Form 501 · TBOC Ch. 5. $40 state + $99 service = $139. 120-day name reservation. Does not grant trademark rights or guarantee final formation approval.
Official source: Texas Secretary of StateOfficial source: Texas ComptrollerOfficial source: Texas ComptrollerTexas statutory edition · October 2026 · supplied 2026 rules; confirm current requirements with the relevant agency
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Private information and filing service; not a government agency.
- Established 1998 · 28+ Years in Business
- Form 205 / 201 · $300 SOS Fee
- $0 Franchise Tax Under $2.47M (SB 3)
- (667) 274-0865
Start with the right question.
Reserve now or form immediately?
Form 501 holds an eligible name for 120 days; a reservation is distinct from filing the actual entity.
Official source: Texas Secretary of StateWhich name ending fits?
Match LLC, Inc. or PLLC to the selected entity rather than using a designator for another structure.
Official source: Texas Secretary of StateEntity name or trademark?
Texas Administrative Code Ch. 79 distinguishability review does not replace a separate USPTO/Texas trademark clearance.
Official source: Texas Secretary of StateYour preparation checklist
- Name candidates checked under Texas Administrative Code Ch. 79
- Appropriate LLC, Inc. or PLLC designator included
- SOS distinguishability search saved
- Form 501 applicant and reserved name completed
- $40 state + $99 service = $139 reservation budget confirmed
- 120-day expiration and separate USPTO/Texas trademark review recorded
Texas Name Availability & Form 501 Reservation — decision path
Texas Name Availability & Form 501 Reservation — decision path
Enter your proposed name. Form 501 reserves a name for 120 days for $40 state fee; final approval and trademark rights are separate. This tool does not perform a live availability search.
Official source: Texas Secretary of StateKeep the requirements separate.
| Requirement | Verified detail / confirmation needed | Official authority |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Name Availability & Form 501 Reservation | Form 501 · TBOC Ch. 5. $40 state + $99 service = $139. 120-day name reservation. Does not grant trademark rights or guarantee final formation approval. | Official source: Texas Secretary of State |
| Annual PIR / OIR | Under $2,470,000 annualized total revenue: $0 Texas Franchise Tax under SB 3. Form 05-163 is eliminated for 2024+ report years. Form 05-102 PIR (LLCs, corporations, PLLCs) or Form 05-167 OIR (LPs/PAs) is still mandatory by May 15, starting the calendar year after formation. $50 late penalty; forfeiture and personal liability risks under Tex. Tax Code §§ 171.362, 171.251 and 171.252. | Official source: Texas Comptroller |
| HB 9 BPP exemption | $125,000 exemption per taxing location from January 1, 2026; check rendition by April 15. | Official source: Texas Comptroller |
Carry the decision forward.
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. State fees are pass-through. Service fees and taxes are separate. Review the order price before payment.
Before your next step
120 days; calendar the expiration independently of the formation filing.
Official source: Texas Secretary of State$40 Texas state fee plus $99 Corp USA service equals $139.
Official source: Texas Secretary of StateNo. Search USPTO and Texas trademark records and obtain advice about potential infringement separately.
Official source: Texas Secretary of State