Texas Franchise Tax Questionnaire: Step-By-Step LLC Guide (Apr. 2026)

When forming a Limited Liability Company in the state, you must file your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. Once your LLC is formed, you must complete several mandatory state filings to remain compliant, one of which is the Texas Franchise Tax Questionnaire.

This collects important information about new state businesses for State Tax purposes. Furthermore, it allows the Texas Comptroller to set up your LLC’s Franchise Tax account and issue you an XT number. This is necessary for filing and paying your Texas Franchise Tax via the Webfile system.

In this article, I’ve guided you through the main steps to complete your Texas Franchise Tax Questionnaire. So, you’ll obtain your XT number in no time, maintaining compliance and continuing normal business operations.

What Is The Welcome Letter?

Once your LLC is approved by the Texas Secretary of State, you should receive a Welcome Letter from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts within 2–3 weeks. It will be mailed to your official mailing address.

Your Welcome Letter includes several important numbers needed for your registration and tax records:

• WebFile number (FQ Number): This is your first assigned WebFile number. It is required to complete the Texas Franchise Tax Questionnaire.
• File number: This is used to identify your LLC with the Texas Secretary of State.
• Taxpayer number: This 11-digit Texas number is not the same thing as your EIN issued by the IRS.

Different Types Of WebFile Numbers

The FQ number located on your Welcome Letter is your first WebFile number.

However, the Comptroller’s Office uses three different types of WebFile numbers:

1. FQ number.
2. XT number.
3. RT number.

Each has a different filing and reporting purpose when completing your mandatory Texas Business Tax filings. I’ve explained the purpose of each number below, including what it does and how to obtain it.

1. The FQ Number

The FQ number is the first WebFile number your LLC receives. It is generated by the Texas Comptroller after your LLC is approved by the Texas Secretary of State.

You can find your FQ number at the top of your Welcome Letter, which is mailed to your LLC’s official address about 2–3 weeks after approval.

After you complete the questionnaire, the Texas Comptroller will issue your XT number.

2. Texas XT Number

This number is used to file your:

1. Texas Public Information Report (PIR) annually.
2. Texas Franchise Tax Return (If your LLC meets the filing threshold).

You should receive your XT number in your Annual Report Reminder. This is sent by the Comptroller’s office approximately six weeks before your first Annual Report due date.

Your XT number is in the box at the top of your reminder letter.

Your first PIR is due May 15 of the year after your LLC approval year.

Example: Your LLC was approved in 2026.

• Your first Annual Report is due on May 15, 2027.
• Your reminder should typically arrive in March or April 2027.

3. Texas RT Number

The Texas RT number is used for filing Sales and Use Tax with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

You’re required to file if:

• You lease or sell tangible personal property in the state.
• You sell taxable services in the state.

Alongside this, your RT number can be used to report and pay other miscellaneous state taxes. These include:

• Mixed beverage tax.
• Sales tax surcharge on diesel equipment.
• Tobacco tax.
• 911 surcharge and fees.

Register for the Texas Sales Tax Permit to obtain your RT number. Complete the Texas Sales Tax Registration Application online via the Texas Comptroller’s eSystems portal to apply.

You should receive a Sales Tax Permit (Including your RT number) within 2–3 weeks once your Sales Tax Registration Application is submitted.

Creating A WebFile Account: A Step-By-Step Guide

Your Texas LLC must create an online WebFile Account (Also known as a Texas Comptroller eSystems account) to file its Annual Reports and pay state taxes. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the WebFile login page.
2. Click “Create profile.”
3. Enter your required business and contact information to complete the registration form.
4. Set up your security questions (These are used for account recovery).
5. Check your email for a verification link.
6. Click it to activate your WebFile account.

Once verified, you can log in and complete your Franchise Tax Questionnaire using your FQ number from the Welcome Letter.

How To Complete The Texas Franchise Tax Questionnaire

You must complete and file the Franchise Tax Accountability Questionnaire to obtain your XT number, which you’ll need to file your Texas Annual Reports.

Start by logging into the eSystems (WebFile) portal to start your Franchise Tax Questionnaire in Texas:

1. Visit the WebFile Login page.
2. Enter your new User ID and Password.
3. Click “Login” to continue. This will take you to your eSystems Dashboard.
4. Click “Complete Franchise Tax Accountability Questionnaire” under “eSystems Services.” (Use the search bar to locate it if you don’t see it immediately).

1. Starting The Questionnaire

Follow the steps below to start your questionnaire:

1. Enter your 11-digit Taxpayer number found on your Welcome Letter.
2. Enter your WebFile number (Also on your Welcome Letter). This should begin with “FQ.”
3. Select “Texas Limited Liability Company” as your organization type on the following page.
4. Click “Continue.”

2. Organization Type, Business Mailing Address, And Contact Information

The next section is split into three parts. You must complete each one before moving on.

a. Organization Information

Provide your LLC’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if applicable.

b. Mailing Address

In this next section, you should see your LLC’s current mailing address in the upper-left section of the screen.

Leave your “Mailing address” fields blank if everything is correct.

Complete the section with your new information if anything is incorrect or needs changing.

c. Contact Information

In the last part of this section, enter your personal contact information in the required fields (First and last name, email address, and phone number).

After this, check “Yes” or “No” in the International Phone option.

Click “Continue” to proceed to the next step when all required information is complete.

3. NAICS Filter

An NAICS Code is used to identify your LLC’s primary business activities. This is used for both state and federal reporting.

• Enter your NAICS Code directly if you already know it.
• Select the option that best describes your business from the list provided if you don’t.

Click “Continue” to go to the next step.

4. Permits, Licenses, And Tax Accounts

In this section, list the relevant tax licenses, permits, and any other accounts already registered with the Texas Comptroller.

Note: You may not have any existing permits or accounts if this is the first time you’re setting up your account or you’ve recently formed your LLC.

Click “Continue” to move to the next section.

5. Confirm Set-Up (Review)

In this section, review the information entered carefully.

• Click “Edit” if you need to make any changes to the relevant sections.
• Click “Submit questionnaire” if everything is accurate.

6. Application Approval

Once received, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will review and process your application. This information is used to complete the setup of your Franchise Tax account and generate your official XT number.

Filing Your Texas LLC Annual Reports

You must file your Texas Annual Report to maintain your good standing with the state. This requires your XT number (Provided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts) to complete your filing online.

Texas has two Annual Report Types:

1. Public Information Report (PIR).
2. Franchise Tax Report.

You only need to file the Public Information Report (PIR) if your LLC earns less than $2.47 million in annual revenue.

Read my detailed guide on How To File the PIR for Texas LLC to find out more.

You must file both reports (Public Information Report (PIR) and Franchise Tax Report) if your LLC earns more than $2.47 million in annual revenue.

You can read my article for full instructions: How To File The Franchise Tax Report For Texas LLC.

1. Your Annual Report Due Date

Your Public Information Report (PIR) and Franchise Tax Return (If applicable) are due by May 15 in the year following your LLC’s approval.

Example: Your LLC was approved in May 2026

For example, if your LLC was approved in May 2026, your first PIR (And Franchise Tax Return, if required) will be due by May 15, 2027.

After that, these reports are due every year on May 15th.

The Texas Comptroller’s Contact Information

If you did not receive your Welcome Letter, Annual Report Reminder, or any of the identification numbers discussed above, contact the Texas Comptroller’s Office at 512-463-4402.

Visit the Texas Comptroller’s Contact Directory on their official website for additional contact options and department information.

Frequently Asked Questions