TX Business Facts
The “Lone Star State” earned its nickname as a reminder of its struggle for independence from Mexico. It is the second-most populous state in the US, with approximately 29 million people.
Houston is the largest city in Texas, with about 2.3 million people. It is the fourth largest in the United States.
Six different flags have flown over Texas during its history.
Texas produces more crude oil than any other state.
Texas is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, created by pharmacist Charles Alderton in 1885.
Texas Business Statistics
Texas is home to over a dozen companies on the Fortune 100 “Best companies to work for” list. Small Business make up over 45% of all jobs in The Lone Star State.
Major Companies in Texas
Exxon Mobil, AT&T, Texas Instruments, American Airlines Group, GameStop, Alliance Data Systems, Tenet Healthcare and others all find their homes here.
Texas Startup Environment
The tech boom continues in Austin and Dallas, and other major corporations are also moving to Texas, such as Tesla, HP and Oracle.
There are 3 basic options: a DBA, a Corporation or an LLC. Click here to learn more about business entities.
Picking a business name is easier said than done – many legal and business problems can arise from picking the wrong name (you can always change it later but the less times you have to do that, the better).
TIP: search misspellings, plurals, variations of spelling, sound-alikes and other versions of your chosen name to be sure it’s not already registered.
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.
DBA’s in Texas are filed with the County in which the business is located.
Sure, you could do all the steps above or you could spend 5-10 minutes on our order form and let us take care of it while you work on more important things.
Your EIN is like your Social Security Number for your company. 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.
TIP: We will obtain your EIN for you if you we form your company.
To keep business and personal expenses separate, you should open a separate account for your business. In addition, getting business credit cards is how you begin to build a company credit profile (corporation or LLC required) and can later qualify for larger loans and lines of credit. 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.).
TIP: Our business formation service includes a free banking resolution for your use.
Setup your Accounting and Record-keeping system and learn about the taxes your new company is responsible for paying.
Company documents generally are required to be kept for 3 years, including: a list of all owners and addresses, copies of all formation documents, financial statements, annual reports, amendments or changes to the company. All Tax and Corporate Filings should be kept for at least 3 years. View our “Accounting & Financial Management” section for help with setting up an accounting system and purchasing accounting software.
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.
TIP: We work with a company that can obtain and prepare business licenses and permits for you. Click here to learn more.
If you intend to hire yourself or others as a full or part-time employee of your company, then you may have to register with the appropriate State Agencies or obtain Workers Compensation Insurance or Unemployment Insurance (or both). View our “Employees & Payroll” section for help with hiring employees and processing payroll.
There are many types of insurance for businesses but they are usually packaged as “General Business Insurance” or a “Business Owner’s Policy”. This can cover everything from product liability to company vehicles. A decent policy can run as little as $300/year and offers a great extra level of protection. Click here to view our preferred provider of business insurance online.
Prepare the business as if someone needed to take it over and run it for you. This means have a method to process orders, pay bills, pay employees, pay taxes, maintain your permits, etc. Basically, try to make the operational aspect of the business as automated and efficient as possible so you can concentrate on growing your business. View our “Manage Your Company” section for help with systemizing and automating your business.
Now that you’ve set-up the company for success, you need to get the word out. Create a marketing plan for your products and services that targets your ideal customer. View our “Marketing & Sales” section for help for more information.
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.
Texas State Taxation Departments
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Texas State Labor and Employment Departments
Texas Department of Economic Development
Texas Startup Resources
1. Texas Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration (SBA) Texas State District Office
2. SCORE Mentors
SCORE is made up of active and retired business people who volunteer their time to support startup businesses. From coaching to funding resources, finding a local SCORE mentor can save precious time and money.
3. Texas State Legal Statutes:
4. Texas State Chambers of Commerce
5. Angel.co Texas State Startups
6. Texas Business News
7. Texas State Small Business Development Center
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