Start a Texas Business Calculators
Starting a business means making several money decisions before revenue is certain. These calculators help you estimate formation costs, check potential franchise tax and price a federal trademark application.
Use the estimates to plan your cash, compare filing choices and decide what to verify before you submit paperwork. The numbers can shape your startup budget, pricing and timing.
- Texas LLC costAdd up every fee to form a Texas LLC, from the $300 Certificate of Formation to a registered agent and assumed name.
- Texas franchise taxSee whether your entity owes Texas franchise tax and which method gives the lower bill.
- Trademark costPrice a federal trademark application by class, including the surcharges most first-time filers don't see coming.
How much does it cost to form a Texas LLC?
Texas LLC cost adds up the state filing fee and optional items such as a name reservation, assumed name or Certificate of Fact, along with registered agent costs. The Certificate of Formation is $300. A name reservation is $40, an assumed name filing is $25 and a Certificate of Fact is $15.
Try Texas LLC cost before you file. Compare the total with the cash you have set aside for launch, then decide whether to reserve a name or include an assumed name in your filing plan. If the estimate is higher than your budget, consider delaying optional expenses or revising your opening budget. Confirm entity and filing choices with a qualified legal or tax professional.
How does Texas franchise tax affect your business?
Texas franchise tax estimates whether your entity owes tax and compares the available calculation methods. For 2026–2027 reports, the no-tax-due threshold is $2,650,000. The listed rates are 0.75%, 0.375% for retail and wholesale, and 0.331% for the EZ method. If tax calculated is under $1,000, no tax is owed, but the report still must be filed.
Use Texas franchise tax when you are budgeting for a report or comparing how different methods may affect your cash. The compensation deduction is capped at $480,000 per person. Review the estimate before setting aside funds or making pricing and hiring plans, and confirm your reporting obligations and calculation with a qualified tax professional.
What does a federal trademark application cost?
Trademark cost estimates a federal application by class and includes applicable surcharges. The base application fee is $350 per class, and a statement of use is $150 per class. The total can rise when your application has more than one class or a surcharge applies.
Run Trademark cost while budgeting for a brand name or deciding when to file. Compare the estimate with the cash needed for inventory, a website or other launch costs. If you need to protect more than one class of goods or services, include that in your planning rather than relying on the base fee alone. Confirm filing and legal questions with a qualified professional.
Questions
Does being below the Texas no-tax-due threshold mean I can skip filing?
No. The supplied 2026–2027 threshold is $2,650,000, but a report still must be filed when tax owed is under $1,000.
Does the trademark base fee include a statement of use?
No. The base application fee is $350 per class. A statement of use is listed separately at $150 per class, and surcharges may also apply.
What should I do if my formation estimate exceeds my startup budget?
Review which costs are required for your plan and which are optional, then revise your budget or timing. Confirm filing choices with a qualified professional.
Before you act. These calculators and guides are educational estimates, not professional advice. Review any decision with a business attorney and a CPA who can look at your full situation.