Texas LLC Franchise Tax: How to File by May 15
Every Texas LLC must file a franchise tax report with the Comptroller by May 15 each year — even if you owe $0 in tax. Miss this deadline and you'll face a $50 late-filing penalty immediately, plus 5% to 10% on any tax owed. Ignore it long enough and Texas can forfeit your LLC's right to do business in the state entirely, and officers can become personally liable for the LLC's debts.
Step 1: Determine which form you need
Texas offers two franchise tax forms. Which one applies to your LLC depends on your revenue:
- EZ Computation Report (Form 05-169) — use this if your annualized total revenue is $20 million or less. Most small LLCs qualify.
- Long Form (Forms 05-158-A and 05-158-B) — required if your revenue exceeds $20 million.
If your annualized total revenue is $2,650,000 or less (the 2026 no-tax-due threshold), you still must file — you just won't owe any tax. There is no separate "no tax due" report anymore; that form was discontinued in 2024. You simply file the standard report showing $0 owed, along with your Public Information Report (PIR).
Common mistake: Many LLC owners assume "no tax due" means "no filing required." This is wrong. Skipping the filing because you owe nothing is one of the most common ways Texas LLCs get forfeited.
This step should take about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Gather your financial information
Before you log in to file, pull together:
- Your LLC's total revenue for the reporting year (all income before deductions)
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Your Texas Taxpayer ID number (assigned by the Comptroller when your LLC was formed)
- The names and addresses of your LLC's members or managers (needed for the PIR, filed at the same time)
Tax rates if you owe: 0.375% for retail and wholesale businesses; 0.75% for all other businesses.
This step should take about 10 minutes if your books are current.
Step 3: File online via WebFile
The fastest and most reliable method is filing through the Comptroller's WebFile portal at comptroller.texas.gov.
- Go to WebFile and log in (or create an account if this is your first filing).
- Select your entity and choose the appropriate franchise tax form.
- Enter your revenue figures. The system will calculate whether you owe tax.
- Complete the Public Information Report (PIR, Form 05-102) in the same session — it's filed alongside the franchise tax report, not separately.
- Review and submit. Save your confirmation number.
You can also file by mail using paper forms from the Comptroller's forms page, but online filing is faster and gives you instant confirmation.
This step should take about 15–20 minutes for a straightforward LLC.
Step 4: Pay any tax owed (if applicable)
If your LLC's revenue exceeds the $2,650,000 threshold, you'll owe tax. Payment is due at the same time as the report — May 15. You can pay online through WebFile via electronic check or credit card.
If you can't pay the full amount, file the report anyway to avoid the $50 late-filing penalty. Late payment has its own penalty (5% or 10%), but it's calculated on the tax owed — not filing at all adds the flat $50 on top.
Step 5: Keep your confirmation
After filing, download or screenshot your submission confirmation. Store it with your business records. If there's ever a question about whether you filed, the confirmation number is your proof.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Texas Franchise Tax Report |
| Who | All Texas LLCs (regardless of revenue) |
| When | May 15 annually |
| Where | Texas Comptroller — comptroller.texas.gov |
| Form | EZ Computation (05-169) or Long Form (05-158-A/B) |
| Cost | $0 filing fee; tax owed varies by revenue |
| Penalty | $50 late filing + 5% (1–30 days late) or 10% (30+ days late) on tax owed |
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't file the Texas franchise tax report?
Texas will assess a $50 late-filing penalty immediately. If you owe tax, add 5% of the tax amount if you're 1–30 days late, or 10% if you're more than 30 days late. If you continue to ignore the filing, the Comptroller can forfeit your LLC's right to do business in Texas — and officers and directors can become personally liable for the LLC's debts.
Does my Texas LLC have to file if it made no money?
Yes. Every Texas LLC must file a franchise tax report by May 15, regardless of whether it earned any revenue or owes any tax. The no-tax-due threshold ($2,650,000 in 2026) only means you won't owe money — it doesn't excuse you from filing.
What is the difference between the EZ form and the Long Form?
The EZ Computation Report (05-169) is a simplified form for LLCs with $20 million or less in annualized total revenue. The Long Form (05-158-A/B) is for larger businesses. Most small LLCs use the EZ form. Both are filed at the same place and by the same deadline.
What is the Public Information Report and do I have to file it too?
The Public Information Report (PIR) is a separate form (05-102 for LLCs) that lists your LLC's members and managers. It is filed at the same time as your franchise tax report — both are due May 15. You cannot skip the PIR even if you owe no franchise tax. Failing to file a complete and signed PIR can trigger forfeiture on its own.
What if May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday?
If May 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. WebFile will show the adjusted due date when you log in.
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.
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Sources: Texas Comptroller — Franchise Tax · Franchise Tax Forms · PIR/OIR Filing Requirements