A limited liability company (LLC) offers liability protection and tax advantages, among other benefits for small businesses.

LLC formation in Texas is easy. Just follow these seven steps, and you'll be on your way.

1. Name your Texas LLC

You'll need to choose a name to include in your articles before you can register your LLC.

Names must comply with Texas naming requirements. The following are the most important requirements to keep in mind:

Your business name must include the words Limited Liability Company, LLC, or L.L.C.
Your name must be different from an existing business in the state. You can do a search on the Secretary of State's website to determine if a particular business name is in use. For name availability in Texas, check this link.
The business name cannot contain words used to name a government agency (i.e., State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.)

Certain restricted words (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.) may require additional documentation and licensure paperwork.

Additional Considerations:

URL availability. Even if you don't think you'll need a webpage, you probably will. At the very least, you should reserve the option of having one in the future by buying your domain name now. Before finalizing your LLC name, it's a good idea to check if the URL is available.
Reserve your name. If you aren't ready to register your LLC but are concerned your name might be taken by someone else, you can reserve it for a small fee. In Texas, names may be reserved for up to 120 days by paying the fee and submitting the proper form to the state authority.

2. Choose your registered agent

Texas requires you to appoint a registered agent for your LLC.

A registered agent is the person or entity authorized to receive service of process and other official legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC.

A registered agent can be a person (including yourself or an employee of your LLC) or an entity that offers a registered agent service. They must meet the following criteria:

Entities (or companies) must provide registered agent services.
The agent must have an address in Texas.
The agent must be on-site and available to accept documents during regular business hours.

3. Prepare and file Certificate of Formation

The Certificate of Formation (commonly called Articles of Organization in other states) is a document that officially establishes your LLC by laying out basic information about it.

Prepare a Certificate of Formation and file them with the Texas Secretary of State to register your Texas LLC properly. Though it sounds like a big job, that simply means filling out a relatively simple online form and submitting it. You can also send it by mail.

To prepare your Certificate of Formation, you'll usually need the following information:

Your LLC name (including the designation).
The name and address of your registered agent.
A reason why you formed the LLC. This can be a general statement.
An LLC's duration or time period over which the LLC will exist. In most cases, LLCs are perpetual, meaning the duration is indefinite. A perpetual LLC can be dissolved voluntarily or involuntarily. If your LLC exists for a purpose that will end at a specified date, you will specify that date here.
Management structure: Will managers or members manage the LLC?
If the LLC is member-managed, the name and address of each initial member.
If the LLC is manager-managed, the name and address of each initial manager.
The name and address of the LLC's organizer.
The effective date of the Certificate.
The person forming the LLC is required to sign the Certificate.

Once you file your Certificate of Formation, the secretary of state will review the filing. If the Certificate of Formation is approved, the LLC becomes a legal business entity.

4. Receive a certificate from the state

The state will issue you a certificate that confirms the LLC formally exists after the LLC's formation documents are filed and approved.

This certificate will allow the LLC to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licenses, and business bank account.

5. Create an operating agreement

An operating agreement is a document that outlines the way your LLC will conduct business.

Texas doesn't require LLC's to file an operating agreement, but it is an essential component of your business. Having a readily accessible, written operating agreement is helpful for various reasons, including settling disputes that may arise over financial agreements and other potential litigation. Without an agreement in place, the courts make determinations based on state law, not necessarily what is in the best interest of the LLC and its members.

The operating agreement can include, but is not limited to, the following:

LLC's name and principal address
Duration of the LLC
Name and address of the registered agent
Information about the Certificate of Formation
Purpose of the business
Members and their contribution
The way profits and losses will be divided
Procedure for admitting new members, as well as outgoing members
Management of the LLC
Indemnification and liability clauses

6. Get an Employer Identification Number

The nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your LLC for taxes. You can obtain your EIN by mail or online through the IRS.

The purpose of an EIN is to assist with the following:

File and manage taxes at the state and federal level
Open a business bank account.
Hire employees.

7. File an LLC Franchise Tax and Public Information Report

All Texas LLC's are required to file a Franchise Tax and Public Information Report with the Texas Comptroller's Office. Your LLC's Texas franchise tax and public information reports are due every year by May 15th. The first report isn't due until the year after your LLC is formed.

Next steps

Registering your LLC gives you a legal foundation to conduct business. Plan to keep your LLC compliant and in active status on the state's website.

This might include making quarterly tax payments. You also need to maintain a registered agent for your business.

A registered LLC also makes it possible for you to do the following:

Obtain permits or licenses necessary to operate your business, including health department permits, zoning permits, home occupation permits, professional licenses, and more. Some states require a seller's permit to conduct sales.
Register your business with the state's tax agency.
Open a business bank account.
Apply for a business credit card.
Purchase insurance for your business.
Protect your name and logo with a trademark.

How LegalZoom can help you start an LLC

LegalZoom has helped entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses over 2 million times. Here's how you can start the process today:

1. Tell LegalZoom your business name, if you've picked one.

2. Answer a few questions.

3. We'll complete and file your paperwork

Need help building your business? Check out these special offers on small business solutions from LegalZoom’s trusted partners. From bank accounts and point of sale systems to business insurance and licensing, LegalZoom’s partners can help you turn your big idea into big business.