How To Register A Small Business Name In Texas

Step one: Choose a Business Structure

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this construction comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If you would like to employ a service, read our guide on the all-time LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and Full general Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same name as the possessor while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

To use a dissimilar name to carry business, the business possessor(s) must file for a Texas causeless proper noun — also commonly referred to as a doing business organization as (DBA) proper noun.

Stride 2: Check Proper name Availability

When registering a business proper noun, it's important to brand sure it's unique and no one else in your state formed a visitor with information technology or has command of it online as a domain proper noun.

Domain Name Search

Nosotros strongly recommend that you also cheque to run into if your business name is available equally a web domain (URL). Fifty-fifty if you don't program to create a business concern website today, yous may want to purchase the web address to forestall others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available then it's probable the proper noun will besides exist available in a business search.

Find a Domain Now

Texas Business Name Search

Next, search the Texas taxable entity search tool. This is an important pace in the procedure because your filing will be denied if you lot endeavor to file for a proper noun already in apply.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA proper name for any business structure.

A state-level proper noun search isn't required for informal concern structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Texas. Only, if you lot decide to register a trade proper name or DBA name, you'll need to search the database to come across if your desired name is unique and available.

Pace three: Form Your Business concern With the State of Texas

One time y'all have selected your business structure and name, y'all will need to file your formation documents with the state, which volition register your business with the State of Texas.

To register your Texas LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Texas Secretary of State. You can apply online or by mail. Read our Form an LLC in Texas guide for details.

Or employ a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to course your LLC for you.

To register your Texas corporation, you'll demand to file the Document of Incorporation with the Texas Secretary of Land. Read our Course a Texas Corporation guide to larn more.

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

One time you confirm the availability of your business concern proper noun and secure it, you lot can cull to apply for a trademark for your business concern. This typically costs effectually $225 to $400 plus whatever attorney fees too every bit a renewal fee every ten years.

While this cost can be high for a start-upwards or fledgling business, it will give your visitor brand nationwide protection backed past federal law. That means if others try to practice business organization with the aforementioned — or a similar — name as yours, you lot'll accept legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Change the Name of a Texas Business

Changing the name of a business concern in Texas can be done in two ways: by filing for an assumed name or by submitting an subpoena to the legal proper noun of an existing business.

The first method, filing for an causeless proper name (as well known every bit a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different name without needing to change its legal proper name.

A DBA name is the just fashion for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to take a different business name. It's also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avert filing an subpoena or complicating their business operations while enabling them to operate with make names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, nonetheless, filing an subpoena to the legal name of an existing business is your all-time pick. Here are links to forms for both options:

Certificate of Amendment for LLCs and corporations

You can submit your completed grade by postal service, fax, or in-person along with the $150 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practise I need a business license in Texas?

Texas doesn't offer a general, statewide business license. But, depending on your business organisation type, you lot may demand to obtain specific licensing in order to operate.

Do I need a business license to sell online in Texas?

Depending on where you're located in Texas, you may demand a sales tax license or an occupational license as well as additional licensing from your city or county.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Texas?

Starting an LLC in Texas costs $300 to file your Certificate of Formation.

How do I get a Texas tax ID number?

Yous can obtain your Texas tax ID number by registering your business concern with the Texas Comptroller.