Skip to content
All posts

What are the legal requirements for forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Texas?

To form a limited liability company (LLC) in Texas, the following legal requirements must be met:

  1. Name Reservation: The first step in forming an LLC in Texas is to reserve the chosen business name with the Texas Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail.
  2. Drafting the Articles of Organization: The Articles of Organization must be drafted and filed with the Secretary of State. The Articles should include the LLC's name, the name and address of the registered agent, the number of members or managers, and the LLC's purpose.
  3. Appointment of a Registered Agent: The registered agent must be appointed for the LLC. The agent is the person or entity that accepts legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC.
  4. Publication Requirement: In some cases, the LLC may be required to publish a notice of formation in the local newspaper. This varies by county.
  5. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number: Once the Articles of Organization are approved, the LLC should obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  6. Operating Agreement: Although not required by Texas law, it is highly recommended that an LLC have an operating agreement in place. The operating agreement outlines the LLC's organizational and governance structure, member contributions, profit/loss allocation, and management responsibilities.

It is important to note that the legal requirements for forming an LLC may vary based on the specific circumstances of the business. It is recommended to consult with a licensed attorney before beginning the LLC formation process in order to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

In conclusion, forming an LLC in Texas requires name reservation, drafting and filing the Articles of Organization, appointing a registered agent, complying with the publication requirement, obtaining an Employer Identification Number, and creating an operating agreement. These requirements must be met to create a valid and legal LLC in Texas.