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Form 1295 (Texas Certificate of Interested Parties)

Form 1295 is a Texas disclosure that a business must file with the Texas Ethics Commission and give to a county when signing certain contracts, such as those that need a vote of the commissioners court or are worth at least $1 million.

Under Texas Government Code 2252.908, a business entity must file Form 1295 for contracts that:

  • need a vote or other action of the governing body (for a county, the commissioners court) before signing,
  • are worth at least $1 million, or
  • are for services that would need lobbyist registration.

How to file

  1. Create a filer account in the Texas Ethics Commission's online application (business entities use the CERT-BUS filer type).
  2. Enter the contract details and the "interested parties" (people with a controlling interest, and intermediaries).
  3. Print the form with its certification number.
  4. Have an authorized agent sign it and submit it to the county with the signed contract.

The county then acknowledges the form in the Ethics Commission's system within 30 days after the contract is binding. Missing or wrong Form 1295s delay contract signing, so prepare it as soon as you learn you've won.

Questions

Do I file Form 1295 with my bid?

Usually it is required when you submit the signed contract, not with the bid, but some counties ask for it earlier. Follow the bid's instructions.

Does Form 1295 cost anything?

No. It is filed free through the Texas Ethics Commission's online system.

Sources

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change; check the current statute and the bid documents.