Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, but that doesn’t mean your LLC gets to skip state filings. The primary annual obligation is the Texas franchise tax report, and ignoring it has real consequences.

Every LLC registered in Texas must file a franchise tax report with the Texas Comptroller by May 15 each year. The report covers the prior calendar year’s revenue. If your total revenue falls below the no-tax-due threshold (currently $2.47 million), you won’t owe any franchise tax. But you still have to file. Most small businesses in Pearland and the greater Houston area fall well under this threshold, so they submit what’s called a No Tax Due Report. It takes a few minutes online, but it has to get done.

Alongside the franchise tax report, you must file a Public Information Report by the same May 15 deadline. This updates the state on your LLC’s managers or members, registered agent, and principal office address. Both forms are filed through the Comptroller’s Webfile system.

If you miss either filing, the Comptroller sends notices and eventually forfeits your LLC’s right to transact business in Texas. A forfeited LLC cannot legally enter contracts, file lawsuits, or defend itself in court. Reinstating requires filing all past-due reports plus penalties and fees. This tends to surface at the worst possible time, like when you’re trying to close on a loan or finalize a contract. Having your business tax returns and state filings handled properly each year prevents this entirely.

Your federal filing requirements depend on how your LLC is taxed. A single-member LLC reports business income on Schedule C as part of your personal return, due April 15. A multi-member LLC files Form 1065 as a partnership, due March 15. If you elected S-corp taxation, Form 1120-S is due March 15 as well. These deadlines apply every year regardless of whether you made money.

Beyond the annual filings, there are recurring obligations that depend on your situation. If you have employees, quarterly wage reports go to the Texas Workforce Commission and Form 941 goes to the IRS. If you collect sales tax, those returns may be due monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your volume. If you pay independent contractors $600 or more during the year, 1099 forms are due to recipients and the IRS by January 31.

One thing that trips up newer business owners is assuming Texas has no filing requirements because there’s no state income tax. The franchise tax catches people off guard, and the forfeiture process moves faster than you’d expect. Keeping a simple calendar of deadlines or working with a Houston fractional CFO who tracks them for you is the easiest way to stay compliant without scrambling every spring.