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Vl-veterans · tx llc

How to start an LLC in Texas as a veteran

Data current as of July 2026. Verified against Texas state sources on the dates shown.

Filing fee: $300 · Standard processing: 3-5 business days by mail or SOSUpload; SOSDirect online filings are typically processed within 10-12 business days during normal volume (check SOS Current Processing Times). · Expedited: Same-day/24-hour expedite available for an additional $25 per document.

The steps

  1. Choose and check your LLC name ($0) — Confirm your name is distinguishable in the Texas SOS database before filing.

  2. Appoint a registered agent ($0) — Name a Texas-resident individual or authorized entity with a Texas street address; the agent must consent in writing (Form 401-A).

  3. File the Certificate of Formation (Form 205) ($300) — File with the Secretary of State. Veterans: submit your Veteran Verification Letter and Comptroller Form 05-904 together with this filing via SOSUpload to claim the fee waiver. A veteran fee waiver applies to this step — see below.

  4. Get an EIN from the IRS ($0) — Free federal step, required to open a business bank account and file taxes.

  5. Adopt an operating agreement ($0) — Not filed with the state, but strongly recommended to document ownership and management.

Veteran fee waivers

Texas Veteran-Owned Business Filing Fee Waiver

What it saves: $300 Certificate of Formation filing fee

Conditions: Effective January 1, 2022, you may again form a "new veteran-owned business" as defined by Senate Bill 938 (87th Reg., 2021). A new veteran-owned business is not subject to certain filing fees and the Texas franchise tax until the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the entity's existence or the date the business ceases to qualify as a new veteran-owned business. To qualify as a "new veteran-owned business" under the provisions of Senate Bill 938, an entity must: Be formed or organized in Texas on or after January 1, 2022, and Be 100 percent owned by an individual or individuals, with each owner being an honorably discharged veteran from a branch of the U.S. Armed Services.

Proof required:

  • Veteran Verification Letter from the Texas Veterans Commission for each owner
  • Comptroller Form 05-904, Certification of New Veteran-Owned Business

Source: verified 2026-07-08

Texas New Veteran-Owned Business Franchise Tax Exemption

What it saves: Texas franchise tax exemption, plus no Public Information Report/Ownership Information Report requirement, for the initial five-year period after formation

Conditions: A qualifying new veteran-owned business is not subject to franchise tax and is not required to file a Public Information Report or Ownership Information report for its initial five-year period. To be considered a qualifying new veteran-owned business, an entity must: be formed or organized in Texas either on or after Jan. 1, 2016, and before Jan. 1, 2020; or on or after Jan. 1, 2022; be 100 percent owned by a natural person or persons, with each owner being an honorably discharged veteran from a branch of the U. S. Armed Services; and provide a Letter of Verification of Veteran's Honorable Discharge issued for each owner by the Texas Veterans Commission. If, during the initial five-year period, a new veteran-owned business no longer meets the above criteria, the entity must notify the Comptroller's office; and the entity becomes subject to franchise tax.

Proof required:

  • Letter of Verification of Veteran's Honorable Discharge (Texas Veterans Commission) for each owner
  • Comptroller Form 05-904, Certification of New Veteran-Owned Business

Source: verified 2026-07-08

Registered agent

Texas requires a registered agent with a Texas street address who consents in writing to the appointment.

Do it yourself: You (or another member) can be your own registered agent if you are a Texas resident with a physical Texas street address (no P.O. boxes) and you file a Form 401-A consent.

The free LLC Formation Guide walks these steps interactively — costs, waivers, and the proof documents, state by state.

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Fees and waivers change, so check the tool’s numbers against the state’s own page before you file; the Business pathway shows how to check a plan before you act on it.

Open the Business pathway

Also in Texas: → Texas veteran benefits, verified

State coverage today: 10 states (CA, FL, GA, NC, NY, OH, PA, TX, VA, WA). Yours missing? The federal benefits above apply everywhere, and more states are being added.

This is education, not financial advice. Verify numbers against official sources before making decisions.

VetsLearn is an independent company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, or any government agency. Our tools use publicly available government data.