New Mexico vs Texas LLC: which U.S. state fits a founder abroad?

A New Mexico vs Texas LLC choice comes down to three things: the fee to form, the yearly filing and whose name goes on the record. New Mexico (NM), a U.S. state, charges $50 to form, asks for no yearly report and doesn't require owners or managers on its Articles. Texas charges $300, expects a franchise tax filing every year and lists the initial managers or members on the Certificate of Formation. For a private, low-upkeep company run from abroad, New Mexico wins.

New Mexico vs Texas LLC at a glance

How much does it cost to form an LLC in each state?

Between a New Mexico and a Texas LLC, the gap starts on day one. Texas prints its filing fee on the form itself: $300 for the Certificate of Formation of a limited liability company (Form 205). New Mexico's State fee is $50 (NMSA 1978 § 53-19-63).

With EXNNA, the New Mexico fee is inside our total, together with 12 months of registered agent service and an Operating Agreement in PDF and editable DOCX. For the full picture, read what an LLC really costs.

What does a Texas LLC file every year?

Texas taxes entities formed or doing business in the state through its franchise tax. The annual report is due May 15, or the next business day when that falls on a weekend or holiday.

Most small companies owe nothing: the no-tax-due threshold is $2.65 million for the 2026 and 2027 report years. Even then, the Comptroller still expects a filing: at or below the threshold, you file the Public Information Report or Ownership Report. Miss it, and the company falls behind with the State.

A domestic New Mexico LLC files no annual report and pays no annual fee to the Secretary of State. See how other states compare in LLC annual report requirements.

Is a New Mexico vs Texas LLC more private?

New Mexico. Its Articles of Organization don't have to list owners or managers, and there is no yearly report to add names later. With EXNNA, we sign as organizer and our registered agent is on file, so the public record shows us.

Texas Form 205 asks for the name and address of each initial governing person: every manager, or every member when the LLC has no managers. Those names are part of the filing. More in how an anonymous LLC works.

What is the same in both states?

• A registered agent. Both states require one at all times, with an address in the state. If yours ever needs to change, here is how to change a registered agent in New Mexico.
• An EIN. Your LLC's tax ID with the IRS is the same federal number in either state. You can get one without an SSN.
• Where you can work. An LLC is not limited to clients in the state that formed it. Your taxes depend on where you live and what the LLC does.

When does a Texas LLC make sense?

Pick a Texas LLC over a New Mexico one when the business really operates in Texas: an office, staff, a warehouse or property there. A founder abroad who needs a U.S. company to invoice, sign contracts and open accounts has no reason to pay more and file more. If Florida is also on your list, see New Mexico vs Florida.

How do you form your New Mexico LLC?

Enter the company name, two backups, the number of members and an email. No ID documents are needed. Sign the service agreement online and pay the total in U.S. dollars or in your local currency, where available, by card, online. The State usually approves in 1–3 business days, and your documents are ready in your dashboard. See every option on our pricing or form your LLC online.

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