How to change a Texas LLC to a PLLC

Name: Copp Law Firm, PC
Price range: $$

To change a Texas LLC to a PLLC, (1) the member(s) authorize the change and (2) the LLC files a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State. The amendment adds the required professional language and updates the name to end in PLLC. The state filing fee is $150, and you keep your existing EIN.

Licensed professionals in Texas generally must use a professional entity, such as a Professional LLC (PLLC), rather than a traditional LLC. If you formed a traditional LLC and now realize you need a PLLC, here's what's involved.

PLLC vs. LLC: What's the difference?

A Professional LLC (PLLC) is a specific type of LLC required for certain licensed professionals. A PLLC is not typically used unless required by law. In general, a PLLC can only be owned by licensed individuals or another professional entity(ies).

Who must use a PLLC?

If your Texas license is in a profession the state treats as a professional service (such as attorneys, physicians, dentists, nurses, psychologists, and veterinarians), your company generally must be a professional entity like a PLLC rather than a regular LLC. Some licensed professionals, including CPAs, architects, engineers, and real estate brokers, can choose either. Your licensing board can override these general rules. See the full list of which Texas licensed professions must use a PLLC.

Steps to convert a Texas LLC to a PLLC

To convert a Texas LLC to a PLLC, you must:

authorize the change;
insert the required PLLC language into the LLC's Certificate of Formation;
update the LLC's operating agreement (recommended, but optional); and
give notice to the IRS (if applicable).

Change My LLC to a PLLC

Do I need a new EIN after converting to a PLLC?

You do not need to obtain a new EIN when converting an LLC to a PLLC. The IRS views this conversion as a minor name change, so you simply need to inform them of the updated name.

What to update after converting to a PLLC

Converting to a PLLC amends your existing LLC. It does not create a new company, so your existing contracts, accounts, and EIN stay with the same entity. You will need to update the name in a few places:

Bank accounts: Give your bank a copy of the filed Certificate of Amendment so it can update the account name.
IRS: Notify the IRS of the name change. You keep the same EIN.
Licensing board: Some boards require the entity to register or report a name change. Check your board's rules.
Insurance: Update the named insured on your professional liability and business policies.
Contracts and leases: Let landlords, vendors, and clients know about the new name. Your existing agreements stay in effect.
Assumed names: If you do business under a DBA, update your assumed name certificate to show the new legal name.
Everything with your name on it: Website, invoices, letterhead, email signatures, signage, and your Google Business Profile.

How much does it cost to convert a Texas LLC to a PLLC?

The cost to convert a Texas LLC to a PLLC is equal to the filing fee of the Certificate of Amendment ($150) plus the service fee if you have someone handle it for you. We charge $500 ($350 + the $150 filing fee) to convert an LLC to a PLLC. This flat fee includes the preparation of the authorizing resolutions, preparation and filing of the Certificate of Amendment, and the preparation of the notice to the IRS.

If you'd like to hire us to convert an existing Texas LLC to a PLLC, you can submit everything we need via this questionnaire. If you’d prefer to discuss first, you can use the following link to schedule a free consultation with me.

Zachary Copp, Esq.

Attorney at Copp Law Firm, PC

Zachary "Zac" Copp is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of the Copp Law Firm, PC. He has been licensed to practice law in Texas for 23 years and has personally formed over 3,750 Texas LLCs since 2015. He was recognized as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers^® for seven straight years. See full bio →