These are the public and nonprofit bodies in Texas that help two or more owners start a business together, fund it and settle it when they disagree. Every one is free or low cost, and every link goes to the organization itself.
This is general information as of October 2026; a lawyer in Texas should read your actual agreement.
Texas partnership rules at a glance
- The law. Partnerships and LLCs both sit in the Business Organizations Code, Texas's own act rather than a uniform one (partnerships at §152.001, LLCs at §101.001). Any partnership can register as an LLP, and LLLPs exist too. All 50 states compared.
- The cost. An LLC files for $300 and owes no annual report to the Secretary of State. An LLP costs $200 per partner to register and $200 per partner every year. Franchise tax is $0 at or below $2.65 million in revenue for 2026 and 2027 reports. Fees in every state.
- Non-competes. Enforceable if reasonable in time, area and scope (Bus. & Com. Code §15.50), and courts must narrow an overbroad one rather than throw it out. There is no special rule for a departing partner. Every state's rule.
- When a court can end it. The same three grounds for an LLC or a partnership (§11.314), but no court-ordered buyout: the Texas Supreme Court refused one in Ritchie v. Rupe (2014). Grounds by state.
Forming and filing
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Texas Secretary of State, Business ServicesFiles LLC certificates of formation and LLP registrations, online through SOSDirect. A general partnership files nothing here.
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Texas Comptroller, franchise taxWhere every LLC and LLP files its franchise tax report, even when no tax is due.
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Texas Comptroller, tax permitsSales tax permits and the other state tax registrations, online.
Free advice
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Texas South-West SBDC NetworkFree advising across South, Central and parts of West Texas, hosted by UTSA.
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North Texas SBDC NetworkFree advising across North Texas, hosted by Dallas College. -
Southeast Texas SBDC NetworkFree advising for Houston and Southeast Texas, hosted by the University of Houston. -
Northwest Texas SBDC NetworkFree advising across Northwest Texas, hosted by Texas Tech University. -
SCORE DallasFree mentoring from volunteers who have run businesses, in Dallas or by video.
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SCORE HoustonThe same free mentoring for owners in the Houston area.
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GHWCC SBA Women's Business CenterThe SBA's Women's Business Center hosted by the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce. -
UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach CenterFree training and advising for veteran owners in West, Central and South Texas. -
UT Arlington Veterans Business Outreach CenterThe same for veterans in North Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Legal help
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State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral and Information ServiceMatches you with a lawyer; the first consultation of up to 30 minutes costs no more than $20. -
UT Law Entrepreneurship and Community Development ClinicSupervised law students advise on choice of entity, formation and contracts for small businesses that qualify. -
SMU Small Business and Trademark ClinicFree formation, contract and trademark help for startups in the Dallas area. -
Austin Dispute Resolution CenterCommunity mediation in Austin, a cheaper first step before a partner dispute reaches court. -
Dispute Resolution Center, Harris CountyFree mediation for Harris County residents, sponsored by the Houston Bar Association.
Money
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Texas Office of Small Business AssistanceThe Governor's office for permits, licensing, referrals and access to capital. -
Texas Small Business Credit InitiativeState loan guarantees and a capital access program; you apply through a participating bank, credit union or CDFI.
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SBA district officesSix in Texas (Dallas / Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Lower Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, West Texas) for SBA loans and local programs.
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