At a glance
| Official name | Certificate of Fact – Status |
|---|---|
| Fee | $15 (Comptroller account status printout is free) |
| Online | Yes — available within minutes |
| Issued by | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (franchise tax) · Texas Secretary of State (registered agent) |
| Order page | Official page |
How to order
Order on SOSPortal (ready in about 10 minutes), or by email or mail. The Comptroller’s free Franchise Tax Account Status page is a separate tax-status check.
Have your LLC’s exact name or state filing number ready. Banks and other states often want a certificate issued within the last few weeks, so order it shortly before you need it.
Staying in good standing in Texas
- Texas franchise tax report & Public Information Report: May 15 each year (next business day if May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday). — $0 for most small LLCs.
- Registered agent: keep one with a physical address in the state. Texas registered agent rules.
If you fall behind: $50 per late report (+5–10% on late tax); right to transact business can be forfeited. Reinstatement: not published on the pages we verified.
Full details: Texas annual report guide. Get reminders before each deadline:
All Texas LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a Texas LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $0 a year (no franchise tax at or below $2,650,000 annualized revenue; the Public Information Report is free).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (Form 205) | $300 (card payments add $0.25 + 2.25%) | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $40 for 120 days (Form 501) | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| Texas franchise tax report & Public Information Report | $0 for most small LLCs | Every year |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $15 | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Fact – Status | $15 (Comptroller account status printout is free) | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) | $25, valid up to 10 years | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Termination (Form 651) | $40 | Once, to close the LLC |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a certificate of good standing in Texas?
Order on SOSPortal (ready in about 10 minutes), or by email or mail. The Comptroller’s free Franchise Tax Account Status page is a separate tax-status check. Texas calls it a “Certificate of Fact – Status”.
How much is a Texas certificate of good standing?
$15 (Comptroller account status printout is free), per the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (franchise tax).
How long does it take?
It’s available online within minutes once you find your LLC’s record.
Why can’t I get a certificate for my Texas LLC?
The state only issues one if the LLC is current. The usual cause is a missed texas franchise tax report & public information report (May 15 each year (next business day if May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).) or unpaid fees. Late consequence: $50 penalty on each report filed after the due date; 5% (1–30 days late) or 10% (over 30 days) on tax paid late. An LLC that fails to file its PIR may forfeit its right to transact business in Texas, and owners can become personally liable for certain debts.
Is it the same as a certificate of existence?
For most purposes, yes — states use different names for the document confirming an entity exists and is current. Some states also offer a longer version listing filing history.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.