Texas Tier II reporting: TCEQ STEERS steps, deadlines and fees

Published by Vertexium Environmental Solutions LLC · Last updated October 9, 2026

Texas facilities file Tier II only through TCEQ's online Tier II Reporting system in STEERS. Annual reports can be started on November 1, submitted from January 1, and are due by March 1 for the previous calendar year. A fee, based on facility type (NAICS) and chemical count, is billed when you submit; federal facilities are exempt.

Who administers it

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) runs the state's Tier II program. All Tier II reports must be submitted through the online Tier II Reporting system in STEERS (TCEQ). Federal thresholds apply (see our threshold guide).

Report types and deadlines

Source: TCEQ, Types of Tier II reports and timelines.

Step by step

1. Set up STEERS access. The person in the Primary role needs TCEQ approval. Preparer and Secondary users are granted access by the Primary role holder (TCEQ). This is how an outside preparer can enter the report while your official certifies.
2. Tier II Core Data. New facilities, or facilities you have taken over, must be linked to your Tier II account in the Core Data application before they appear when you draft a report (TCEQ).
3. Create the report. Every owner/operator files an annual report covering all facilities that store reportable chemicals. Facilities submitted in separate reports don't qualify for fee consolidation (TCEQ).
4. Validate and submit. A submitted report can't be recalled. Changes require a new report, so check it before submitting (TCEQ).
5. Pay. Fees are calculated automatically from NAICS-based facility category and number of chemicals. Pay by card through TCEQ ePay, or wait for a mailed invoice, which can take three to four weeks (TCEQ).
6. Keep the Confirmation of Submittal letter. It is your official record and lists the fee, account number and invoice number.

Common Texas pitfalls

• Waiting until late February to request STEERS access. Approval takes time.
• Splitting facilities into separate reports and losing fee consolidation.
• Forgetting the 90-day initial report when a new chemical crosses a threshold mid-year.
• Submitting with errors. Because reports can't be recalled, a fix means another report.

Questions on the state program go to TCEQ at Tier2Help@tceq.texas.gov (TCEQ).

Sources

1. TCEQ, Tier II Chemical Reporting
2. TCEQ, Step 1: Types of reports and timelines
3. TCEQ, Step 4: How to create a Tier II report
4. TCEQ, Step 5: Paying Tier II fees

Related guides

• Tier II deadline: March 1, and what late filing can cost
• Tier II reporting thresholds, with worked examples
• Tier II reporting: what it is, who files, and when