Guide to Starting a Small Business in Texas

Includes information regarding registering your company, employer responsibilities, business tax responsibilities, and business license and permit information by industry, www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/sba/guide

Domestic Expansion and Recruitment

Serves businesses that want to expand existing Texas operations as well as out-of-state businesses interested in relocating or expanding in Texas. Domestic Expansion & Recruitment serves as a focal point for disseminating business leads to Texas communities. www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/der

Business License & Permits Listing

Potential business start-ups can determine necessary licenses, permits, certifications, registrations, and/or authorizations for a specific business on the federal, state, and local levels. www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/sba/files/permits.pdf  and www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/sba/files/permitsbyalpha.pdf

Registration for Corporations, LLCs, or Partnerships, www.sos.state.tx.us/

Business and Industry Data Center

Provides economic, demographic data, and access to various databases. www.bidc.state.tx.us

Small Business Assistance

The Small Business section serves as a focal point in assisting small and historically underutilized businesses and provides sources of contacts and research information that will assist with federal, state and local business issues for small businesses. www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/sba/

International Business and Recruitment

The International Business & Recruitment (IBR) Program helps Texas companies expand into foreign markets and assists with recruiting foreign companies to Texas. www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/international/

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Texas Taxes – www.business.texasonline.com/guide/texastaxes.jsp?lang=en

If you are conducting business in Texas, it is likely you will have to register your business with the State. Depending on the type of business you conduct, you may also be required to obtain permits, collect and/or pay taxes, and file tax returns.

• Sales Tax Permits To sell taxable items or provide taxable services in Texas, all businesses must have a sales tax permit. The requirement to obtain a Texas sales and use tax permit applies to individuals as well as corporations, firms, partnerships, and all other legal entities. www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/questions.html

• Corporations and Limited Liability Companies doing business in Texas are subject to franchise tax. Find forms, publications, frequently asked questions, and the Franchise Tax Code on the Comptroller Web site. www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/franchise/

• Possible Additional Taxes Some businesses may have additional Texas business tax responsibilities. Please review this page to find out about any taxes, fees, or special considerations that may apply to you. www.cpa.state.tx.us/m23taxes.html

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Employer Responsibilities

In addition to federal and state withholding taxes, and the employer’s responsibilities for medicare and social security taxes, employers must also provide Unemployment Insurance coverage for their employees; Worker’s Compensation is voluntary.

• Unemployment Insurance – for information, see FAQs on Unemployment Insurance at www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/tax/taxfaq.html To register online, visit www.texasworkforce.org/ui/tax/uitaxreg.html

• Worker’s Compensation – Texas employers, except for public entities, can choose whether or not to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees. Workers' compensation provides covered employees with income and medical benefits if they are injured on the job or have a work-related injury or illness. Workers' compensation is regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (the Division). With few exceptions, workers' compensation insurance limits the employer's liability for the work-related injury or death sustained by the worker. www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/information/employerresources.html#q1

Contact Us

The Coordinating and Development Corp.
5210 Hollywood Avenue
P. O. Box 37005-7005
Shreveport, LA 71133-7005
Phone: (318) 632-2022
Fax/TDD: (318) 632-2099
E-mail: info@cdconline.org

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