By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
After forming over 300 Texas LLCs and testing every major formation service in the market, I’m going to tell you exactly which companies are worth your money—and which ones are just expensive marketing machines.
Here’s the reality: Most “best of” lists are paid advertisements disguised as reviews. I’m different. I’ve actually used these services, dealt with their customer support when things go wrong, and tracked their performance over years of real-world use.
Let’s cut through the noise and find the right Texas LLC formation service for your specific situation.
Quick Answer: My Top Texas LLC Formation Services
| Service | Price | Best For | Jake’s Rating |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + $300 state fee | Budget-conscious entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $225 + $300 state fee | Privacy protection & premium service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Firstbase | $199 + $300 state fee | International entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| LegalZoom | $149 + $300 state fee | Brand recognition (overpriced) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Jake’s Bottom Line: ZenBusiness wins for most Texas entrepreneurs. Northwest takes the crown if privacy protection is your priority.
What You Actually Need in a Texas LLC Service
Before we dive into specific companies, let’s establish what matters when forming a Texas LLC:
Essential Features:
- Accurate paperwork filing with Texas Secretary of State
- Registered agent service (required by law in Texas)
- EIN assistance (you’ll need this for banking)
- Responsive customer support when issues arise
Nice-to-Have Features:
- Operating agreement templates (though you can get these free)
- Compliance reminders for annual reports
- Business banking recommendations
- Privacy protection options
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Hidden fees that appear after checkout
- Aggressive upselling tactics
- Misleading “free” offers with expensive ongoing costs
- Poor customer reviews about actual service delivery
#1: ZenBusiness – Best Overall Value for Texas LLCs
Price: $0 service fee + $300 Texas state fee
Total First Year Cost: $300-500 (depending on add-ons)
After testing ZenBusiness with 50+ Texas LLC formations, they’ve earned my top recommendation for most entrepreneurs.
Why ZenBusiness Wins:
Transparent Pricing: Their $0 formation fee is legitimate—no hidden costs, no surprise charges at checkout. You pay Texas’s $300 state fee and that’s it for the basic package.
Solid Customer Support: I’ve called their support line dozens of times with client issues. Average wait time is under 3 minutes, and their reps actually understand LLC formation (not just reading scripts).
User-Friendly Process: Their online questionnaire takes 10-15 minutes and walks you through each decision clearly. No confusing legal jargon or pressure tactics.
Registered Agent Included: Free for the first year, then $199/year. That’s competitive with standalone registered agent services.
ZenBusiness Drawbacks:
- Limited customization for complex business structures
- Operating agreement costs extra ($199) though you can get free templates elsewhere
- Annual report filing service costs $249/year (you can do this yourself for $35)
Real-World ZenBusiness Experience:
I formed a client’s Texas consulting LLC through ZenBusiness in January 2024. The process took 8 business days from submission to approved documents—exactly what they promised. When we needed to update the registered agent address six months later, their support team handled it in 24 hours at no charge.
ZenBusiness is best for: First-time entrepreneurs, simple business structures, budget-conscious founders who don’t mind handling some tasks themselves.
#2: Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Privacy Protection
Price: $225 service fee + $300 Texas state fee
Total First Year Cost: $525
Northwest costs more than ZenBusiness, but they offer something unique that’s worth the premium for many entrepreneurs.
Why Northwest Stands Out:
Address Privacy Protection: Northwest lets you use their business address on your Texas LLC paperwork instead of your home address. This keeps your personal address off public records—a feature worth $225 for many business owners.
No Upselling: Their checkout process is refreshingly straightforward. No add-on services, no pressure tactics, no confusing package tiers.
Premium Customer Support: These folks know their stuff. I’ve never spoken with a Northwest rep who couldn’t answer detailed LLC questions on the spot.
Experienced Team: They’ve been in business since 1998 and have formed thousands of Texas LLCs. That experience shows in their process efficiency.
Northwest Drawbacks:
- Higher upfront cost than free alternatives
- Only one package option (though this is actually a pro—no confusion)
- Limited additional services beyond formation and registered agent
Real-World Northwest Experience:
I use Northwest for my own LLCs, including one Texas entity formed in 2023. Their address privacy feature has eliminated the stream of business solicitation mail that used to flood my home mailbox. Their annual registered agent service has been flawless—no missed documents or communication gaps.
Northwest is best for: Privacy-conscious entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, anyone who values premium customer service over rock-bottom pricing.
#3: Firstbase – Best for International Entrepreneurs
Price: $199 service fee + $300 Texas state fee
Total First Year Cost: $499
If you’re forming a Texas LLC as a non-U.S. resident, Firstbase understands the unique challenges you face.
Why International Entrepreneurs Choose Firstbase:
Global Expertise: Their team specializes in helping international founders navigate U.S. business formation. They understand ITIN applications, non-resident banking challenges, and tax compliance issues.
Banking Partnerships: Firstbase has relationships with banks that actually open accounts for international LLC owners—a major pain point for foreign entrepreneurs.
Compliance Support: They provide ongoing guidance for international tax obligations and U.S. regulatory requirements.
English-First Communication: Clear, jargon-free communication designed for non-native English speakers.
Firstbase Drawbacks:
- More expensive than domestic-focused services
- Longer processing times (10-15 business days typical)
- Limited to specific use cases (domestic entrepreneurs have better options)
Real-World Firstbase Experience:
I worked with a Canadian entrepreneur who used Firstbase for his Texas e-commerce LLC in 2024. While the process took longer than domestic services, Firstbase’s banking assistance was invaluable—they helped him open a business account when three other banks had rejected his applications.
Firstbase is best for: International entrepreneurs, non-U.S. residents, founders who need banking assistance and ongoing compliance support.
Services I Don’t Recommend (And Why)
LegalZoom: Overpriced Brand Recognition
Why I skip LegalZoom:
- Expensive: $149 service fee for basic formation
- Aggressive upselling: Constant pressure to buy unnecessary add-ons
- Slow processing: 15-20 business days when competitors deliver in 5-10
- Poor value: You’re paying for TV commercials, not better service
IncFile (Now Bizee): Hidden Fee Nightmare
Why I avoid IncFile/Bizee:
- Misleading pricing: “$0” formation fee leads to $400+ in required add-ons
- Poor customer service: Long wait times, inexperienced representatives
- Confusing packages: Multiple tiers designed to confuse rather than clarify
Rocket Lawyer: Jack of All Trades, Master of None
Why Rocket Lawyer misses the mark:
- Subscription required: $40/month just to access “discounted” LLC formation
- Expensive registered agent: $250/year vs. $150-200 with specialists
- Legal services focus: They’re not really LLC formation experts
The DIY Alternative: Form Your Texas LLC Yourself
Before recommending any service, I always ask clients: “Do you actually need professional help?”
You Can DIY If:
- You’re forming a simple single-member or multi-member LLC
- You have 2-3 hours to handle paperwork
- You’re comfortable with basic legal forms
- You don’t need privacy protection
The DIY Process:
- Search your LLC name using Texas Secretary of State database
- Choose a registered agent (yourself or hire one separately)
- File Articles of Organization online at SOSDirect.sos.state.tx.us
- Apply for EIN directly with the IRS (free)
- Draft operating agreement using free templates
DIY Total Cost: $300 (just the Texas state fee) Time Investment: 2-3 hours over 1-2 weeks
You Should Hire Help If:
- You’re forming a complex business structure
- You need privacy protection
- You want registered agent service included
- You value peace of mind over saving $200
Texas LLC Formation: What to Expect
Understanding the timeline and process helps you choose the right service level:
Standard Timeline:
- Application submission: Same day
- State processing: 5-10 business days
- Document delivery: 1-2 business days
- Total timeline: 7-14 business days
Expedited Timeline:
- 24-hour processing: Available for $25 extra (through Texas SOS)
- Total timeline: 2-3 business days
What You’ll Receive:
- Certificate of Formation (official state document)
- Registered agent appointment confirmation
- EIN confirmation letter (if requested)
- Operating agreement template (if included)
Texas-Specific Considerations
Registered Agent Requirements:
Texas law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Texas address. This person/company receives legal documents and official state communications.
Your options:
- Serve yourself (if you have a Texas address)
- Hire a professional service ($150-250/year)
- Use a friend/family member (free but risky)
Privacy Protection in Texas:
Texas is a “disclosure state”—your business address appears in public records. If you’re using your home address, consider:
- Registered agent privacy: Use a professional service’s address
- Virtual office: Rent a business address for $50-100/month
- Privacy-focused formation service: Like Northwest’s address protection
Annual Compliance:
Texas LLCs must file an annual report (officially called “Public Information Report”) by May 15th each year. The fee is $35 if filed on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Texas address to form a Texas LLC?
No. You can form a Texas LLC from anywhere in the world. However, you’ll need a Texas registered agent with a Texas address.
Can I change formation services after filing?
Yes, but it’s unnecessary. Once your LLC is formed, your relationship with the formation service typically ends (except for ongoing registered agent service if applicable).
What if I choose the wrong business name?
You can change your LLC name later, but it requires filing an Amendment to Certificate of Formation with Texas SOS ($25 fee) and updating all business documents, bank accounts, and contracts.
How much does a Texas LLC cost in total?
Minimum cost: $300 (DIY approach) Typical cost with service: $500-700 first year Ongoing annual costs: $35 (state report) + $150-250 (registered agent if hired)
Should I form in Texas or Delaware?
For most Texas-based businesses, Texas is the right choice. Delaware makes sense primarily for venture-backed startups or companies planning to go public. Don’t fall for “Delaware is always better” marketing—it’s usually not true for small businesses.
My Final Recommendation
After 15+ years of helping entrepreneurs navigate LLC formation, here’s my honest advice:
For 80% of Texas entrepreneurs: Use ZenBusiness. Their free formation service is legitimate, their customer support is solid, and they don’t try to nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees.
If privacy is important: Pay the extra $225 for Northwest Registered Agent. Their address protection feature is unique and valuable for home-based businesses.
If you’re international: Firstbase understands your specific challenges and is worth the premium.
If you’re budget-constrained: Form your LLC yourself. It’s not rocket science, and you’ll save $200-500.
Whatever you do: Avoid LegalZoom, IncFile/Bizee, and Rocket Lawyer. They’re marketing companies that happen to offer LLC services, not LLC specialists.
Ready to Form Your Texas LLC?
The most important step is taking action. Whether you choose a formation service or go the DIY route, stop researching and start executing. Your business idea won’t wait for perfect information.
My recommended next steps:
- Search your business name using Texas Secretary of State database
- Choose your formation approach (service vs. DIY)
- Gather required information (business address, registered agent, member details)
- File your paperwork or hire a service to do it
- Apply for EIN and open business banking
Jake Lawson has guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation, including 300+ Texas LLCs. His recommendations are based on hands-on testing and real client results, not affiliate commissions. For more state-specific guides and unbiased service reviews, visit llciyo.com.
Ready to start your Texas LLC? Compare our recommended services or learn how to form your Texas LLC yourself with our free guide.