HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN TEXAS: Basic Requirements In 2023

how to start a business in texas
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If you want to know how to start a business in Texas in 2023 or are already planning on starting one, then you have automatically gotten various business options. In Texas (Huston), there is no doubt that in Texas, there are a lot of business options which are available for you to choose from.

Business options like real estate, transportation, coffee shop, cleaning services, freelance writing, car wash, daycare, photography, delivery services, web design agency or web designing, online tutoring, home tutoring, make-up/beauty services, event planning, virtual event planner, food truck, blogging, charitable business, pet grooming services, etc.

There are several other business opportunities that are available in Texas. The businesses mentioned above are the most common ones. Texas is also a great place to decide to be your boss. This is because there are a lot of successful small businesses that are available here.

However, while learning or starting a business in Texas, you need to have it at the back of your mind that there are certain things you need to consider first. During this process, there are basic requirements that would be needed.

How To Start a Business In Texas

One of the first things you need to do while starting a business in Texas is to have all the necessary information about that business. Whether the business is a passion or you want to make money from it, you need to research to have adequate knowledge about the business.

Once you have that figured out, there are some basic requirements and essential steps you will need to take while starting a business in Texas. Some of these steps are;

Step #1: Register Your Business Name

One of the first steps to take while starting a business in Texas is registering your business name. Under the law, every business has to be registered under the state to ensure the payment of taxes.

Step #2: Register Your Business With the IRS

After successfully registering your business name with the state, the next step is registering your business with the IRS. This is important because the IRS will take your taxes, and your business must be registered for tax purposes.

This will also help generate your EIN or Federal Tax ID numbers. This is just a social security number for your business.

NOTE: This number is usually required when filling out forms or during some tax procedures.

Step #3: Open a Business Bank Account

All business owners need to have a private account for their businesses (separated from their personal accounts). This is usually done so that personal savings account or personal checking account funds are separated from that of your business.

Also, you need to be quite aware that opening a business account can only be done when you have registered your business and have an existing EIN. A good recommendation is to go to banks like Credit Union, which does not require a large minimum balance because many other banks require enormous minimum balances.

Step #4: Creating a Business Plan

Creating a business plan is a crucial step, especially during the start-up of a business. It helps you to be aware of the necessary steps you need to take, your estimated costs, strategies to adopt, and also your basic requirements.

With the construction of a business plan, your goals will be more visible, making it easier for you to reach your business goals.

Step #5: Look for a Good Location for Your Business

For every business, the location plays a significant role in impacting your sales. As a business owner, you need to select a good location for your business that would be visible to the public to get your targeted audience’s attention.

Step #6: Get Your Necessary Licenses and Permits

While starting a business in Texas, you must get your necessary licenses and permits, as every business requires.

Step #7: Adopt an Advertising Strategy

After you are done with all the requirements under the law, your next step is to adopt an advertising strategy that suits the criteria of your business.

As a business owner just starting, you must create awareness by adequately displaying it to the public. By adopting the right advertising strategy, you will be able to get the attention of your target audience.

Step #8: Create a Website for Your Business

Creating a website for your business is quite optional. However, with our recent technology, it is advisable to put your products on the internet. By creating a website, you can also reach your target audience digitally.

This can sometimes even be more beneficial because today, many individuals carry out their daily activities using technology.

Step #9: Launch Your Business

This is the final step in starting a business in Texas. Once you have all your necessary documents (licenses, permits, and business registration number), adopted the right advertising strategy, and created a website, you can officially launch your business and start sales.

How much does it cost to start a business in Texas?

The cost of starting up a business in Texas depends on the type of business entity you are trying to set up.

Below are some business entities and the necessary fees to start a business in Texas. They include;

  • Corporation: To set up a corporation, there is a fee which costs $300
  • LLC: An LLC also costs $300 (which is charged by the Secretary of State), but per partner, it’s $200
  • DBAs: The cost of a DBA is $25 to file.

What is the first step in starting a business in Texas?

There are specific steps you need to follow and guides that would help you during the start-up of a business. However, in Texas, the first step to take while starting a business is carrying out proper research about your business idea, constructing a business plan, and then getting all the basic requirements and necessary documentation (licenses, permits, and business registration).

How To Start a Business In Texas With No Money

There are several individuals who are trying to get into the world of business with no money. In Texas, if you are trying to start a business and have no money, you will have to apply for a loan, use your personal savings or try to gather some money from family and friends. 

This is simply because there are certain start-up costs in Texas, and you will need some cash (this is for people who want to start a business on-site). If you cannot raise money, the best option is to go into e-commerce.

How Do I Get the Money to Start a Business in Texas?

Various entrepreneurs usually ask, “how do I get the money to start a business in Texas”? Well, one of the safest ways to get the necessary funding for a new business is by personal savings, trying to gather money from friends, or looking for investors interested in your business ideas.

The other option is to get a loan from the bank.

Is It Cheaper to Buy a Business or Start One?

According to research, it has been proven that starting a business is way cheaper than buying an already existing business.

Note: This usually depends on the type of business you are starting.

Moreover, getting funds to buy a business is usually easier than getting funds to start one. This is simply because many investors can put their trust in a business that is already up, running, and flourishing other than one that is just starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Start a Business In Texas LLC

There are three main ways you can start an LLC in Texas, they are;

  • DIY method
  • Hiring a professional service
  • Hiring an attorney

Nevertheless, if you want to start an LLC business in Texas, here are some of the most common ways. They include;

  1. Naming your business: This name will be an LLC  business name and must not currently be in use).
  2. Get a registered agent: In Texas, LLC is required to have a registered agent.
  3. Fill out the Texas LLC certificate.
  4. Prepare an operating agreement.
  5. File an annual report.
  6. Obtain an EIN.
  7. Get a good location.
  8. Have a business plan.
  9. Adopt a marketing strategy.
  10. Launch your business.

How long does an LLC last in Texas?

According to research, an LLC can have an expiry date, but the company can continue indefinitely if there is no specified date.

How To Start a Business In Texas Checklist

Are you looking for a way to start a business in Texas checklist? Well, if yes, here are some steps to follow. They include;

  1. Create a business plan
  2. Get a business name
  3. Get a legal structure
  4. Hire a registered agent
  5. Register your business
  6. Obtain an EIN
  7. Create a business bank account
  8. Take care of any taxes
  9. Get an accountant
  10. Obtain your necessary documentation
  11. Create an operating agreement
  12. Design a website
  13. Create a social media account
  14. Launch your business 

Conclusion

There are many business opportunities in Texas, and starting a business here in 2023 would be great. However, remember that there are specific requirements, necessary documentation, and procedures you’ll have to follow before successfully starting a business in Texas.

References

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