If you want to start an LLC in Texas, there are numerous factors to consider. Starting your own business is one of the most exciting and profitable things you can do in Texas. But where do you start? Follow our comprehensive guide on How to Start a Business in Texas. We will assist you in removing doubt from the process and investigate your success chances. It will begin with defining your business idea and progress to establishing, launching, and expanding your business. Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you every step of the way!
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What Business to Start in Texas?
If you’re looking to start a business in Texas, consider starting a limited liability company (LLC). LLCs offer personal liability protection for their owners while also providing the flexibility of a partnership or sole proprietorship. Beyond that, here is the list of businesses to consider in Texas.
- Real Estate Business
- Gift Shop
- Coffee Shop
- Cleaning Service
- Daycare center
Whatever business you choose to start, it’s important to conduct thorough market research and create a solid business plan before diving in. We reviewed some of the Best LLC Services and provided features as an add-on with their packages for you to check out.
Starting a business can be a challenging but highly rewarding endeavor. By taking the time to research and plan, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you choose to form a corporation or start an LLC in Texas, it’s important to surround yourself with a strong team that will guide you. Don’t let fear hold you back, take that first step towards turning your business dreams into a reality.
– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM
How to Start a Business in Texas?
To form a business in Texas, you must follow a few steps that include creating a business plan, choosing a business entity type, determining your business costs, naming your business, registering a business, and lastly, marketing your business.
Please continue reading to learn more about the overall procedure and what new small business owners should keep in mind as they complete each step.
Step 1: Creating a Business Plan
When developing a business plan, many factors should be considered during the decision-making process. Your business plan in Texas serves as a road map for your company’s success.
A business plan should take into account the specific goals of your company. You should know the product or service you will provide in Texas. A well-thought-out business plan is essential for determining how your company will make a profit. If the purpose of the business plan is ambiguous and unrelated to the service you provide, it will impact the business you are forming. Make sure your business goals are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound). Also, researching your competitors’ services will help you determine your strategy for your state business. Finally, you should consider your company’s funding.
With this article’s assistance, you can better comprehend your business’s essential components and success strategy. You can apply for Texas Small Business Loans from banks and investor funding to help support your company in Texas.
Once you have the entire plan in your hands, you can work on the legal framework of your company. Legally, you can form an LLC for your ideal business.
Step 2: Choose a Business Entity in Texas
Selecting a business entity for your Texas company. When starting your own business, you must choose a business structure. How well your personal assets are secured, how much tax you pay, and how much paperwork you have to deal with will all be significantly impacted by the type of corporate entity you choose. Consider setting up a corporation, LLC, LLP, or sole proprietorship as your business entity in Texas.
Sole Proprietorships
Consider a sole proprietorship if you want to start a business in Texas by yourself. A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure in which a single individual owns and operates the entire business. The owner and the business are considered the same legal entity in a sole proprietorship. There is no legal distinction between the owner and the business, meaning that the owner has complete control over the business operations, profits, and losses.
Sole proprietorships are best suited for Texas small businesses with low risks and for individuals who want to maintain complete control over their business without the complexities of establishing a separate legal entity.
Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure that combines features of both partnerships and corporations, offering limited liability protection to its owners (called members) while allowing flexibility in management and taxation. An LLC is a separate legal entity from its owners, meaning the members are not personally liable for the business’s debts, obligations, or liabilities.
It is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses that want the liability protection of a corporation while maintaining management flexibility and simpler tax treatment. It’s essential to consult with a legal or financial professional to determine if an LLC is the best choice for your specific business situation.
Limited Liability Partnership
A limited liability partnership (LLP) is comparable to an LLC. However, it is usually used by licensed business professionals like attorneys or accountants. A partnership agreement is necessary for this kind of business entity. You can form an LLP in Texas if you are planning to.
Corporation
Forming a Corporation in Texas reduces your personal liability for business debts as an LLC does. A corporation is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its owners, known as shareholders. It is created under the laws of the state it is incorporated in and is considered a separate “person” under the law. The corporation can enter into contracts, own property, sue and be sued, and pay taxes separately from its owners.
A corporation can be taxed as an S-corporation (S-Corp) or a C-corporation (C-Corp). If a small corporation satisfies certain Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standards, then S-corporation status is available, providing pass-through taxation. However, most larger businesses and startups seeking venture financing are taxed as C-corps.
To choose the right business structure in Texas, consider personal liability protection, taxation, management flexibility, administrative requirements, and setup costs. Consult a legal or financial professional to help you make the best decision.
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Step 3: Determine your Texas Business Cost
In Texas, you should determine the cost of your business. You should consider paying the Certificate of Formation fee, business licenses fee, office supplies and equipment, payroll, rent, utilities, transportation, and taxes.
Usually, filing an initial Texas Certificate of Formation fee costs $300, while the LLC annual fee costs $0 because it is not mandatory in Texas. In terms of filing Texas Certificate of Formation – For Profit Corporation, the costs usually range up to $300 for filing online, by mail, in person filing, or by Fax.
If forming an LLC is your ideal business, consider knowing the LLC Cost in Texas.
Step 4: Name your Business in Texas
Naming your business doesn’t take a lot of time. With the help of Texas Business Name Search, you can acquire a name for your business. If you form an LLC in Texas, you must follow the below rules while naming your business-
- The name should not be confused with a government entity.
- The name should be unique.
- The name should be available to use.
- Any other business does not use the name.
- The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company.
In Texas, if you do not wish to file your business right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your business name. You must file a name reservation application in the Texas Secretary of State to keep the name.
If the business name is available, you may choose to reserve it for a specific period of 120 days. The online name reservation fee is $40 and the mail name reservation fee is $40. If your business plans to operate under a name other than its legal name, you may also need to register a fictitious or “doing business as” (DBA) name.
The DBA filing can be done in two methods, by mail and in person, which you can file in Texas Secretary of State. You can check out how to file a DBA in Texas for clearer understanding.
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Step 5: Register Texas Business
To register a business in Texas, you need to file it with the Texas Secretary of State. Before that, you must have a Texas Registered Agent for your business. The Registered Agent is a person who is responsible for receiving important legal documents on your behalf.
You can serve as your own Registered Agent, or you can appoint a friend or family member, or you can check the Best Registered Agent Services in Texas.
Apply For Certificate of Formation
After you have a Registered Agent, you need to file the Texas Certificate of Formation, if you want to have an LLC structure, or you need to file the Texas Certificate of Formation – For Profit Corporation if you want to have a Corporation.
Request For an EIN
In addition to the paperwork, your Registered Agent should apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in Texas. An EIN will serve as the tax ID for your professional corporation. EIN can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. EIN, however, is distinct from SSN. It is only used for business-related activities, particularly for submitting general taxes. The form must be completed and uploaded to the IRS website. You can obtain the EIN for free from the IRS.
The application of an EIN in Texas can be through the following:
- Apply Online- The online EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN.
- Apply by Fax- Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 application to the appropriate fax number), after ensuring that Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
- Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is four weeks.
- Apply by Telephone (for International Applicants)– International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.
After you have your EIN number, you can benefit in several ways. It will give your LLC the absolute advantage necessary to operate at full capacity without encountering legal or judicial issues.
Recommended: Professional services have the EIN included in their LLC formation package. We recommend using –
LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fee for LLC formation)
Step 6: Apply for Business License and Permit
Business licenses and operating permits are necessary to run any business in Texas. Before launching your new business, request any required business license or permission. Most Texas businesses need licenses or permits to operate. Federal, state, and local governments may all require businesses to have licenses and permits. The business license fee depends on the type of license you are applying for. It can start from $25 till going up to $100+. However, in Texas, the business license fee ranges from $50 – $300.
Step 7: Obtain a Bank Account
Your business dealings in Texas might be simpler with a US business bank account because it boosts your company’s legitimacy and liquidity. Opening a separate bank account for your Texas business is essential for maintaining a clear separation between your personal and business finances.
You can check out the Best Banks in Texas, which offers the best fees, services, and convenience for your business needs.
Step 8: Market your Business in Texas
Now that your Texas business is registered, you can market it with an ideal marketing plan. An ideal marketing plan can help a start-up business to become known. Making a comprehensive social media network like META, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube falls within this category. While creating an SEO campaign for your company website, you may also look at specialized communities on Facebook and LinkedIn.
FAQs
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Why You Should Start Business in Texas
One of the biggest draws for businesses looking to set up shop in Texas is the state’s competitive tax environment. Texas imposes no personal income tax, meaning that entrepreneurs can keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. Additionally, the state offers numerous tax incentives and breaks for businesses in various industries, making it an attractive place to do business. With more money in your pocket, you’ll have the financial freedom to invest in your business and drive growth and success.
But it’s not just the tax advantages that make Texas a great place to start a business. The Lone Star State also boasts a diverse and thriving economy that is conducive to business growth and success. With major industries such as energy, technology, healthcare, and agriculture driving the state’s economy, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses of all sizes and types to thrive. Whether you’re a tech startup looking to tap into Silicon Hills in Austin or a healthcare company seeking to expand in the thriving medical center in Houston, Texas has something to offer everyone.
In addition to its strong economy, Texas also provides a business-friendly environment that makes it easy for companies to establish and grow their operations. The state ranks consistently high in terms of business friendliness, with streamlined regulations and minimal red tape making it easy for entrepreneurs to get their businesses up and running quickly. From obtaining permits to hiring employees, starting a business in Texas is a straightforward and hassle-free process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: growing your business and achieving your goals.
Texas is also home to a highly skilled and educated workforce, making it an attractive location for businesses seeking top talent. The state boasts numerous universities and colleges that produce graduates with a wide range of skills and expertise, ensuring that businesses have access to the talent they need to succeed. Additionally, Texas has a strong culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, with a supportive ecosystem of business incubators, accelerators, and networking events that can help startups and small businesses thrive.
Finally, the quality of life in Texas is second to none, with a low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and a warm and welcoming community that make it a great place to live and work. From the bustling cities of Dallas and Austin to the charming towns of San Antonio and Fort Worth, Texas offers something for everyone, whether you’re a city dweller or a nature enthusiast. With its vibrant culture, diverse population, and sunny weather, Texas is a place where you can work hard, play hard, and live life to the fullest.
In conclusion, Texas is a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start or grow their companies. With its competitive tax environment, diverse economy, business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and high quality of life, Texas has everything you need to succeed in the world of business. If you’re thinking about starting a business, Texas should be at the top of your list. So pack your bags, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality in the Lone Star State.
Conclusion
Starting a business in Texas has unique advantages and challenges since it offers a large and diverse market, access to skilled talent, and numerous networking opportunities, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. However, business owners must also contend with a high cost of living, intense competition, and potentially complex regulations.
Ultimately, whether starting a business in Texas is the right decision depends on the entrepreneur’s specific needs, goals, and industry. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and consider factors such as taxes, regulations, workforce availability, and target market when choosing a location for a new business. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and set themselves up for success in the competitive Texas business landscape.