What’s the quickest way to form an LLC in Texas? The quickest way to form an LLC in Texas is to hire a professional LLC formation service to process your application. The best LLC formation services have many years of experience and know how to form an LLC in Texas swiftly, efficiently, and avoid any pitfalls or errors.
Additionally, to benefit from the shortest possible turnaround time you should submit your application online and you should sign-up for expedited filing and preclearance services for your documentation. Below we cover everything you need to know about forming an LLC quickly in Texas.
THE FASTEST WAY TO FORM LLC TEXAS
The fastest way to form an LLC in Texas is to hire a professional service that specializes in forming companies with the Texas Secretary of State. You should also avail of the Expedited Filing and Preclearance services offered by the state authority if you want your company formed as quickly as possible. By hiring a professional service and signing up for preclearance and expedited filing you will ensure your LLC filing paperwork is reviewed and processed in the quickest possible turnaround time.
TEXAS PRECLEARANCE & EXPEDITED FILING
If you want to have your documents reviewed before you officially submit them for filing you can avail of a service called Preclearance. This will ensure all your paperwork is in order and meets the requirements necessary to form an LLC in Texas. And, if you want your documents prioritized and reviewed as soon as possible once you officially file them – then you should sign up for expedited filing.
PRECLEARANCE SERVICE ($50)
Preclearance service allows you to have your LLC formation documents reviewed before they are officially submitted for filling. This allows you to quickly check that everything is in order and ensure the paperwork contains everything needed before it joins the queue for official review. If you want to form an LLC quickly in Texas this is a great way of ensuring you avoid rejection due to an unforeseen error or omission. The preclearance service costs $50 – a prudent investment if speed is your priority.
EXPEDITED FILING ($25)
Expedited filing is an essential service if you are looking for the quickest way to form an LLC in Texas. This service allows you to prioritize your filing so that it will be processed before other documents are received by the Secretary of State on that same day. And, they aim to deliver a notification of filing disposition by close of business by the following business day. Expedited services are available for a range of requests including:
- Business Organization Documents
- Certified Copies & Certificates (relating to the above documents)
ONLINE FILING vs MAIL FILING
If you want to form an LLC quickly in Texas you should make sure you file your application online. Online filings have much faster turnaround times compared to filings submitted via mail. On average, an online LLC filing in Texas is processed in 10-15 business days. And, a company formation application made by snail mail takes 2-3 months.
TURNAROUND TIMES
- Online Filing: 10-15 Business Days
- Standard Mail Filing: 2-3 Months
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL vs DIY APPLICATION
When you form an LLC in the state of Texas you have the option of hiring a professional to process the application on your behalf or you can choose to complete the process yourself – a DIY application. Either approach has its pros and cons. But, if speed is the priority, we recommend hiring a professional service.
1: Professional LLC Formation Service
2: Hire an Attorney/Accountant
3: Do It Yourself
1: PROFESSIONAL LLC FORMATION SERVICE
Hiring a professional LLC formation service is the best way of forming an LLC in Texas quickly. These companies charge very modest fees and have decades of experience in company formation. They charge modest fees, are adepth at navigating state requirements, and will ensure your LLC is formed as quickly as possible.
ADVANTAGES
FAST COMPANY FORMATION
If you want your Texas LLC formed quickly – hire a professional service. These companies specialize in navigating the process and have many years of experience in completing the necessary documentation and interacting with the Secretary of State.
LOW COST
These companies operate in a highly competitive marketplace. Many of the Best LLC Formation Services are available for as little as $100. If you want bang for your buck – hire a company formation specialist.
FREES YOU UP
Hiring an LLC formation service frees you up to focus on running your business. You don’t have to concern yourself with the intricacies of completing and filing paperwork with the state authority.
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED
LLC formation companies are highly experienced. Filing company organization documents and forming LLCs is their bread and butter. They are an excellent choice if you want the process to run smoothly and quickly.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Many LLC formation companies offer a range of optional additional services, such as – assisting with licenses and permits, securing an EIN, and acting as a registered agent.
DISADVANTAGES
UPSELLING
Keep an eye out for up-selling. This is the practice of adding on additional services that you may not have signed up for. If you’re hiring a company to form an LLC quickly in Texas you should insist that this is the only service you wish to sign up for. Avoid the bundling of additional unnecessary services.
2: ATTORNEY OR ACCOUNTANT
If you wish to engage the services of a professional you also have the option of hiring an attorney or accountant that specializes in company formation or has a background in the area.
This way you can pay someone else to navigate the process and rest assured that the application is being diligently taken care of. These professionals will also be able to advise you on important company law and tax issues that relate to your business operation.
ADVANTAGES
EFFICIENT APPLICATION
Hiring an industry professional to process your application minimizes the chances your application will be rejected due to an error or omission. If you want to form an LLC in Texas fast – hiring an attorney or accountant will streamline the process and get your company paperwork filed with the State Secretary quickly.
DISADVANTAGES
EXPENSIVE SERVICE
Hiring an attorney or accountant comes with a significant cost. It is the most expensive way to form an LLC in Texas. Many corporate attorneys charge in the region of $500 per hour for their services. And, you can expect to be billed for multiple hours to process an application. If you want to save some money – we recommend hiring a formation company or processing a DIY application, see below.
3: DIY APPLICATION
A DIY application is the cheapest way of forming an LLC in Texas. By completing the filing yourself you do not have to pay anyone for their services. However, if it’s your first time forming a company it can be a daunting and time-consuming process. Although you’ll save a few dollars, it’s definitely not the fastest way to form an LLC in Texas.
ADVANTAGES
NO FEES
A ‘do-it-yourself’ application involves zero fees. You complete and submit the documentation yourself and don’t have to pay anyone for their services. If you are on a budget or want to save some money it’s an attractive option. However, it can be slow – not what you want when looking for quickest way to form an LLC in Texas.
CONTROL OVER THE PROCESS
You have full control and visibility over the process. By completing the application yourself you adopt a hands-on approach that allows you to take full control over all submissions and interactions with the Texas Secretary of State. You will navigate your own course.
DISADVANTAGES
SLOW FORMATION PROCESS
Processing an LLC formation application is a slow and time-consuming process for people that are not familiar with the steps involved. If you have not done it before, you can expect it to take some time. This is not what you want if you are looking for the fastest way to form an LLC in Texas.
ERRORS & REJECTION
If you follow a DIY approach and you are unfamiliar with the requirements involved there’s a significant chance you will fail to complete the paperwork in a way that satisfies the state’s requirements. This will result in your application being rejected and the process being set back to square one. This is the last thing you want if you need an LLC formed quickly.
STEPS TO FORMING AN LLC IN TEXAS
How do you form an LLC in Texas? What steps are involved? Here’s a summary of the steps that are involved in forming an LLC in the state of Texas. For a full guide, check out – How to Form an LLC in Texas. Now we’ve covered the quickest way to form an LLC in Texas – let’s take a look at the application process.
1: Choose a Company Name
The first step in forming a Texas LLC is to choose a company name. The name must meet all the requirements as set out by the Texas Secretary of State.
2: Appoint a Registered Agent
You will need to appoint a registered agent for the company. This is an individual or business that agrees to accept all official correspondence on behalf of the LLC.
3: File Certificate of Formation
To create an LLC in Texas you must complete a Certificate of Formation for a Limited Liability Company and file it with the Secretary of State. You must also pay a filing fee of $300.
4: Create an Operating Agreement
Although, not a legal requirement, you should create an Operating Agreement to formally define how the company is owned and managed. For more see Texas LLC Operating Agreement.
5: Obtain an EIN (Tax Number)
An EIN is a tax number for a business. You’ll need an EIN to open a company bank account or file company taxes. They are available, free of charge, from the IRS.
6: Submit Annual Franchise Tax Report
Texas LLCs must file an annual franchise tax report. This is the only ongoing annual fee associated with running an LLC in Texas.
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About the Author
Erik Chambers: Senior Editor
Erik is a 30-year industry veteran with a wealth of experience in cross-functional areas ranging from business consulting to business education. He has worked in the private sector where he has advised start-up enterprises on early formation, capital acquisition, and tax issues.
While he specializes in business formation he has also held roles in several academic institutions where he teaches organizational decision-making, business strategy, and operations management. Erik is a graduate of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.