How to Start an LLC in Texas

Among the first steps when forming an llc is naming the company. Once the name is chosen, you will then need to choose a registered agent and file the articles of organization. You can also choose an operating agreement to set up the company’s structure. After completing all of these steps, you are ready to move on to the next step – filing the Operating Agreement. In this article, we’ll go over some of the key steps to form an LLC in texas.

How To Start An LLC In Texas

Step 1. Name Your Texas LLC

There are several steps involved in naming your LLC when starting an llc in Texas. While registering your LLC is relatively simple, you will want to consider a few things. First, it’s important to know that the secretary of state will need a certificate of formation from you, as well as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN). These documents will serve as proof of your company’s legal status and will be filed with the Texas Secretary of State.

Next, you need to choose a business name for your LLC. You can register a business name online using SOSDirect. While the State of Texas does not require you to prepare a business plan, it may help keep you organized as you go through the LLC startup process. It can also help you visualize the future of your business. After settling on a business name, you must consider whether the name is available and compliant.

Before filing your paperwork with the Texas Secretary of State, you must verify that the name you’ve selected is available for registration. A name that sounds like another legal entity will likely not be available. Examples of names that are not available include Inc, Incorporated, Corporation, LLP, and Non-Profit. Obtaining permission from an existing LLC may take extra time and money, so make sure your name is unique and available in Texas before filing your paperwork.

Another important consideration when choosing a name for your LLC is the trademark laws. While a name reservation or clearance will give you peace of mind, it does not ensure that your chosen name will be legally protected. After all, you are the only one responsible for selecting a legal name for your business. If you’re not sure, use a business name from the Texas SOS. The state has specific rules for trademark laws, so you must be careful.

Step 2. Assign An Texas Registered Agent

All businesses in Texas must designate a registered agent. This person is not the business owner; you can, however, designate yourself. The registered agent acts as your company’s point of contact and handles all correspondence pertaining to your business. Using a registered agent service can make this process simpler. The registered agent will be the same person who serves as your office address in the state. This person must be readily available during normal business hours. Any registered agent must be aware of all filing deadlines, otherwise, they could be served with lawsuit papers at work. That could be quite embarrassing and hurtful for your business.

When setting up an LLC in Texas, you need to choose a name. You can choose a name that sounds good, but you can’t just use that name. You must choose a name that sounds professional and is easy to remember. Regardless of the name, a registered agent is required to serve as the company’s point of contact. It’s essential that your company have a registered agent and he/she should be located in Texas.

In Texas, you can choose to be your company’s Registered Agent yourself if you have a Texas address. Make sure that you are available during business hours, as you’ll be serving as the LLC’s registered agent. Be aware, however, that if you don’t want your address to be public, you can hire a Registered Agent service. If you don’t have a physical address in Texas, you can choose to have someone else serve as your registered agent for you.

In addition to being required by law, your LLC is also required by law to maintain a registered agent and update contact information with the state. Using an incorrect Registered Agent can cost your business its good standing and can result in administrative dissolution, which means it loses its legal recognition in Texas. Without a registered agent, you may be held personally liable for any debts or court settlements that arise from your business.

Step 3. File Articles Of Organization In Texas

When starting a business, you need to file articles of organization to start an LLC in Texas. This form is easy to find in the state office or through an online account. It contains the information about the business and lets you avoid penalties if something goes wrong. The form is free to download and easy to file. Read on for more information about filing articles of organization in Texas. Listed below are the four main articles of an LLC.

In addition to the name, the articles of organization must list the members and managers of the LLC. The members must be at least 18 years old and one member must be a resident of Texas. However, the manager does not have to be a resident of the state. Additionally, the purpose of the LLC must be stated in the articles of organization. A for-profit business can use the LLC to conduct business legally in Texas, whereas a nonprofit or professional organization can use the LLC to apply for a grant or tax status.

The Certificate of Formation is a public document that lists the details of an LLC. It must include a registered agent, which is a person or business that accepts legal documents on behalf of the LLC. The registered agent must be a resident of Texas, but the name of the business cannot be the registered agent. The registered agent must also consent to act as an agent in writing. This consent statement does not have to be filed with the state.

The cost to form an LLC in Texas is largely related to the articles of organization. The articles of organization, also called the LLC certificate, contain important information about the business. This document also lists the name of the registered agent, the governing authority, the type of management, and supplemental/provisional information. You may also include additional provisions in the LLC charter. For more information, visit the Texas Business Department website.

Step 4. Create Your Texas LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is an important legal document for an LLC. It sets forth the expectations of all LLC members, including what each one is responsible for. An operating agreement is best written at the start of your business so that everyone is clear on what their role is. An operating agreement also defines who owns the LLC, and a court may look to it in cases of conflict. Therefore, it is important to write a comprehensive agreement to ensure that your business runs smoothly.

In an LLC, owners are known as members. A good operating agreement should include the legal names of all members, their basic contact information, and the percentage of the business each owner owns. You can choose to align the degrees of ownership to the specific duties and privileges each member has. Most businesses base ownership percentages on the initial capital investment of each member. It is important to note that you must also keep an updated copy of the Operating Agreement with you.

When starting an llc in Texas, you must specify the structure of the company. Typically, an LLC will be run by the members or managers. If the owners are involved in day-to-day operations, a manager-managed structure would be best. If you are a manager-managed LLC, you should make clear which of the two models you choose. This can prevent any conflict of interest. Further, it allows you to control your company.

Another important reason to create an operating agreement is to avoid future disputes. A well-written operating agreement will eliminate member disputes by defining the duties of the manager. It will also help the business run more smoothly by reducing common flashpoints between members. If you are not sure of how to write an operating agreement, you can always get help from a service. If you don’t have time to write it yourself, there are many online options that will help you.

Step 5. File For Texas LLC EIN

If you want to start an LLC in Texas, you will need to file for an EIN. This number is also called the Federal Employer Identification Number, or EIN, or Federal Tax Identification Number. This number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and acts as a company’s social security number. To get an EIN for your LLC, you must apply online or mail a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. Once approved, you will receive an EIN Confirmation Letter, also known as CP 575.

The name of your LLC must be unique. You cannot use the same name as another company in Texas. However, generic names are perfectly fine. But make sure that your name is distinguishable from any existing businesses. You can use the Taxable Entity search engine to check for similar businesses. If the name you are using is already taken, you must file for a separate name. If your name is already taken, you should choose a different name for your LLC.

Once you have your business name, you need to register it with the State of Texas. An SOSDirect registration is available to help you register your business name. Although you are not required to submit a business plan with your application, a business plan is helpful in keeping the process organized and imagining the future of your business. It will also help you avoid making common mistakes in the formation process. This article is written by Priyanka Prakash, a senior contributing writer at Fundera who specializes in small business finance, insurance, and legal issues.

You may also want to file for an S-Corporation if your texas LLC will be taxed as a Corporation. However, you should discuss this with your accountant or business attorney to determine which is better for your business. In general, applying for an S-Corporation is easier and faster than filing for an EIN online. You will also get an approved EIN faster if you file online.