How to File Texas Franchise Tax for Free (No Paid Service Needed)
Yes — you can file your Texas franchise tax for free. The Texas Comptroller lets every LLC file directly through its online WebFile system at no charge, and most small LLCs with annualized total revenue under $2,650,000 owe $0 in tax on top of that. You still must file by May 15 each year, even at $0, or you risk a $50 penalty and eventual forfeiture of your LLC.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Rules and dates change — always verify current requirements directly with the relevant agency before acting.
Filing franchise tax is free — here's the truth
There is no state fee to file your Texas franchise tax report. The Comptroller of Public Accounts built the WebFile system specifically so businesses can submit their annual report and Public Information Report (PIR) online for free. Filing the report costs nothing; you only ever pay if your LLC actually owes tax — and most small LLCs don't.
For 2026, the no-tax-due threshold is $2,650,000 in annualized total revenue. If your LLC's gross receipts fall below that amount, you owe $0 in franchise tax. You still have to file, but the filing itself is free and, below the threshold, so is the tax.
Common mistake: Many owners assume "free to file" and "no tax owed" are the same thing. They're not. Filing is always free through WebFile. Whether you owe tax depends on your revenue. Below $2,650,000, both the filing and the tax are $0 — but the report is still mandatory.
Watch out for paid services charging for a free filing
Search "file Texas franchise tax" and you'll see ads from companies offering to "handle" your franchise tax report for a fee. It's legal for them to do this, but it's important to understand what you're actually paying for: they are charging you to submit a form the state accepts for free.
These services don't have special access, and they can't make your filing more valid than one you submit yourself. For a straightforward small LLC below the threshold, you're paying for convenience, not for anything the Comptroller requires.
There's nothing wrong with hiring help if your situation is complex — for example, if you have revenue above the threshold, multiple entities, or a combined group. In those cases, a CPA or licensed Texas attorney can be worth the cost. But for a typical single-member LLC filing a no-tax-due report, you can do it yourself in about 15 minutes and keep the fee.
Common mistake: Assuming an official-looking letter or email demanding a "filing fee" is from the state. The Comptroller does not charge to file. Solicitations that mimic government notices are a common source of unnecessary payments — verify anything unexpected directly at comptroller.texas.gov.
What you need before you start
Gather these items first so you can file in one sitting:
- Your 11-digit Texas taxpayer number — assigned by the Comptroller for franchise and sales tax. This is different from your 9-digit IRS EIN.
- Your WebFile Access Code — mailed to your registered agent, usually in the spring. Lost it? Request a replacement free through the Comptroller's website.
- Prior-year total revenue — your LLC's gross receipts from its 2025 fiscal or calendar year.
- Registered agent and office details — your registered agent's name and Texas address, plus your principal office address.
- Member, manager, or officer information — names and addresses to complete the Public Information Report (Form 05-102).
If you have never used WebFile before, you'll create an account the first time — walk through it with our Texas WebFile account setup guide.
Step-by-step: file your franchise tax free on WebFile
This should take about 10–20 minutes for most LLCs.
Step 1 — Go to the official Comptroller site
Open comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/ and select "File and Pay Franchise Tax." Always start from the comptroller.texas.gov domain — that's the only free, official portal. Bookmark it so you don't land on a paid look-alike next year.
Step 2 — Log in or create your WebFile account
Sign in with your taxpayer number and WebFile Access Code. First-time filers create a free account with an email and password. Keep your login details somewhere safe for future years.
Step 3 — Select your franchise tax report
Choose the report for the current filing year. WebFile will guide you based on your revenue. If your revenue is below $2,650,000, you'll complete the no-tax-due path, which is just the Public Information Report. For more on this path, see our Texas franchise tax no-tax-due guide.
Step 4 — Enter your revenue figure
Report your prior-year annualized total revenue. If it's under the $2,650,000 threshold, WebFile confirms $0 tax is due and moves you straight to the PIR — no computation form needed.
Step 5 — Complete the Public Information Report (Form 05-102)
Fill in your registered agent, principal office address, and the names and addresses of members, managers, or officers. This report is free and required regardless of revenue.
Common mistake: Submitting an incomplete or unsigned PIR. An incomplete PIR can trigger forfeiture even if you owe no tax and paid everything else correctly. Review every field before you submit.
Step 6 — Review, submit, and save your confirmation
Submit the report and save your confirmation number (screenshot or print it). That number is your proof of timely filing. If you owe tax because your revenue exceeds the threshold, WebFile lets you pay online for free by bank draft. For a full field-by-field walkthrough of the portal, see our Texas franchise tax WebFile tutorial.
When free self-filing might not be the right call
Filing yourself is straightforward for most small LLCs, but consider getting professional help if:
- Your annualized revenue is above $2,650,000 and you need to choose between the EZ computation and the Long Form.
- You're part of a combined group or own multiple related entities.
- You're catching up on past-due reports or responding to a forfeiture notice.
- You're unsure which revenue figures or deductions apply to your situation.
In those cases, a CPA or licensed Texas attorney can help you file accurately. For the general process regardless of revenue level, our guide to filing Texas franchise tax covers each scenario.
Quick reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Texas franchise tax report + Public Information Report (PIR) |
| Who | All Texas LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs, PAs; foreign entities with Texas nexus |
| When | May 15 annually (rolls to next business day if a weekend or holiday) |
| Where | WebFile — comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/ |
| Cost to file | $0 — free through WebFile |
| No-tax-due threshold (2026) | $2,650,000 annualized total revenue |
| Form (below threshold) | 05-102 (PIR only — free) |
| Penalty | $50 late fee + 5–10% on any tax owed; forfeiture for non-filing |
FAQ
Can I really file Texas franchise tax for free?
Yes. The Texas Comptroller lets you file your franchise tax report and Public Information Report directly for free through its online WebFile system. There is no state charge to submit the report, and most small LLCs owe $0 in tax on top of that. You never have to pay a third party to complete this filing.
Do I have to pay a service to file my Texas franchise tax?
No. Filing through WebFile is free, and paying a service is optional. Many paid providers charge a fee to submit a report the state accepts for free — they are charging for convenience, not for a required service. If you have your taxpayer number and revenue figures, you can file yourself in about 10–20 minutes.
What do I need to file my franchise tax for free on WebFile?
You need your 11-digit Texas taxpayer number, your WebFile Access Code, your prior-year total revenue figure, and your registered agent and member or manager details for the Public Information Report. If you have lost your Access Code, you can request a replacement through the Comptroller's website at no cost.
Do I still have to file if my Texas LLC owes $0?
Yes. Every Texas LLC must file each year even if revenue is below the $2,650,000 no-tax-due threshold. Below the threshold you file only the Public Information Report (Form 05-102), which is free. Skipping it triggers a $50 penalty and can eventually lead to forfeiture of your LLC.
What happens if I don't file my Texas franchise tax?
Missing the May 15 deadline triggers a $50 late fee immediately, plus 5% of any tax owed within 30 days or 10% after 30 days. Continued non-filing can lead to forfeiture of your LLC's right to transact business in Texas. After forfeiture, members and officers can become personally liable for the entity's debts under Texas Tax Code §§ 171.251–171.255.
Not sure what else your Texas LLC owes?
Most business owners are surprised by how many filing obligations they have. Ortholo's free compliance checker shows you everything you owe, when it's due, and what happens if you miss it — personalized to your entity.
Last verified: 2026-08-04
Sources: Texas Comptroller — Franchise Tax | Texas Comptroller — PIR/OIR Filing Requirements | Texas Tax Code §§ 171.251–171.255