Every Texas LLC must file a franchise tax report and Public Information Report with the Comptroller by May 15 each year — even if you owe $0 in tax. Miss the deadline and you face a $50 penalty immediately, plus 5–10% on any tax owed. Ignore it long enough and Texas will forfeit your LLC's right to transact business, making your officers personally liable for company debts.
What Texas LLCs actually have to file each year
Texas doesn't call it an "annual report." Instead, two filings serve that function — and they're both due on the same day:
- Franchise Tax Report — your tax return with the Comptroller
- Public Information Report (PIR) — your ownership disclosure, forwarded to the Secretary of State
Both are due May 15. Both are filed together through the Comptroller's WebFile portal. Missing either one can trigger forfeiture of your LLC's privileges.
Step 1: Determine which franchise tax form you need
Below the $2,650,000 revenue threshold (2026): Your tax owed is $0 — but you still must file. Use the EZ Computation Report (Form 05-169) or the Long Form (Form 05-158-A/B) with $0 due. Texas eliminated the separate No Tax Due Report as of 2024, so there is no shorter option.
Common mistake: Assuming "no tax owed" means "no filing required." That assumption leads directly to a $50 late penalty and, eventually, forfeiture.
Above the $2,650,000 threshold: Calculate tax at:
- 0.375% — retail and wholesale businesses
- 0.75% — all other businesses
Use the Long Form (05-158-A/B) to show your deductions and compute the amount owed.
Step 2: Complete the Public Information Report (PIR)
File Form 05-102 for your LLC. The PIR collects:
- Your registered agent's name and Texas address
- Your LLC's principal office address
- Names and addresses of all members (or managers for a manager-managed LLC)
Common mistake: Skipping the signature or leaving sections blank. An incomplete or unsigned PIR is treated as not filed — which can trigger forfeiture even if you paid every dollar of tax owed. Always file through WebFile to get confirmation.
The Comptroller forwards a completed PIR to the Secretary of State, keeping your public ownership records current at no extra charge.
Step 3: File by May 15 via WebFile or mail
Online (recommended): Log in at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/ using your WebFile number. You'll receive confirmation instantly and can save your filing for future reference.
By mail: Download the forms from the Comptroller's website and mail them to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Allow extra time — postmarks on May 15 or earlier count as timely.
Estimated time: 15–30 minutes once you have your revenue figures and membership information ready.
Step 4: Confirm your other recurring obligations
The franchise tax and PIR are the most universal filings, but most LLCs have additional obligations depending on their activities:
| Obligation | Who It Applies To | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Tax Report | All Texas LLCs | May 15 annually |
| Public Information Report (PIR) | All Texas LLCs | May 15 annually |
| Sales Tax Returns | LLCs selling taxable goods or services | 20th of month after period |
| Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax | LLCs with W-2 employees | Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31, Jan 31 |
| New Hire Reports | LLCs with any new W-2 employees | Within 20 days of each hire |
| Registered Agent | All Texas LLCs | Ongoing — must be active at all times |
| BOI Report | US domestic LLCs | Currently exempt (see BOI guide) |
Quick reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Franchise Tax Report + Public Information Report (PIR) |
| Who | All Texas LLCs, regardless of revenue or activity level |
| When | May 15 annually |
| Where | Texas Comptroller — comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/ |
| Forms | EZ Computation (05-169) or Long Form (05-158-A/B) + PIR (05-102) |
| Cost | $0 if below $2,650,000 threshold; tax owed if above |
| Penalty | $50 late fee + 5% on tax owed (1–30 days late) or 10% (30+ days late) |
FAQ
What happens if I don't comply with Texas LLC annual filing requirements?
You'll owe a $50 late penalty the day after the deadline, plus 5% of any tax due if you're 1–30 days late, or 10% after 30 days. Continued non-filing leads to forfeiture of your LLC's right to transact business. Once forfeited, your officers and directors become personally liable for all LLC debts under Texas Tax Code §§ 171.251, 171.252, and 171.255. You'll also need to reinstate your forfeited LLC, which takes time and money.
Does a Texas LLC have to file even if it had zero revenue?
Yes. Every Texas LLC must file a franchise tax report and PIR annually regardless of revenue, activity, or whether the LLC did any business during the year. The 2026 no-tax-due threshold is $2,650,000 in annualized total revenue — below that you owe $0 in tax, but the filing is still required.
What's the difference between the franchise tax report and the PIR?
The franchise tax report is your tax return — it determines how much, if any, franchise tax your LLC owes. The PIR is an ownership disclosure that updates the Secretary of State's records with your current members and registered agent. Both are filed through the same WebFile portal on the same May 15 deadline, but they serve different purposes and both carry separate forfeiture consequences if missed.
Can I get an extension on the May 15 deadline?
Extensions are available in limited circumstances (such as a natural disaster declaration) but do not waive penalties — they only extend the time to file. In a normal year, there is no penalty-free extension. File on time or pay the $50 late fee.
How do I know if my Texas LLC is in good standing?
Search your LLC on the Texas Secretary of State's public inquiry system or check the Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search to see your franchise tax account status. Both show whether your entity is active or forfeited.
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.
Check my obligations — free →Last verified: 2026-04-27
Sources: Texas Comptroller — Franchise Tax | Public Information Report requirements