How to Check If Your LLC Is Active in Texas: A Complete Guide

You can check your Texas LLC’s status for free on the Texas Comptroller’s website. If it shows as forfeited, usually because a franchise tax report or Public Information Report was missed, it can be reinstated. Here’s how.

By Richard James, Enrolled Agent | James Family Tax

When you partner with James Family Tax, you can focus on what you do best! We want you to grow and succeed in your entrepreneurial journey.

Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most popular choices for entrepreneurs and small business owners, and for good reason. LLCs offer flexible structure, tax advantages, and crucial protection of personal assets. However, forming your LLC is just the beginning—maintaining its active status with the state of Texas is equally important for your business’s continued success and legal protection.

At James Family Tax, nothing brings us more joy than partnering with small businesses and empowering them to take their next big strides, including LLC formation and ongoing compliance management.

Understanding LLCs and Why Active Status Matters

An LLC provides limited liability protection to its owners, meaning members are generally not personally responsible for the LLC’s debts and liabilities. Active status is critical because it indicates your business is compliant with state requirements and can legally operate in Texas. An inactive or delinquent status can lead to penalties, fines, or even dissolution of the LLC, compromising your asset protection and business credibility.

Texas State Requirements for LLCs

Texas has specific requirements that all LLCs must meet to maintain active status. These include filing annual reports, paying franchise taxes, and maintaining proper registered agent information. The state tracks this information through the Public Information Report system, which makes LLC status and details publicly accessible through the Secretary of State’s database.

Annual reports are due by May 15th each year and update the state on essential information about your LLC, including your principal office address and the names of managers or members. Additionally, you must maintain current business licenses, permits, and insurance as required for your specific industry.

What is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent is a person or business entity designated to receive legal documents, official notices, and government correspondence on behalf of your LLC. Texas law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical Texas address (not a P.O. Box) who is available during normal business hours. This agent serves as the official point of contact between your LLC and the state.

The registered agent receives important documents such as lawsuit papers, tax notices, annual report reminders, and other official state correspondence. If you fail to maintain a registered agent or if your agent becomes unavailable, your LLC may face penalties or administrative dissolution. Many business owners choose to hire a professional registered agent service to ensure reliable document receipt and maintain privacy by keeping their personal address off public records.

How to Check Your LLC’s Status Using the Public Information Report

To verify your LLC’s active status, visit the Texas Secretary of State website and navigate to the “Business Organizations” section. Select “Search for a Business Entity” and enter your LLC’s exact legal name or Texas filing number. The search results will display your LLC’s Public Information Report, showing whether your status is “In Existence” (active and compliant) or “Forfeited” (inactive due to non-compliance).

The Public Information Report contains crucial details including your current registered agent, principal office address, filing history, and any outstanding requirements. This public database allows anyone to verify your LLC’s legitimacy and compliance status, making it important to keep all information current and accurate.

Restoring an Inactive LLC

If your LLC shows forfeited status, you can typically restore it by identifying the compliance issue, filing any missing annual reports, paying outstanding franchise taxes and penalties, and submitting a reinstatement application (Form 801) with the required $75 fee. The reinstatement process usually takes 2-3 weeks and is often retroactive to the forfeiture date.

How James Family Tax Can Help

At James Family Tax, we provide comprehensive LLC services including formation, ongoing compliance support, and registered agent services. Our LLC formation package costs $846 total, covering the $308 Texas filing fee plus $149 for registered agent service for the first year. We handle annual report filing, franchise tax preparation, status monitoring, and can quickly resolve any compliance issues that arise.

With over 11 years of experience serving San Antonio businesses and a 90%+ client retention rate, we understand the importance of maintaining active LLC status. Our team uses professional software including Pro-Connect and Canopy for secure, efficient service, and we back up all client information to the cloud for protection.

Ready to start or maintain your LLC? Contact James Family Tax at 210-864-1788 or visit www.jamesfamilytax.com.

James Family Tax Location: 404 East Ramsey Rd. Suite 114 San Antonio, TX 78216

Location: 1996 Schertz Parkway Suite 204. San Antonio TX, 78154

Hours: By appointment only, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

At James Family Tax, we treat our clients like family. When you partner with us, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of compliance and tax optimization.

How James Family Tax Can Help

Ready to start or restructure your business? We handle LLC formation and help keep your entity active and in good standing.

Book an appointment at our San Antonio or Schertz office, or call (210) 864-1788.