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If you are forming an LLC in Texas, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing Texas articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What Are Articles of Organization?
Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Articles of Organization in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. Articles of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file Articles of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Texas LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Texas Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing Articles of Organization in Texas.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Texas Secretary of State to download the articles of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Texas LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Secretary of State P.O. Box 13697 Austin, TX 78711.
Steps to Register Articles of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
To establish your business LLC in the State of Texas, one must preliminarily file for the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of Texas office. When the application is filed through an online method, the application also receives an additional advantage of immediate processing. The cost of registration is $300. In the formation guide below, you can learn about the online process of filing the Certificate of Formation for your Texas Domestic Limited Liability Company,
- Access the official Texas Secretary of State website
Go to the Official website of the Secretary of State of Texas. The Business section hosts an SOS Direct Account portal that offers online services for different business filings. You must create an account on the portal to use the online services offered by the Secretary of State office.
- Create your Account
On the SOS Direct page, the account registration box is displayed. Enter your business name or Last and first name and hit the ‘continue’ tab. Continue to provide all the details required for the creation of your Texas business account. In case you already have an account on the portal, click on the link ‘login page’ available just above the registration box.
- Start to file your application
Login to your SOS business account. Next, select “Business Organizations” from the top toolbar. Now, under the heading “Reservation*Formation*Registration Documents” choose the option of “Domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC)”. The online application form shall open up on your screen. Read all the instructions attached to the form carefully and accordingly fill the application form. Do not leave any mandatory section blank.
- Review the details
Before you finalize your application, recheck all the information entered by you in the form to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
- Make the payment
Once you have completed the application form, move ahead to the payment gateway page and pay $300 as the online filing fee for your business LLC registration application. After you successfully submit the application form on the portal, you will receive a notification from the Secretary of State office acknowledging the receipt of your application for the business certificate of formation.
Texas Articles of Organization Filing By Mail
If you want to file your Texas Business LLC Registration application through an offline method, you can do so by mail. Read the instructions below to file the Texas Certificate of Formation by mail:
- Access the Certificate of Formation Application form PDF from the Texas Secretary of State official website. Download the Application form PDF on your device.
- Read all the instructions attached to the application form carefully and start to fill in the required details. Do not skip any mandatory section.
- You can also attach the name reservation certificate of your business LLC.
- Recheck all the details provided by you in the application form to be true and correct.
- Issue a money order or check for $300 as the filing fee of your application, payable to the Secretary of State.
- Arrange all the documents together and mail it to the following address, Secretary of State P.O. Box 13697 Austin, TX 78711-3697 512 463-5555. You can also fax the application to 512 463-5709.
Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Texas
The online method of filing is usually preferred over offline filing options due to easy filing options and fast processing. Nevertheless, the filing fee is the same for both methods of filing. Here is the cost of filing formation certificate in Texas
- Online Filing costs $300.00
- By mail filing costs $300.00
F.A.Qs
Articles of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Texas in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your Texas LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Texas LLC can be accessed through the Texas Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
But where exactly can you find your Texas LLC Articles of Organization? The process may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward and manageable task.
First and foremost, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what the Articles of Organization actually entail. These articles typically include basic information about your LLC, such as its name, registered agent, business purpose, and the names of the members or managers. Filing these articles with the state is essential for legal recognition and compliance with state regulations.
So where can you obtain your Texas LLC Articles of Organization? The primary source for accessing these documents is through the Texas Secretary of State’s office. The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing business entities in the state, including LLCs, and maintains a repository of all official filings.
To locate your Texas LLC Articles of Organization, you can visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website and navigate to the “Business & Commercial Services” section. From there, you can access the Business Entity Search tool, which allows you to search for and view all official documents filed for your LLC, including the Articles of Organization.
Keep in mind that there may be a nominal fee associated with accessing official documents through the Secretary of State’s office. However, the peace of mind and legal protection that comes with having these documents readily available far outweigh the cost.
In addition to the Secretary of State’s office, you may also be able to obtain your Texas LLC Articles of Organization through other online services or legal document providers. These third-party resources can offer convenience and ease of access for busy entrepreneurs who may not have the time or expertise to navigate the official state website.
Once you have located your Texas LLC Articles of Organization, it’s crucial to keep them in a safe and accessible place. These documents serve as important proof of your LLC’s existence and can be requested by government agencies, financial institutions, or potential business partners.
In conclusion, finding your Texas LLC Articles of Organization may initially seem like a daunting task, but with the right resources and guidance, it can be a manageable process. By utilizing the Texas Secretary of State’s website or other online services, you can easily access and maintain these critical documents for your business. Remember, being organized and proactive in your LLC formation process will set the foundation for a successful and compliant business operation.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Texas LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.