Texas business owners who need a filing processed in a hurry can now pay for same-day or next-day service online, the Texas Secretary of State's office and Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday.
The expedited service, called Texas Express, already existed for time-sensitive filings, according to Secretary of State Robert Howden. What is new is that customers can request it online through SOSPortal, the office's business filing system.
Three speeds, three prices
According to the Secretary of State's Texas Express page, the tiers work this way:
- Same-day: Filings received by noon are processed by the close of business that day. The fee is $750 per document, on top of the regular filing fee.
- Next-day: Filings received by noon are processed by the close of the next business day, for $500 per document plus the filing fee.
- Standard expedited: Filings move ahead of regular submissions and are typically handled within two to three business days, for $50 per document plus the filing fee.
Same-day and next-day requests can be made online or in person at the office at 400 W. 15th St. in Austin. Standard expedited processing is also available by mail, with a cover letter that includes an email address, phone number and the request for expedited handling.
The office cautions that paying for speed does not guarantee a filing will be accepted, because each document is still reviewed against legal requirements. Business days do not include weekends or holidays.
