How To Register A Legal Business Name In Texas

If your business has employees or is taxed separately from you you must obtain a federal employer identification number ein from the irs.

How to register a legal business name in texas. Decide on a business structure. These are the basics of searching for a business name in texas. A valid name registration precludes another entity from filing under a legal or fictitious name that is not distinguishable in the records of the secretary of state. To withdraw or cancel a name reservation do so prior to the end of the 120 day reservation period. Assuming you ve already worked out your business idea how you re going to fund your company and have at least done a simple business plan these are the steps for starting a business in texas.

Banks often require an ein to open an account in the business s name and other companies you do business with may require an ein to process. More generally any business operating in texas should register with the cpa. A final determination cannot be made until the document is received and processed by the secretary of state. Additionally a name reservation can be renewed. If you decide to incorporate register with the secretary of state s office sos.

A name registration is valid for one year and may be renewed. Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available the comptroller of public accounts will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn t too similar to other registered names. You can register online or on paper. Step 5 business tax responsibilities. Filing a name registration does not give an entity the authority to transact business in texas.

Even if you are not required to obtain an ein there are often business reasons for doing so. In general sole proprietorships and partnerships need to register with the county clerk s office. Reserving a business name in texas nowadays you can make name reservations even generic ones that can apply to any kind of filing body via sosdirect which can be accessed around the clock. Obtain your federal employer identification number.