How to Dissolve an LLC in Texas (for Free)

In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to dissolve an LLC in Texas by giving you links to all of the forms, with advice on how to save money by doing it yourself!

It's a lot easier to file for an LLC dissolution in Texas than you might think, and if you have the time to spend learning how to do it, you can avoid using a third-party service.

By free, we mean filing the application forms yourself without an LLC dissolution company. State filing fees may still apply.

Our product recommendations are made independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions if you use a link on this page.

Recommended Dissolution Service

Save hours of your valuable time by using a dissolution service to close your LLC.

It's hard to pick just one service that will be suitable for every business dissolution need.

However, in our experience, Bizee, formerly IncFile, offer the best and most reliable service for the majority of LLC companies that need to be closed.

IncFile has a fantastic track record will guide you through the entire process.

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How to Close an LLC in Texas

As technology improves and more systems become digital, the process of closing or dissolving your LLC in Texas has become easier than ever.

However - we are still talking about the government here, so it's not always as simple as it could be! There are a number of steps you need to take to make sure you close your LLC properly, and we'll walk you through them below.

Make you that you take the time to really read this article a couple of times to fully understand everything you need to do. Any mistakes can delay your filing and your company will still be active until you complete the process.

Dissolution Filing Fees

In order to close your Texas LLC, you will need to pay a filing fee of $40 to the Texas Secretary of State. This is a one-time fee paid directly to the government, and it's required to close your LLC.

File By Mail

You can file the dissolution documents for your Texas LLC by mail. This is the slowest option, but is the traditional method of filing.

To file by mail, it will take a total of 5 days to process your dissolution documents once they have been received by the Secretary of State.

You'll need to download and print the form "Certificate of Termination" from the following link:

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms/651_boc.pdf

Once the form is completed, you can mail it to the following address:

Secretary of StateP.O. Box 13697 Austin, TX 78711-3697

File Online

Filing to close your Texas LLC online is the fastest and most convenient way to dissolve your company. This method will be approved in 5 days.

To begin the online filing process, you can visit the following link:

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml

File Online

You can file your dissolution documents with the Texas Secretary of State. This is a great way to speed up the process and avoid any long waiting times.

Alternatively, you can save hours of your time by using a dissolution service like IncFile.

Use IncFile File online

Additional Filing Requirements

A tax clearance certificate is required prior to dissolution. A form 05-359, Request for Certificate of Account Status, takes 4-6 weeks to process and receive your tax clearance.

Annual Report Deadline

As part of the dissolution process, you will need to file your final annual report with the Texas Secretary of State.

The deadline for your annual report in Texas is:

05-15

Texas Law Reference

To make sure you file the correct dissolution documents, you can refer to the official Texas statutes at the following link:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.101.htm

Tax Clearance

A tax clearance certificate is a document issued by the Texas Department of Revenue that confirms you have paid all of your outstanding taxes.

In order to close your Texas LLC, you will need to obtain a tax clearance certificate from the Texas Department of Revenue. This is a one-time fee paid directly to the government, and it's required to close your LLC.

How Long Until the LLC Name is Available Again?

Once the Texas Secretary of State has approved your dissolution documents, your LLC name will be eventually be made available for someone else to use.

This varies by state, but in Texas your LLC name will be made available immediately.

Public Notice Requirement

A public notice is a document that is published in a newspaper to inform the public that your LLC is being dissolved.

In Texas, you do not need to publish a public notice in a newspaper to inform the public that your LLC is being dissolved.

Member Vote Requirement

A member vote is a document that is signed by the members of your LLC to confirm that they have voted to dissolve the company.

The requirement for Texas is that you need a majority vote to dissolve your LLC.

Outstanding Debt Obligations

Before you wind up your Texas LLC, you need to make sure that you have paid off all of your outstanding debts and obligations.

Limited liability companies should distribute the remaining assets only after settling business debts.

Process for Handling Assets

There is also a process for handling the assets of your Texas LLC. This includes distributing the assets to the members, selling the assets, or donating the assets to a charity.

Any remaining assets should be distributed to the company's members in proportion to their ownership interests.

Potential Legal Consequences

If you do not dissolve your Texas LLC properly, you could face some serious legal consequences. This includes being held personally liable for any outstanding debts or obligations of the company.

Texas requires an annual Texas Franchise Tax Report (Form 05-158-A) to be filed. Once this annual franchise tax report is 45 days past due the entity losses its right to transact business in the state, and after 120 days its registration is forfeited.

Contact the Texas Secretary of State

If you need to clarify any of the information on this page, you can contact the Texas Secretary of State at:

Mailing Address

Secretary of StateP.O. Box 13697 Austin, TX 78711-3697

Physical Address

James Earl Rudder Office Building 1019 Brazos St.Austin, TX 78701

Phone Number

(512) 463-5555

Website

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/index.shtml

Next Steps

When you have completed the dissolution process for your Texas LLC, you should also notify the IRS that you are no longer in business. You can find information on how to do that at the following link:

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/closing-a-business

You should also make sure to cancel any business licenses or permits that your LLC may have.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you understand the process for dissolving your Texas LLC. If you have any questions, please contact a local attorney for assistance. While not required, it can be helpful to have a lawyer assist you with the dissolution process.

Recommended Dissolution Service

Save hours of your valuable time by using a dissolution service to close your LLC.

It's hard to pick just one service that will be suitable for every business dissolution need.

However, in our experience, Bizee, formerly IncFile, offer the best and most reliable service for the majority of LLC companies that need to be closed.

IncFile has a fantastic track record will guide you through the entire process.

Try Bizee Now →