starting a business in texas

• A DBA or “Doing Business As” (also known as a “Fictitious Business Name” or FBN) is not really a separate structure, but just a different name that an individual or partners use as their business name.
• A Corporation is a separate entity (provides liability protection to the owners) that has a structure that includes shareholders, directors and officers. More complex than a DBA but the entity of choice for large companies and startups that intend to raise funding. Some professions are required to choose what is known as a “Professional Corporation” or PC (doctors, lawyers, architects, etc.).
• An LLC or “Limited Liability Company” is a newer type of business that is both a separate entity but provides very easy management (doesn’t require directors or officers) and taxation. Has largely replaced the DBA and Corporation in popularity recently as it provides liability protection but with much less complexity (and taxation) than a Corporation.

Choosing a business name is important, you want to make it easier for your customers to remember it, here are some tips:

1. Avoid hard-to-spell names.
2. Don’t pick a name that could be limiting as your business grows.
3. Conduct a thorough Internet search.
4. Get the .com domain name.
5. Use a name that conveys some meaning.
6. Conduct a trademark search.

How to find a good domain name:

Its hard sometimes to find an available domain name that matches or goes with your business. You can search at http://godaddy.com or other domain name companies, try to find a short domain, two words or three maximum, and make sure its easy to spell.

Each state has it’s own requirements for registering a business. Now that you’ve chosen a business structure and picked your business name, here are the requirements to register your business in Texas.

How to form an LLC in Texas

• Hire a professional Registered Agent.
• File the “Articles of Organization” with the Texas Division of Corporations.
• Optional: Elect S-Corporation status with the IRS by filing IRS Form 2553. Yes, even an LLC can choose to be taxed as an S-Corporation (or even a C-Corporation). TIP: Speak to your tax advisor about this important issue because it adds complexity to your LLC most people would rather avoid.
• Hold an Organizational Meeting to take contributions from the members, issues Member Certificates, adopts the company Operating Agreement and more (yes, even for 1 person LLCs).

How to Incorporate in Texas

• File the “Articles of Incorporation” with the Texas Division of Corporations.
• Hire a professional Registered Agent.
• Optional: Corporations can elect S-Corporation status with the IRS by filing IRS Form 2553. 
• Hold an Organizational Meeting to properly organize the corporation, take contributions from the shareholders, elect directors and officers, issues stock, adopts the Corporate Bylaws and more.

How to File a DBA in Texas

DBA’s in Texas are filed with the County in which the business is located.

• Check your business name by calling the County Recorder or visiting their website (search for “YOURCOUNTY county recorder” should find it).
• Obtain the forms from the county to register your DBA; some counties let you search the name and register online. Here is where you search in Texas. Here is information on filing for a name in Texas.
• File the forms with the County. Some counties require the form to be notarized.

Your EIN is your business’ tax ID number. It’s required for Corporations and LLC’s and optional for DBA’s (if you don’t have any employees, then it’s required). However, if you are a DBA and don’t obtain an EIN you will be forced to use your Social Security Number on many documents so it’s typically recommended you obtain the EIN to prevent identity theft.

To obtain an EIN you can apply online with the IRS or via IRS Form SS-4.

Open a separate account for your business and apply for business credit cards, that way you can start building your business’ credit rating. To open the account simply call your chosen bank and inquire on the steps to open a business bank account. Typically you’ll need a) your filed paperwork b) your EIN c) a company resolution authorizing your company to open the account (signed by the owners, members, officers or directors, etc.).

Top Business Banks in Texas:

• Amegy Bank
• Bank of America
• BBVA Compass Bank
• Branch Banking and Trust
• First National Bank of Texas
• Comerica Bank
• Capital One

Now that you’ve registered your business name you need to obtain a business license for your company – this authorizes your company to do business in your city or county. Typically this also involves registering for state taxes and permits (the city may require them as part of the business licensing process).

The Go Big in Texas website is a great business portal with information covering revenues, services, and business licensing in Texas.

DBA: Your Fictitious Business Name should be valid for 5 years (unless you change company name or other information listed on the FBN) at which point you’ll need to renew it with the county.

LLC: Unlike most states, Texas does not require LLCs to file annual reports. They must file annual tax franchise reports with the CPA instead

Corporation: Every year you’ll need to file the “Statement of Information” or Annual report which updates the state on your business address and other things. There is a $400 late fee for all for-profit corporations who do not make the May 1 deadline.

Franchise Taxes: Texas corporations are required to file an annual report with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, due May 15 every year (or the next business day, if May 15 falls on a holiday). There is a $50 penalty for a late filing of a franchise tax, which is calculated as a percentage of the company’s net income for that year.