Starting an LLC in Texas is Easy
You can get a Texas LLC on-line yourself by filing the Texas Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. The cost to create an LLC in Texas is $300 .
Follow our release How to Start an LLC in Texas guide below to get started .
To learn how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Start an LLC guide .
Step 1: Create a Name For Your Texas LLC
Before you register your LLC, you ‘ll need to come up with a mention. Your business identify needs to be catchy for stigmatization purposes and legitimate for legal purposes .
We go into depth on this topic in our LLC naming guide. We ’ ll go over the basics below .
Naming Your LLC
first, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas streamlined .
Next, make sure your name meets Texas guidelines:
- it must contain the words limited liability company or limited company, or LLC or L.L.C.
- it can’t contain restricted words like bank, college, veteran, etc without approval
- it must be distinguishable from any other entity or DBA registered in Texas
- full list of Texas naming guidelines
next, do a Texas LLC name search with the Secretary of State to find out if your diagnose is available in Texas .
If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you ’ ll be able to register it when you file your Texas Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State .
Is the URL available? Before you commit 100 % to a name, check to see if there ’ s a good web domain available .
We recommend buying your domain right away because flush if launching a business website international relations and security network ’ triiodothyronine on your radar right immediately, it will be soon.
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Once you register a domain name for your LLC, consider setting up a business phone system to establish credibility and enhance your customer service. Nextiva provides a plethora of useful features and a quick, easy setup. Try Nextiva.
Using a Texas Assumed Name (DBA)
A Texas DBA ( doing commercial enterprise as ), besides known as an bear name, is any registered name that a business operates under that is n’t its legal occupation appoint. An bear name can be used by any type of business, including a exclusive proprietorship, partnership, or limited indebtedness company ( LLC ) .
Learn how to get a DBA in our Texas DBA guide.
Step 2: Choose a Texas Registered Agent
When you file your certificate of Formation, you ‘ll need to list a registered agent .
A register agentive role ‘s problem is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC .
Your registered agent can be a person or a register agent service. You can act as your own record agent, but many occupation owners choose to use a register agent service .
Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:
- You’ll need to be available during normal (9 am – 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
- If you run your business from home, you’ll have to make your personal address public
- You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers
- You’ll have to remember and be responsible for all upcoming filing deadlines and the corresponding filing fee
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers a dislodge class of register agent overhaul when you form your LLC ( $ 39 plus submit fees ) .
Texas Registered Agent Consent
After the Certificate of Formation is filed, your register agent must consent in writing or via e-mail. The consent argument does n’t need to be filed with the Secretary of State .
The statement should include:
- The name of your LLC
- A statement that the person or company consents to serve as registered agent
- The name and signature of the registered agent
- The date
Step 3: File the Texas Certificate of Formation
It ’ second time to officially form your Texas LLC by filing your Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State and paying the submit charge fee with the Texas Secretary of State .
You can file online with the Secretary of State or fill out a hard copy of Texas Form 205 and chain mail it in. The Texas Secretary of State filing fee is $300.
Recommended: nowadays is a good time to decide if your LLC will be member-managed vs manager-managed .
There are 4 main “Articles” on the Certificate of Formation. You’ll be asked to provide your:
- Entity Name and Type
- Business Address
- Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
- Governing Authority Type
- Business Purpose
For detailed instructions, visit our Texas Certificate of Formation steer .
Mail Your Certificate of Formation:
Send the imprint and payment ( collectible to the Secretary of State ) to :
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711
Deliver In Person:
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701
Or fax it to:
( 512 ) 463-5709
How long does it take to get an LLC approved by the Texas Secretary of State? The LLC march time is 3 days if file on-line or 5 to 7 days if filing by mail.
Step 4: Create A Texas LLC Operating Agreement
Creating a Texas LLC operating agreement ( besides known in the state as a caller agreement ) is the only way to legally lock down your LLC ’ mho management and possession structure. Having this document in identify will give you something to return to if a quarrel or lawsuit arises .
even single-member LLCs benefit from having an function agreement .
Your operating agreement should outline the following:
- Each member’s responsibilities
- How new members will be admitted
- How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
- How profits and dividends will be distributed
You can add as many provisions as you want, equally long as they do n’t conflict with Texas business jurisprudence. Take a look at our What is an operational Agreement template to learn more .
Download a template or create a custom-made free operate agreement using our tool .
Step 5: Get An EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security count ( SSN ) for your company. It is a federal tax recognition number that the IRS and the department of state of Texas will use to track your business bodily process .
Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:
- Open a business bank account
- File Federal and State taxes
- Hire employees
The best way to get an EIN for your LLC in Texas is by using the free online application on the IRS web site .
If you prefer though you can mail in your Form SS-4 to the IRS to get your Employer Identification Number :
Internal Revenue Service
Attn : EIN operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Read more: IPO Process
Read our Get an EIN scout for instructions.
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