Once you’ve decided on your business structure, you’ll be able to move forward with the details: choosing a business name, registering your business with proper governing bodies and acquiring tax identification numbers. This information will help get permits, licenses and financing. We recommend that you consult your attorney, accountant and other business advisors as you move through the process of registering your business with the proper regulatory bodies.

In Texas, many of these services are provided to you online through the Secretary of State’s office.

Name Your Business

A key factor to a good business name is its viability. In other words, is it available to use? The names of corporations and LLCs are centrally located in the Comptroller of Public Accounts Business Entity Database. The names for proprietorships and partnerships are registered with the County Clerk’s office in the county the business is located within. At this point, it is also wise to check that the website domain name for your business is available and buy it.

If you are creating a corporation or LLC, you’ll need to register your name with the Secretary of State. You can secure your name at the time of incorporation or pay a fee to reserve your name if you aren’t ready to incorporate, yet.

Simply ensuring a name’s availability in the moment does not mean it will still be available when you move to incorporate. Confirm your intended name has been reserved or registered before you begin opening bank accounts or ordering business cards.

Register Your Business

First, every corporation or LLC in Texas requires a Registered Agent with a physical street address. You can hire a professional registered agent who will forward any important documents to you.

Corporations, LLCs, LPs and LLPs can file “Articles of Organization” documents online with the Texas Division of Corporations via SOSDirect. At this time, a corporation will need to incorporate by also submitting the “Articles of Incorporation”.

For businesses registering as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you’ll need to register with the Williamson County Clerk’s Office by filing an assumed name certificate (DBA). The completed form will need to be notarized and submitted in person.

Williamson County Clerk’s Office
Williamson County Justice Center
405 Martin Luther King St.,
Georgetown, TX 78626-4901
(512) 943-1100.

Get Tax ID Numbers

Federal Taxes
Your Federal Tax ID Number, also called an Employee Identification Number (EIN), is mandatory for all corporations and LLCs and optional for DBAs. If you choose not to obtain one for your proprietorship, you’ll have to use your own Social Security Number on documents, though. You can apply for your tax ID number online with the IRS.

State and Local Taxes
Your business may need to apply for a Texas Sales Tax Permit if you are selling or leasing “tangible personal property” or selling “taxable services”. You can apply for the permit online with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

You may also be subject to the Texas Franchise Tax. You can click here to find out if you’ll need to apply for a Franchise Tax permit.

Once you’ve submitted your application, the Texas Comptroller’s office will issue your business a state tax payer ID. This could take two to three weeks.