Your Certificate of Formation is the charter document that creates most Texas entities at the Secretary of State.
Pre-filing checklist
- Confirm entity name availability and naming rules (LLC, Corp, PLLC, etc.)
- Select registered agent name and Texas street address
- Choose management structure (LLC) or director structure (corp) where applicable
- Identify organizer or incorporator signatory
- Prepare filing fee payment method for SOSDirect or paper filing
After SOS acceptance
- Obtain EIN from the IRS.
- Draft operating agreement or bylaws.
- Open a business bank account with formation evidence.
- Register for franchise tax and other tax accounts if required.
- File assumed name certificates if marketing under a DBA.
Avoid rework
Name rejections, invalid agent addresses, and missing signatures are the top causes of delayed formations. Double-check agent consent before submission.