How to reinstate a forfeited Texas LLC or corporation
File every missing franchise tax and information report, pay what is owed, get a tax clearance letter from the Comptroller, then file Form 801 with the Texas SOS. The Form 801 fee is $75 ($0 for nonprofit corporations).
- File all outstanding franchise tax reports and Public or Ownership Information Reports with the Comptroller.
- Pay any tax, penalty, and interest due.
- Request a tax clearance letter (Form 05-377) through Webfile, or submit Form 05-391. If you just paid, wait 2 to 3 business days.
- File Form 801, Application for Reinstatement and Request to Set Aside Tax Forfeiture, with the tax clearance letter through SOSPortal. Fee: $75 ($0 for nonprofit corporations).
If the entity was terminated for another reason, Form 801 is not the right form; the SOS points to Form 811 instead. Check status first with our search or the Comptroller status search, and see forfeited businesses by city.
Questions
Is there a deadline to reinstate a forfeited Texas entity?
No. The SOS says an entity forfeited under the Tax Code can reinstate at any time, as long as it would otherwise continue to exist.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The SOS filing fee for Form 801 is $75, or $0 for a nonprofit corporation, plus any franchise tax, penalty, and interest owed.
What does forfeiture mean for owners?
Per the Comptroller, a forfeited entity cannot sue or defend in a Texas court, and officers and directors can become personally liable for certain debts.
Free Texas LLC starter checklist
Name check, filing, EIN, franchise tax, and registered agent steps in one page.
Sources: Comptroller: Reinstating or Terminating a Business; SOS Form 801 instructions; SOS Terminations and Reinstatements FAQs; Comptroller PIR and OIR requirements; SOS fee schedule. Checked November 1, 2026.
Sources: Texas Comptroller Active Franchise Taxpayers (data.texas.gov); Texas Comptroller franchise tax; Texas Secretary of State business filings; Form 205 (filing fee $300).