LegalCostCalculator
Updated May 2026 Side-by-Side

North Dakota vs Texas: Legal Cost Comparison (2026)

Full side-by-side breakdown of legal fees in North Dakota and Texas — LLC formation, divorce filing, small claims limits, and notary fees.

North Dakota
Cheaper LLC
North Dakota
Cheaper Divorce
Texas
Higher SC Limit

LLC Formation Costs: North Dakota vs Texas

North Dakota
Texas

Filing Fee

$135 WIN
$300

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

Annual Report

$50
$0 WIN

✓ Texas is cheaper here

Publication Cost

$0
$0

It's a tie

Franchise Tax

$0
$0

It's a tie

Est. Year-1 Total

$135 WIN
$300

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

North Dakota: North Dakota requires an annual report every year — don't miss the deadline.

Texas: Texas has no annual report fee, but foreign qualification costs $750. The $300 formation fee is offset by zero ongoing costs for most small LLCs.

North Dakota: Moderate fees and low business competition in many sectors.

Texas: No state income tax, no annual report fee, massive economy — one of the best states for small businesses.

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Small Claims Court: North Dakota vs Texas

North Dakota
Texas

Max Claim Limit

$15,000
$20,000 WIN

✓ Texas is cheaper here

Min Filing Fee

$35 WIN
$54

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

Contract SOL

6 yrs WIN
4 yrs

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

Divorce Filing Costs: North Dakota vs Texas

North Dakota
Texas

Filing Fee

$80 WIN
$300

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

Sheriff Service

$30 WIN
$75

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

Children Surcharge

$0 WIN
$20

✓ North Dakota is cheaper here

Notary Fees: North Dakota vs Texas

North Dakota
Texas

Acknowledgment

$5
$10

Jurat

$5
$10

RON Fee

$5
$25
All Legal Costs in North Dakota →
Full breakdown: LLC, divorce, small claims & notary
All Legal Costs in Texas →
Full breakdown: LLC, divorce, small claims & notary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Dakota or Texas cheaper to form an LLC?
North Dakota is cheaper to form an LLC — $135 vs $300. However, consider the full first-year cost including annual report fees: North Dakota year-1 total is $135 vs Texas at $300.
What is the LLC filing fee in North Dakota vs Texas?
The LLC filing fee is $135 in North Dakota vs $300 in Texas. In addition to the one-time filing fee, North Dakota charges a $50 annual report fee and Texas has no annual report fee.
Which state is better for a small business — North Dakota or Texas?
For most small businesses operating in one state, form your LLC in the state where you actually do business. If you operate in North Dakota, form there — registering in Texas and then foreign-qualifying in North Dakota means paying fees to both states. The "form in a cheaper state" strategy mainly benefits online businesses with no physical location.
How do divorce filing fees compare between North Dakota and Texas?
North Dakota has lower divorce filing fees — $80 vs $300. Both states also charge for service of process ($30 in North Dakota, $75 in Texas). You can only file divorce in a state where you or your spouse meets the residency requirement.
What is the small claims limit in North Dakota vs Texas?
The small claims limit is $15,000 in North Dakota vs $20,000 in Texas. Texas allows you to sue for more money without going to regular civil court. Filing fees are $35 in North Dakota and $54 in Texas.