Texas LLC for Non-Residents: Costs, Taxes & Formation Steps (2026)

Yes — a non-resident can form a Texas LLC entirely from abroad, with no SSN, no ITIN, and no US address of your own. The state filing fee is $300, Texas charges no personal income tax, and most small LLCs owe $0 in franchise tax each year (though you still file the annual report). Epics Deals forms Texas LLCs for $130 + state fee, EIN included free — for non-resident and US-resident founders alike.

Texas LLC costs at a glance

• State filing fee: $300 (Certificate of Formation, one-time)
• Formation service: $130 + state fee with Epics Deals — EIN included free
• Registered agent: required, must have a physical Texas address — included in most formation packages
• Franchise tax report: filed every year by May 15 — most small LLCs owe $0 but must still file
• EIN: free from the IRS; non-residents apply by faxing Form SS-4 (about 4 business days)

Why founders pick Texas

• No state income tax. Your LLC’s profits aren’t taxed again at the state level.
• Huge domestic market. If your customers are in the US, a Texas entity carries weight.
• Business-friendly courts and agencies. Texas processes filings fast and its online systems are straightforward.
• No LLC publication requirement. Unlike New York, you don’t pay for newspaper announcements.

Formation steps for non-residents

1. Pick a name and check it’s available with the Texas Secretary of State.
2. Appoint a registered agent with a physical Texas address (PO boxes don’t count). This is the address that receives legal mail for your LLC.
3. File the Certificate of Formation ($300 state fee). Online filings are typically approved in a few business days.
4. Sign an Operating Agreement. Texas doesn’t require you to file it, but banks and payment processors often ask for it.
5. Get your EIN. Non-residents without an SSN fax Form SS-4 to the IRS — expect about 4 business days. You’ll need the EIN for banking, Stripe/PayPal, and tax filings.
6. Open a US business bank account in the LLC’s name. Fintech options work for non-residents; approval is each bank’s decision.
7. Register for Texas taxes if applicable. Selling taxable goods in Texas? You’ll need a sales tax permit. Most service businesses don’t.

The franchise tax — the part people misunderstand

Texas has no corporate-style income tax on LLCs, but it does have a franchise tax with an annual report due May 15 every year. Here’s the good news: Texas sets a generous “no tax due” revenue threshold, so most small and early-stage LLCs owe $0 — but you still have to file the report. Miss it and penalties stack up fast. Put May 15 on your calendar the day you form.

Texas vs the cheap states

Wyoming ($100 filing) and New Mexico ($50 filing) cost less upfront than Texas ($300). So why do founders still pick Texas? Credibility with US customers, no income tax, and a massive in-state market. If your business genuinely operates in or sells heavily into Texas, forming there avoids “foreign qualification” paperwork in a second state. If you’re purely online with no Texas footprint, compare the total first-year cost before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to live in Texas to form a Texas LLC?

No. Non-residents form Texas LLCs every day. You need a Texas registered agent, not a Texas residence.

Do I need an SSN or ITIN to form the LLC?

No. The state doesn’t ask for either. You’ll want an EIN for banking and taxes, and an ITIN later if you have US tax filing obligations — Epics Deals handles ITIN applications for $180.

How long does Texas LLC formation take?

Online filings are usually approved within 2–5 business days. The EIN adds about 4 business days for faxed non-resident applications.

Can I use a virtual address for my Texas LLC?

For the registered agent, no — it must be a physical Texas address where someone can receive legal documents. For your public business address, a virtual address or the registered agent’s address is commonly used.

Related:

• Wyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico LLC for Non-Residents: Which State Wins in 2026?
• How to Form a US LLC as a Non-Resident (2026 Guide)
• US LLC Taxes for Non-Residents: What You Must Know (2026)

Forming in Texas? Epics Deals handles Texas LLCs for $130 + state fee, EIN included free — for non-resident and US-resident founders alike.