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A Texas LLC for non-residents comes with a $300 filing fee and a yearly franchise tax report. It fits founders with real Texas operations more than most solo online businesses.
Yes. A non-resident can own a Texas LLC without a US visa or SSN. The Certificate of Formation costs $300. Texas also requires an annual franchise tax report and Public Information Report, due May 15. Whether tax is owed depends on revenue, so verify at comptroller.texas.gov.
Verified figures only — sources are listed at the foot of this page.
$300
Due May 15
Due May 15 with the franchise tax report
Required, with a Texas street address
comptroller.texas.gov
October 2026
For most solo freelancers, Texas is not the cheapest route. The $300 filing fee is higher than Wyoming or New Mexico, and the annual franchise tax filing adds paperwork.
Texas becomes a good choice when the business has actual ties to the state: customers, employees, a warehouse, a partner or contracts governed by Texas companies. A Texas LLC can then look familiar and credible locally.
The state charges $300 for the Certificate of Formation, which is filed with the Texas Secretary of State. There is no separate annual report to that office, but Texas has its own yearly filing with the Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Registered agent service is a recurring cost after the first year with FenFile. Add any optional services you choose. State fees are always shown separately before payment.
A Texas LLC must name a registered agent with a physical street address in Texas. The agent receives legal papers and official notices for the company. This keeps the company reachable even though you live abroad.
The agent can be a commercial service, which is the usual choice for non-residents. Choose one that scans and forwards documents quickly. Agent details are public record, so make sure they are accurate.
The first year is included in FenFile plans. After that, renewal is yearly.
No. A registered agent address covers the legal requirement. You only need an office if your business activity calls for one.
Appoint a new one and file the change so the Secretary of State has a current record.
Texas does not have a personal income tax, but it does have a franchise tax on many entities, including LLCs. Each year, usually by May 15, the company files a franchise tax report and a Public Information Report with the Comptroller.
Filing is required even when no tax is due. Whether you actually owe tax depends on your revenue and the rules for that year, so check comptroller.texas.gov or ask a qualified adviser. Do not assume that a small LLC is exempt from filing.
Compare three practical points:
Treat May 15 as a fixed date in your yearly calendar. Gather your revenue figures and company details early in the year, because the franchise tax report is based on your financial information.
Check the Texas Comptroller site each year for the current forms, thresholds and any extension options. Rules and thresholds change, and we do not want you relying on an old figure.
Our Growth plan includes a compliance calendar, and the annual compliance support add-on can help you track filings. For tax questions, ask a qualified adviser familiar with Texas franchise tax.
You need an EIN next. The IRS issues it free, and a non-resident with no SSN applies using Form SS-4 by fax, mail or phone. Then prepare an operating agreement and look at banking and payments.
Federal duties are the same wherever you form. A foreign-owned single-member LLC generally files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 each year if it has reportable transactions, with a penalty from $25,000 for failure.
Speak to a qualified tax adviser about Texas franchise tax, federal reporting and your home-country rules.
Keep these ready and our team will guide you through the rest.
From first message to done — with updates at every stage.
Compare it with Wyoming and New Mexico on cost and local ties.
Your agent needs a physical Texas street address.
We submit it to the Texas Secretary of State and send you the approved documents.
We add the Comptroller deadline to your compliance calendar on the Growth plan.
Pick a plan, pay once, and let our team handle the rest.
Solo founders launching their first US company
one-time + state filing fee
Founders who need to get paid and bank in the US
one-time + state filing fee
Full launch with brand, website and support
one-time + state filing fee
Talk to a FenFile advisor — we’ll point you to the right one.
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The Certificate of Formation filing fee is $300. After that, Texas requires a yearly franchise tax report and Public Information Report. Registered agent costs apply after the first year in FenFile plans.
May 15 each year. The Public Information Report is due on the same date. Verify the current rules and any extensions on comptroller.texas.gov, as details can change.
Not always, but it must still file. Whether tax is due depends on revenue and the rules for that year. Check the Texas Comptroller website or ask a qualified adviser for your situation.
Yes. No visa, SSN or Texas residency is required. You need a registered agent with a street address in Texas and an EIN to open accounts and file US taxes.
Usually not. The $300 filing fee is higher than Wyoming’s $100, and Texas adds a yearly Comptroller filing. Texas is better when you have a real Texas presence.
Texas has no personal income tax, but it has a franchise tax on many business entities. Federal and home-country obligations also apply. A qualified tax adviser can confirm what applies to you.
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Written by the FenFile team · Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
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