How To Register Your Small Business In Texas

Individuals and unincorporated entities that do business using an assumed name often referred to as a dba must file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk in each county in which business premises are maintained.

How to register your small business in texas. After you register a business in texas apply for the necessary licenses and permits. Businesses which operate as corporations limited liability companies llc a partnership either limited or limited liability or who are a non profit organization need to register with the state. Your next major task is going to be registering your business with the state of texas. To register a business name in texas you must first check to make sure your name is available by doing a taxable entity search a domain name search and a federal trademark search. Before you can do that though you have to figure out what type of business structure you want to form.

Registering your texas company as a legal business entity such as an llc or a corporation has two major advantages. This state doesn t require a general business license. For most small businesses registering an llc is a great option. Protection from personal liability in the event your business is sued. Determine the appropriate legal structure of the business and file the business name with the state or county.

Business entity registration forms and application 5 doing business as dba. Assuming you ve already worked out your business idea how you re going to fund your company and have at least done a simple business plan these are the steps for starting a business in texas. Contact the business permit office to find out more about licensing requirements. Forms and applications can be found here. As part of its business friendly approach the state of texas and many cities and towns in the state do not mandate a general business license.

Pick a business name. Texas law does not provide for registration of a business s trade name whether that business is incorporated or unincorporated. Your permitting obligations are handled on a city or county level and will vary based upon the nature of your industry business structure and location. If you decide to incorporate register with the secretary of state s office sos. In general sole proprietorships and partnerships need to register with the county clerk s office.

Obtain your federal employer identification number. An llc s corp c corp or sole proprietorship. Then you can read our detailed guide on naming your business. Register your texas business.