price for formation and upkeep
Annual price $199, renewal price $199, state fee on top
Mainstay Filing is our first recommendation because the Public Information Report sits inside the $199 annual price, alongside formation and the registered agent.
$200 more over three years than TX Registered Agent.org, with more of the paperwork covered.
It files the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report as well, and the state does not charge for it.
We read these prices on November 13, 2026, and three years means year one plus two renewals.
Work through these
What is the total cost to get started?
On your own it is $300. With a service, it is $199 more.
By the end of year three, you will have paid the state $300. official source sos.texas.gov (October 2026) to check
Which form do I file, and where does it go?
One document does it: the Certificate of Formation (Form 205), sent to the Texas Secretary of State.
Legal basis: Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 3.005. official source sos.texas.gov (October 2026) to check
Do I have to list a registered agent on the filing?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
A Texas resident, including an owner, officer or employee, or an organization registered or authorized in Texas with a business office at the registered office. The company cannot be its own agent, and the agent has to consent.
official source sos.texas.gov (October 2026) to check
What do I do after the LLC is formed?
File the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report once a year. The fee is nothing. The state's due date reads: May 15. Note it early.
A service is optional. State fees alone would run $300 across three years.
Expect to pay $397 to $597 over three years if you hire.
How did you rank them?
Mainstay Filing is strongest on filing jobs included, and that decides it.
Five checks set the order: total for three years (37%), filing jobs included (27%), clear price information (13%), year-two price (12%) and state coverage (11%).
Not having to file the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is worth more to us than a small saving.