How To Register A Business In Houston Texas

Startup guide use the startup guide for a list of general requirements to start a business in the city of houston.

How to register a business in houston texas. You ve decided to start a business and now it s time to legally register it. Here is some useful information to help guide you through this process. If you decide to incorporate register with the secretary of state s office sos. Individuals and unincorporated entities that do business using an assumed name often referred to as a dba must file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk in each county in which business premises. Texas alcoholic beverage commission houston 2813 west t c.

If you open a sole. Texas law does not provide for registration of a business s trade name whether that business is incorporated or unincorporated. If your business was formed in a state or entity other than texas but you want to transact business in the state you need to file an application for registration with the texas secretary of state as a foreign entity. Harris county clerk 201 caroline st suite 330 houston texas 77002. The permit application process usually takes five to seven business days to complete.

Employer identification number ein. In houston visit the website of the harris county clerk s office or go to the office in person at the harris county civil courthouse 201 caroline street. All types of business entities sp llc inc etc must file a dba within the county they are doing business in. Pick a business name this may sound obvious but you need to choose a business name. In general sole proprietorships and partnerships need to register with the county clerk s office.

Start a business registration. Your dba registration is good for 10 years. Business entity registration sole proprietorship general partnership a sole proprietorship or general partnership doing business under a name other than the name of the owner requires a dba doing business as certificate from the clerk s. Also review our starter kits for more specific requirements depending on your type of business. The following are four main requirements for a business to legally operate in the city of houston.

Step 5 business tax responsibilities. After ten years you have to renew if you want to continue using the name. Filing a dba does not secure nor protect your business name. Without properly registering you cannot operate your business. Use the startup guide for a list of general requirements necessary to start a business in houston.