Form Your Texas C Corporation
Build the fundable structure investors require in the Lone Star State - issue stock, raise priced rounds, and grow with no state corporate income tax and access to the 2nd largest US economy
Filed in Texas
The Lone Star State · TX
- State filing fee$300
- Processing time2-3 business days online (SOSDirect); 7-10 business days by mail
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$0 (no annual report; franchise tax report) — due No annual report; franchise tax report May 15
- State tax rateNo corporate income tax; margin tax applies
- Expedited option2-3 business days (+$50)
Form your Texas C-Corp — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your Texas C-Corp
Free formation means you pay only the $300 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Certificate of Formation - For-Profit Corporation (Form 201) filing
We prepare and submit your Certificate of Formation - For-Profit Corporation (Form 201) to the Texas Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in Texas — we act as your agent for the first year.
EIN from the IRS
Your federal Tax ID — required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.
Corporate bylaws
Professionally drafted corporate bylaws — defines ownership, voting, and profit splits.
Benefits of forming an C-Corp in Texas
Texas pairs the 2nd-largest US economy and deep tech hubs in Austin, Dallas, and Houston with no state corporate income tax, making it a magnet for venture-backed startups and relocating headquarters. A Texas C Corporation gives founders the stock, board structure, and perpetual existence that institutional investors require to fund a priced round.
The structure venture capitalists and institutional investors require to write a check
Issue stock and equity, build a cap table, and grant options to your team
Perpetual existence - the corporation survives changes in ownership and management
No Texas corporate income tax - only a margin tax that most early-stage companies don't owe
Potential QSBS / Section 1202 tax benefits on qualified stock may apply to founders and investors
Clean governance with a board of directors and corporate bylaws investors expect
Raise priced equity rounds or convertible SAFEs with a familiar, well-understood entity
Access to Texas's 2nd-largest US economy and major tech hubs across Austin, Dallas, and Houston
Key features of a Texas C-Corp
- The fundable structure VCs and institutional investors require
- Stock, equity grants, and a cap table for priced rounds and SAFEs
- No Texas corporate income tax - only a margin tax most startups don't owe
- Board of directors and bylaws for clean corporate governance
- Potential QSBS / Section 1202 benefits may apply to qualified stock
Major industries in Texas
Form your Texas C-Corp in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes 2-3 business days online (SOSDirect); 7-10 business days by mail.
- 01
Choose Your Corporation Name
Your name must include 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' 'Limited,' or an abbreviation such as 'Inc.' or 'Corp.' Check availability through the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect business search.
- 02
Appoint a Registered Agent
Texas requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal documents and service of process on behalf of your corporation.
- 03
File the Certificate of Formation
Submit your Certificate of Formation for a For-Profit Corporation (Form 201) to the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $300, and online filing through SOSDirect typically processes in 2-3 business days.
- 04
Adopt Bylaws and Appoint Directors
Adopt corporate bylaws, name your board of directors, hold an organizational meeting, and authorize and issue stock to your founders to set up your cap table.
- 05
Obtain an EIN and File 83(b) if Applicable
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS for tax filing, banking, and hiring. If founders receive restricted stock, file an 83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days of the grant.
- 06
File Your Texas Franchise Tax Report
Texas corporations file an annual franchise (margin) tax report by May 15th. Corporations with total revenue under $2.47 million owe no tax but must still file.
Texas C-Corp costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
Texas C-Corp requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a Texas C-Corp in 2026.
- File Certificate of Formation for a For-Profit Corporation (Form 201) with the TX SOS ($300)
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical Texas address
- Adopt corporate bylaws and appoint a board of directors
- Authorize and issue stock and maintain a cap table and stock ledger
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- File 83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days for restricted founder stock
- File an annual Texas franchise tax report by May 15th
Filing information
- Formation document
- Certificate of Formation - For-Profit Corporation (Form 201)
- Filing agency
- Texas Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Corporate bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $40 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $300 Texas state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, corporate bylaws, and compliance.
Starter
- Certificate of Formation - For-Profit Corporation (Form 201) filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in Texas)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Expedited processing (1–2 days)
- Corporate bylaws
- Priority support
- Kicker Voice — 3-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 15 days
Founder
- Everything in Booster
- Business mailing address
- Bookkeeping — 3 months free
- Dedicated account manager
- Rush processing
- Kicker Voice — 6-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 30 days
Kicker
- Everything in Founder
- ITIN filing & preparation
- Same-day priority processing
- 2nd year annual filing $0
- Kicker Voice 12-day + Kicker Pay 60 days free
Compare all plans on our pricing page.
Texas C-Corp questions, answered
Common questions about forming an C-Corp in Texas. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form a C Corporation in Texas?
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation (Form 201) is $300, paid to the Texas Secretary of State. Online filings through SOSDirect typically process in 2-3 business days, while mailed filings take 7-10 business days.
Why choose a C Corporation instead of an LLC in Texas?
A C Corporation is the structure venture capitalists and institutional investors require. It lets you issue stock and equity, build a cap table, grant options, and raise priced rounds or SAFEs - all backed by a board of directors, corporate bylaws, and perpetual existence.
Does Texas tax a C Corporation's income?
Texas has no corporate income tax. Corporations instead file a franchise (margin) tax report, but those with total revenue under $2.47 million owe no tax. The state sales tax is 6.25%, and the margin tax rate is 0.375%-0.75% when it applies.
How is a C Corporation taxed at the federal level?
A C Corporation pays a flat 21% federal corporate income tax on its profits. Dividends distributed to shareholders are then taxed again on their personal returns - the 'double taxation' that defines C Corps. Many startups reinvest profits rather than pay dividends, deferring the second layer.
What is an 83(b) election and when do I file it?
If founders receive restricted stock subject to vesting, an 83(b) election lets them be taxed on the value at grant rather than as it vests. You must file it with the IRS within 30 days of receiving the stock - the deadline is strict and cannot be extended.
Could my Texas C Corp qualify for QSBS / Section 1202 benefits?
Possibly. Stock in a qualifying C Corporation may receive favorable federal tax treatment under Section 1202 (Qualified Small Business Stock). The rules changed in 2025, so eligibility and benefits depend on your specific facts - confirm with a tax advisor before relying on it.
Does my Texas C Corporation have to file a BOI report with FinCEN?
No. Under FinCEN's March 2025 interim final rule, US domestic entities and US persons are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. Only entities formed outside the US and registered to do business in a US state still file.
Can I form a Texas C Corporation online?
Yes. You can file the Certificate of Formation (Form 201) online through the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect portal, which typically processes in 2-3 business days. Mailed filings take 7-10 business days.
Texas government filing resources
Filing fees for common C-Corp services
Official Texas state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
$40 fee, same for all entity types.
Fee is $15 per certificate and does NOT vary by entity type.
Learn moreCertified copy = $15 per certificate PLUS $1.00 per page of the document ordered.
$15 per universal Apostille.
$750 for both C-Corp and S-Corp (federal tax election does not change the state filing).
Learn moreNo state fee to obtain the Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit (seller's permit).
Learn more$75 to reinstate after a franchise-tax forfeiture by the Secretary of State (Form 801).
Learn moreEverything you need to run your Texas C-Corp
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your Texas C-Corp?
Formation is free — you pay only the $300 Texas state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in 2-3 business days online (SOSDirect); 7-10 business days by mail.
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