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How To Register Business In Houston Texas

Starting an LLC in Texas is Easy

To start a Texas LLC, you'll need to file the Certificate of Germination with the Texas Secretary of Land, with a filing fee of $300. Yous can utilise online or past mail. The Certificate of Formation is the legal document that officially creates your Texas LLC.

Follow our step-by-stride How to Start an LLC in Texas guide to get started today. Y'all can learn more nearly LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide.

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Pace 1. Name Your Texas LLC

Choosing a visitor name is the start and most important step in starting your LLC in Texas. Be certain to choose a proper noun that complies with Texas naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines for a Texas LLC:

  • Your name must include the phrase "limited liability company," or one of its abbreviations or words: "LLC, L.Fifty.C., Limited, Ltd., Company or Co."
  • Your proper noun cannot include words that could misfile your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, Country Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed private, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be function of your LLC.
  • For a complete listing of naming rules in Texas, yous can read the Texas Secretary of Country's guidelines.

2. Is the name available in Texas? Make certain the proper noun you desire isn't already taken by doing a name search on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.

To learn more almost searching for a Texas LLC name, read our total guide.

3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check online to see if your business organisation name is available equally a web domain. Even if you lot don't plan to create a business website today, you lot may want to purchase the URL in gild to prevent others from acquiring information technology.

Later securing a domain name for your LLC, consider setting up a business organization phone service to plant farther brownie and ameliorate customer satisfaction. Telephone.com offers a variety of helpful features such every bit unlimited voice and video callings, a convenient mobile app, and more. Try Phone.com today.

Non sure what to name your business? Cheque out our LLC Name Generator. After you go your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using our Complimentary Logo Generator.

FAQ: Naming an LLC in Texas

What is an LLC?

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LLC is short for Limited Liability Company. It is a unproblematic business organization structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read "What is a Limited Liability Company?" for more data.

Watch our two infinitesimal video: What is an LLC?

Practice I need to get a DBA or Trade Proper noun for my business concern?

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Most LLCs practice not need a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company'south brand proper name and you can accept checks and other payments under that proper noun likewise. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to bear business under another name.

To Learn more about DBAs in your country, read our How to File a DBA in Texas guide.

Stride 2. Cull a Registered Amanuensis in Texas

You are required to appoint a Registered Agent for your Texas LLC.

What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important revenue enhancement forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business organisation. Think of your registered agent equally your business' betoken of contact with the state.

Who can exist a Registered Agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Texas or a corporation, such as a registered amanuensis service, authorized to conduct business in the land of Texas. Yous may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

A Registered Agent must consent to Appointment in written or electronic grade. The statement of consent should include:

  1. The name of your LLC
  2. An limited statement that the person designated consents to serve every bit the LLC's registered agent
  3. The proper noun of the person designated every bit registered amanuensis
  4. The signature of the registered amanuensis
  5. The date of execution

The consent argument does not take to be filed with the secretarial assistant of state. For in-depth data on this requirement, as well equally a fillable consent form, view the Acceptance of Consent Grade 401-A.

To learn more near Texas Registered Agents, read our full guide.

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Recommended: ZenBusiness provides the first year of registered agent service gratis with LLC formation ($39 + State Fees)

FAQ: Nominating a Texas Registered Agent

Tin I be my own Registered Agent?

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Yes. Y'all or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your LLC. Read well-nigh being your own registered agent.

STEP 3. File The Texas LLC Certificate of Germination

To annals your Texas LLC, you lot'll need to file Form 205 - Certificate of Germination with the Texas Secretary of State. Yous tin can apply online, by postal service, or in person.

When filing your Document of Germination, yous'll need to land whether your LLC volition be member-managed vs. manager-managed.

OPTION one: File Form 205 Online with the Secretary of State

File Online

- OR -

Pick two: File the Certificate of Germination past Mail

Download Form


Land Filing Cost: $300, payable to the Secretarial assistant of State. (Nonrefundable)

Mail to:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711

Submit In-Person:
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701

Fax: (512) 463-5709

For help with completing the course, visit our Texas Certificate of Formation guide.

Texas LLC Formation Document

If you lot're expanding your existing LLC to the state of Texas, you'll need to register as a Strange LLC.

FAQ: Filing Texas LLC Documents

What is the processing time to form my LLC in Texas?

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3 business days online, 5 to 7 by mail.

What is the difference betwixt a domestic Texas LLC and foreign LLC?

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An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when information technology conducts business in the state where information technology was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC nosotros are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state. If you are filing every bit a Foreign Texas LLC read our guide for more information.

STEP 4. Create a Texas LLC Operating Understanding

An operating agreement, known in Texas equally a visitor agreement, isn't required for Texas LLCs, just it's a good exercise to accept one.

What is an operating understanding? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more data on operating agreements, read our Texas LLC operating understanding guide.

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FAQ: Creating a Texas LLC Operating Understanding

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the Land of Texas?

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No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for hereafter reference. However, many states exercise legally require LLCs to take an operating agreement in identify.

STEP 5. Get an EIN for your Texas LLC

What is an EIN? The Employer Identification Number (EIN), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or Federal Revenue enhancement Identification Number (FTIN), is a ix-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Organization (IRS); an Employer ID Number is used to identify a business entity and keep rails of a business's tax reporting. It is substantially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why exercise I demand an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

  • To open up a business organization bank account for the company
  • For Federal and State tax purposes
  • To hire employees for the company

Where exercise I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of accuse) past the business concern owner after forming the company. This tin be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: Y'all do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more hither.

Choice 1: Asking an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

- OR -

Option 2: Apply for an EIN past Mail or Fax

Download Class


Country Filing Cost: $300, payable to the Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999


Fee: Gratuitous

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How practice I get an EIN if I don't have a Social Security number?

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An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You tin only fill out IRS Form SS-4 and exit section 7b blank. Then telephone call the IRS at 267-941-1099 to complete your EIN application. Read our guide for international EIN applicants.

What revenue enhancement structure should I choose for my LLC?

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When you obtain an EIN, you volition exist informed of the different taxation classification options that are bachelor. Well-nigh LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing Due south corporation status. Nosotros recommend consulting with a local accountant to notice out which pick is best for you.

Practice I need an EIN for my LLC?

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All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than ane member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why nosotros recommend always getting an EIN and how to get 1 for free in our Practise I Demand an EIN for an LLC guide.

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Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?

We reviewed and ranked the top 5 LLC formation services. Find out which is best for you lot.

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Important Steps After Forming an LLC

Carve up Your Personal and Business Assets

When your personal and business concern accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your dwelling house, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the outcome your Texas LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing the corporate veil.

You tin commencement protecting your LLC in Texas with these steps:

1. Opening a business organization banking concern account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your visitor's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Need help finding your EIN for your depository financial institution application? Visit our EIN Lookup guide for help.

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Recommended: Read our All-time Banks for Minor Business concern review to find the best national bank, credit union, business-loan friendly banks, i with many brick-and-mortar locations, and more than.

2. Getting a business organisation credit menu:

  • Helps categorize and dissever all business expenses for end-of-yr tax purposes.
  • Helps build your business credit score — an essential step toward getting a line of credit or business organisation loans in the future.
  • Allows you to keep track of department expenses by issuing multiple cards (with multiple budgets) to your employees.

For a closer look at business credit cards and their benefits, check out our review of the best minor business credit cards.

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Recommended: Visit Divvy to apply for their business credit card and build your business organization credit speedily.

Utilize With Divvy

For other important steps to protect your corporate veil, like properly signing legal documents and documenting company concern, please read our corporate veil commodity.

three. Hiring a business accountant:

  • Prevents your concern from overpaying on taxes while helping you lot avert penalties, fines, and other costly tax errors.
  • Makes accounting and payroll easier, leaving y'all with more fourth dimension to focus on your growing business.
  • Manages your concern funding more effectively, discovering areas of unforeseen loss or actress profit

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For more business accounting tools, read our guide to the best business accounting software.

Go Business Insurance for Your LLC

Business insurance helps you manage risks and focus on growing your LLC. The near mutual types of business organisation insurance are:

  • General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business organization from lawsuits. About pocket-sized businesses get general liability insurance.
  • Professional person Liability Insurance: A concern insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers claims of malpractice and other concern errors.
  • Workers' Bounty Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees' job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths.

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Read our review of the all-time modest business insurance companies.

Create Your Website

Creating a website is a large step in legitimizing your business concern. Every business needs a website. Even if yous think that your concern is too pocket-sized or in an offline industry, if yous don't have a website, you are missing out on a large percentage of potential customers and revenue.

Some may fearfulness that creating a business website is out of their achieve because they don't have any website-building experience. While this may take been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web engineering has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of pocket-size business organisation owners much simpler.

Here are the principal reasons why you shouldn't filibuster building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not affair when it comes to getting your business concern online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn concern profiles are non a replacement for a business concern website that you own and control.
  • Website architect tools similar the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely uncomplicated. Y'all don't need to hire a spider web developer or designer to create a website that y'all can be proud of.

Using our website edifice guides, the procedure will be uncomplicated and painless and shouldn't accept you lot any longer than 2-3 hours to consummate.

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Ship Out a Printing Release

Press releases are amidst the easiest and best ways to promote your business organisation. They are as well one of the most toll-effective strategies as they:

  • Provides publicity
  • Establish your brand presence on the web
  • Improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO), driving more customers to your website
  • Are a onetime toll in terms of effort and coin
  • Have long-lasting benefits

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Continue Your Company Compliant

Texas Business organisation Permits & Licenses

Exercise I need business licenses and permits?

To operate your LLC in Texas you must comply with federal, country, and local authorities regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Brand sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.

Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.

Observe out how to obtain necessary Texas business organisation licenses and permits for your LLC or have a professional service do it for you:

  • Business License Guide: Use our detailed Texas Concern License guide.
  • Federal: Apply the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
  • Land: Apply for or acquire more well-nigh licenses, permits and registration with The State of Texas' Work Department.
  • Local: Contact your local county clerk and enquire near local business licenses and permits.

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Recommended: If y'all are a beginning-fourth dimension entrepreneur, consider having a professional service inquiry your business'south licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review on Startup Savant.

Texas LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Depending on the nature of your concern, you may be required to register for one or more than forms of country tax:

Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical production, you'll typically demand to register for a seller's permit through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

This certificate allows a business concern to collect sales tax on taxable sales.

Sales tax, also chosen "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our Texas sales tax guide to find out more than.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Texas, you volition have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Texas Workforce Commission on behalf of your employees.

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FAQ: Additional Taxes

What is the Texas Annual Report & Franchise Tax?

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There is an Annual Written report & Franchise Taxation for each LLC formed in Texas which varies depending upon your LLC's income, learn more than here.

Federal LLC Taxation Filing Requirements

Virtually LLCs volition demand to report their income to the IRS each year using:

  • Form 1065 Partnership Return (near multi-member LLCs use this form)
  • Class 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs utilize this class)

How you pay yourself every bit an owner will besides affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more almost how to pay yourself from your LLC.

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Read our LLC Tax Guide to larn more than well-nigh federal income taxes for LLCs.

Texas Annual Written report & Franchise Tax

LLCs in Texas are required to file an almanac report and Franchise Tax with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. These tin merely be filed online at the Texas Comptroller website. Y'all volition need to create an online account to consummate the filing process.

File Online with the State of Texas

File Online

Fee: Complimentary

Tax Calculation: LLCs with annualized revenue below $one,130,000 do not pay any tax, but must file a "no revenue enhancement due report." LLCs with annualized acquirement greater than $1,130,000 pay a graduated taxation that is calculated based on a complex formula.

Due Date: Due by May fifteen each twelvemonth. Reports practice not need to be filed in the same year that an LLC is formed. If your LLC was formed in March 2018, then your start study is due on May xv, 2019.

Late Filings: Texas charges a $50 penalty for failure to file on time (whether or not y'all have tax due). Additionally, a late taxation payment is field of study to a 5% penalty fee, which increases to 10% if y'all pay after 30 days.

Recommendation: The Texas Almanac Report and Franchise Tax are complex, visit the Texas Comptroller website for more than data.

Avoid Automatic Dissolution

LLCs may face fines and fifty-fifty automatic dissolution when they miss one or more state filings. When this happens, LLC owners risk loss of limited liability protection. A quality registered amanuensis service tin can help preclude this outcome past notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines, and fifty-fifty submitting reports on your behalf for an additional fee.

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Recommended: ZenBusiness offers a reliable registered agent service and excellent customer support. Learn more by reading our ZenBusiness Review.

Hiring Employees

If you lot plan to hire employees for your Texas LLC, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

  • Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
  • Written report employees as "new hires" to the State
  • Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
  • Withhold employee taxes
  • Impress compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your work space

Find more information at the Texas Workforce Commission website.

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FAQ: Hiring Employees

What is the minimum wage in Texas?

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The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 per hour.

How often do I need to pay employees?

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Texas requires employees who are not-exempt from overtime to exist paid semi-monthly. Employees that are exempt from overtime can exist paid on a monthly ground.

Small Business Resource

Get Aid Starting a Business in Texas

We understand that creating an LLC in Texas and getting your business upwards and running comes with many challenges. To help you succeed, we compiled the best local resources in every major metro surface area in Texas. You can go gratuitous assist in the following areas:

Austin | Corpus Christi | Dallas | El Paso

Houston | Lubbock | San Antonio

Small Concern Trends

Learn almost the current US business trends so you can make the most informed business decisions.

Women in Business Tools and Resources

If you lot have a adult female-owned business organisation, many resources are bachelor to aid you concentrate on your business'due south growth:

  • Funding - (ie. grants, investors, loans)
  • Events - (ie. conferences, meetups)
  • Guides - (ie. business germination, personal growth)
  • Support - (ie. communication, communities, concern strategies)

Our data and tools volition provide educational sources, let you to connect with other women entrepreneurs, and help you manage your business with ease.

Costless LLC Legal Forms

TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms to assistance with creating documents similar:

  • Operating agreements
  • LLC resolutions
  • Hiring documents, including:
    • Employment contracts
    • Independent contractor service agreements (ICSA)
    • Not-disclosure agreements (NDA)

All y'all'll need to do to download the forms is sign up for the TRUiC Business Centre, which is also gratis, forever.

How to Build Business Credit

Learning how to build business credit can help you get credit cards and other concern funding options in your business organisation'south proper noun (instead of yours), with better interest rates, higher lines of credit, and more.

TRUiC's Pocket-size Concern Tools

TRUiC believes business tools should exist free and useful. Our tools aid solve business challenges, from finding an idea for your business concern, to creating a business concern plan, writing an operating understanding for your LLC, and more.

Check out TRUiC's small business tools:

  • Business Name Generator
  • Business Idea Generator
  • Free Logo Maker
  • Operating Agreement Tool
  • Business Plan Generator
  • Entrepreneur Quiz

More Texas LLC Information

Texas Foreign LLCs

Forming a foreign LLC allows your visitor to operate as ane entity in multiple states. If you have an existing LLC and want to practise business in Texas, you will need to register every bit a foreign LLC. This can be washed past mail service or online.

OPTION 1: File Online with the Secretary of State

File Online

- OR -

Option 2: File by Postal service

Download Form


Fee: $750 (Nonrefundable)

Mail to:
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711

Submit In-Person:
James Earl Rudder Role Building
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701

Fax: 512-463-5709

How to Obtain a Certificate of Proficient Standing in Texas

A Certificate of Expert Standing, known in Texas equally a Document of Status, verifies that your LLC in Texas was legally formed and has been properly maintained. Several instances where you might need to get i include:

  • Seeking funding from banks or other lenders
  • Forming your business equally a foreign LLC in another state
  • Obtaining or renewing specific business organisation licenses or permits

You can order a Texas LLC Certificate of Status online.

Request a Texas Certificate of Status Online

Request Online

Fee: $15 (Nonrefundable)

How to Dissolve an LLC in Texas

If at whatsoever point in the hereafter you no longer wish to carry business concern with your LLC, information technology is important to officially dissolve information technology. Failure to exercise so in a timely fashion tin issue in tax liabilities and penalties, or even legal trouble. To dissolve your Texas LLC, there are two broad steps:

  • Close your business organisation revenue enhancement accounts
  • File the Manufactures of Dissolution

When you are fix to deliquesce your LLC, follow the steps in our Texas LLC Dissolution Guide.

Land of Texas Quick Links

Cardinal Terms for Entrepreneurs

LLC: An LLC is a US business construction that offers the personal liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a sole proprietorship or partnership.

DBA: A DBA, or doing business as name, is whatsoever proper name a business operates under that isn't its legal name.

Partnership: A partnership is an breezy business structure endemic past more than one private that doesn't provide personal liability protection.

Source: https://howtostartanllc.com/texas-llc

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