Texas LLC & Corporation
Annual Compliance Guidelines
Franchise tax reporting timelines, information report obligations, statutory thresholds, and official filing steps through the Texas Comptroller.
Texas Annual Compliance Overview
Maintaining good standing for a Texas business entity does not involve filing a traditional annual report with the Secretary of State. In Texas, annual compliance is administered directly by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts through the franchise tax framework.
Every domestic and foreign limited liability company, corporation, and taxable entity registered in the state must complete an annual compliance filing by May 15. While state legislative reforms have eliminated the requirement for most small businesses to file a complex tax return, every taxable entity must still submit an official annual information report to affirm leadership and retain active legal standing.
Under current Texas statutes, businesses with total revenue below the 2.47 million dollar threshold are no longer required to file the No Tax Due Information Report. However, every corporation and LLC must still file an annual Public Information Report or Public Information Report equivalent with the Comptroller to remain in active standing.
When is the Texas Annual Report Due?
All Texas franchise tax filings and accompanying annual information reports are due on or before May 15 each calendar year. If May 15 falls on a weekend or state holiday, the statutory deadline moves to the following business day. The electronic filing portal opens in early spring, allowing ample time to complete the renewal.
How Much Does It Cost?
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Failing to submit your required filing by May 15 triggers an automatic fifty dollar late penalty fee. This financial fine applies even if your business owed zero tax and qualified for complete exemption. Continued delinquency adds five percent to ten percent interest surcharges on any unpaid tax liabilities.
If noncompliance persists, the Texas Comptroller forfeits the entity right to transact business in the state. Once corporate rights are forfeited, the Secretary of State initiates administrative tax forfeiture. A forfeited business forfeits corporate legal protections, risks personal liability for owners, and loses the right to sue or defend claims in Texas courts. Reinstatement requires filing all delinquent reports, clearing the fifty dollar late fee for every missed year, settling accrued interest, and obtaining tax clearance.
How to File the Texas Annual Report
The Texas Comptroller requires electronic filing through WebFile, the secure state revenue portal. Filing electronically provides instant verification and avoids manual data entry errors.
Required Information for Filing:
- Eleven digit Texas Taxpayer Number
- Comptroller WebFile user credentials or WebFile access code
- Legal entity name and state charter registration number
- Principal executive office location and mailing address
- Names and mailing addresses of current officers, directors, managers, or managing members
- Total annual gross revenue figures to confirm threshold standing
Step by Step WebFile Instructions:
- Visit the official Texas Comptroller WebFile portal using the link below.
- Log into your account or register a new WebFile user profile.
- Add your company eleven digit Texas Taxpayer Number to your dashboard.
- Select the Franchise Tax option and choose the current reporting year.
- Complete the appropriate annual information report: Form 05 102 for corporations or Form 05 167 for limited liability companies.
- Verify management records, officer rosters, and registered agent details.
- Submit the electronic filing and save your digital confirmation receipt and trace number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even if your entity had no commercial activity or earned zero revenue, you must submit the required Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report through WebFile to affirm active corporate standing.
No. Routine annual business compliance in Texas is handled exclusively by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The Secretary of State maintains initial formations and formal amendments, but annual renewals run through the Comptroller.
No. The annual information report filed with the Comptroller does not officially alter your registered agent on record with the Secretary of State. Changing your registered agent requires filing Form 401 directly with the Secretary of State along with the statutory fee.
Yes. Single member LLCs are classified as taxable entities for Texas franchise tax purposes and must file the annual Ownership Information Report by May 15, even if treated as disregarded entities for federal income tax.
If business operations have permanently ceased, do not simply stop filing. You must satisfy all tax obligations, request a Certificate of Account Status for Dissolution from the Comptroller, and file formal Articles of Termination with the Secretary of State to close the entity permanently.
Along with Texas Comptroller business compliance, Texas insurance agencies and licensed producers must oversee Texas Department of Insurance licensing, agency registrations, and continuing education requirements.
View Texas Insurance Licensing & CE Guide →