⚠ For Informational and Research Purposes Only — Not Legal Advice.
The information provided in this guide is intended as a general reference and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
Laws, fees, and requirements vary and may change. It is strongly recommended to consult with a
qualified attorney and licensed financial advisor before making any business decisions.
1
Texas Business Search
Search the state business database to verify your desired business name isn't already in use
Why this step? Before committing to a name, verify it isn't already in use. This searches Sales Tax Payer and Franchise Tax records. Also check name availability in SOSDirect (Step 3) for registered entities like LLCs and corporations.
⚠ For Reference Only: Results from this search are for preliminary research purposes only and do not constitute an official name availability determination. Final business name verification must be completed through the Texas Secretary of State before you attempt to reserve a name or make any financial commitments.
2
Domain Name Search
Check domain availability and secure your online identity
Why this step? Register your domain early — before officially filing your business — to ensure your preferred name is available online. Enter Name.com credentials via the 🔑 button for exact pricing, or use the free public RDAP lookup to check registration status without credentials.
⚠ For Reference Only: Domain availability results are for preliminary research purposes only. Do not purchase a domain until you have completed final business name verification with the Texas Secretary of State (Step 3). Purchasing a domain before confirming your business name is approved does not guarantee the right to use that name.
File formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State
4
Appoint a Registered Agent
Every LLC and corporation must designate a registered agent
5
Find Your NAICS Code
Identify the North American Industry Classification System code for your business type
What is a NAICS Code? NAICS codes classify businesses by their primary economic activity. You'll need your NAICS code when applying for your EIN, business licenses, government contracts, and certain permits.
Search by keyword (e.g. "restaurant", "consulting", "retail clothing") to find your 6-digit code.
Common Texas Examples: Restaurant (722511) · General Contractor (236220) · Software Development (541511) · Management Consulting (541611) · Retail Clothing (448140) · Real Estate (531210) · Auto Repair (811111) · Landscaping (561730)
Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS — your business's federal tax ID
What is an EIN? An EIN (also called a Federal Tax ID) is a unique 9-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal taxes, and establish business credit.
Cost: Always FREE directly from the IRS. Never pay a third-party service — the IRS application is free and takes about 10 minutes online.
How to Apply Online (Fastest Method)
Go to the IRS EIN Assistant — Navigate to IRS.gov. Available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Select your entity type — Choose the structure matching your Texas filing: LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, etc.
Select your reason for applying — Choose "Started a new business" for most new entities.
Enter the responsible party's information — The responsible party controls the business. You'll need their Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN. Only one EIN per responsible party per day.
Provide business details — Enter your business name (exactly as filed with SOS), address, expected number of employees, and NAICS code (from Step 5).
Describe your business — Briefly describe your principal products or services.
Review and submit — Once submitted, you cannot change the responsible party associated with the EIN.
Save your EIN immediately — Your EIN appears on screen upon completion. Print or save the confirmation page — this is your official EIN assignment notice.
Accept credit cards, digital payments, and money transfers from customers
Why this step? Modern businesses need to accept multiple payment methods. Setting up payment processing early ensures you can take payments from day one. Most services have no monthly fees — you only pay a small percentage per transaction.
◼
Square
Best for in-person retail & restaurants. Free card reader, POS system, online store, invoicing, and payroll. 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe.
💡 Tip: Most businesses benefit from using both Square (in-person) and PayPal (online/invoicing). All three can be used simultaneously.
9
Create Your Business Logo
Design a professional logo that represents your brand identity
Why this step? Your logo is the visual cornerstone of your brand — appearing on your website, business cards, signage, invoices, and marketing materials. A professional logo builds trust and makes your business memorable.
VistaPrint's AI Logomaker lets you create a custom logo in minutes — no design experience required. Choose your industry, enter your business name, select a style, and customize colors and fonts.
AI can also be used to generate an image for a logo, and there are many AI options available to accomplish this task.
Tips for a great logo: Keep it simple and scalable. Choose colors that reflect your brand. Use no more than 2 fonts. Make sure it looks good in both color and black-and-white. Download in SVG or PNG for the best quality.
Print professional business cards to make a lasting first impression
Why this step? Business cards remain one of the most effective networking tools. They're expected at professional meetings, networking events, and trade shows.
Order after your logo is finalized (Step 9). Include: your name, title, business name, phone, email, website, and optionally your logo and social media handles.
What to include: Business name & logo · Your name & title · Phone number · Email address · Website URL · Physical address (if applicable) · Social media handles · QR code linking to your website or booking page.
You've completed the foundational steps to establish your business in Texas. Keep your formation documents, EIN confirmation, and permits in a safe place. Consider consulting with a Texas business attorney and CPA for ongoing guidance.
📋
Additional Steps After Completing the Setup Guide
⚠ Note: The items below may or may not be required depending on your business type and industry. Consult with a qualified attorney or tax professional to determine which apply to your situation.
🏦
Business Bank Account
Open a dedicated business checking account to keep finances separate and simplify bookkeeping and taxes.
📞
Business Phone Number
Set up a dedicated business line to maintain professionalism and keep personal and business calls separate.
🛡️
Business Insurance
Consider general liability, professional liability (E&O), commercial property, or workers' compensation insurance based on your business activities.
📄
S-Corp Filing
Electing S-Corp status with the IRS can reduce self-employment taxes for certain businesses. Consult a tax professional to determine if this applies to you. Learn more at IRS.gov ↗
🌐
Website with Hosting
Launch a professional website to establish your online presence, attract customers, and showcase your products or services.
✉️
Business Email Address
Use a branded email (e.g., you@yourbusiness.com) to build credibility. Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are popular options.
📱
Social Media Pages
Create business profiles on platforms relevant to your audience — Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and others.
📍
Google Business Listing
Claim your free Google Business Profile so customers can find you in Google Search and Maps, leave reviews, and get your hours and contact info.
🧾
State and Local Taxes
It is recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional and conduct your own research to identify any taxes that are state, county, or parish specific to your business type or entity structure. Tax obligations vary significantly by location and industry and may include local business taxes, occupation taxes, gross receipts taxes, and other jurisdiction-specific levies that may apply to your business.
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