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Getting DBA

To register a business name in Texas, one must first obtain a DBA (Doing Business As) or Assumed Name Certificate from the county clerk's office where the business is located for $11. A DBA registers the business name with the county for 10 years but does not reserve the name exclusively. Certain business structures like corporations also require registration with the Secretary of State. Once registered, a sales tax permit must be obtained from the Texas State Comptroller's Office, and an Employer Identification Number should be acquired from the IRS if employees will be paid. Additional licenses may be needed depending on the type of business.

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168 views1 page

Getting DBA

To register a business name in Texas, one must first obtain a DBA (Doing Business As) or Assumed Name Certificate from the county clerk's office where the business is located for $11. A DBA registers the business name with the county for 10 years but does not reserve the name exclusively. Certain business structures like corporations also require registration with the Secretary of State. Once registered, a sales tax permit must be obtained from the Texas State Comptroller's Office, and an Employer Identification Number should be acquired from the IRS if employees will be paid. Additional licenses may be needed depending on the type of business.

Uploaded by

Jojo
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GETTING YOUR “DBA”

Source: Houston Chronicle 1/20/2002

Question: How do I register a business name in Texas? What other licenses and permits do I need for
starting a business?

Answer: The first step is to contact the county clerk’s office in the county where you will have your
principal place of business. For $11, you can obtain a DBA (Doing Business As), or Assumed Name
Certificate.
A DBA is valid for 10 years, and registers your business name with the county. It does not reserve your
name or grant you exclusivity for its use, however.
In Harris County, you are required to visit the clerk’s office in person and pay your $11 fee in cash.
If you intend to do business in more than one county, a DBA must be filed in each. Contact the
appropriate county clerk’s office for office locations, additional information and forms.
• Harris County……………713-755-6436
• Ft. Bend County…………281-341-8652
• Montgomery County…….281-353-9791
At the Harris County Clerk’s website (www.co.harris.tx.us/cclerk), click on Assumed Names at the
bottom left-hand side of the page to send an e-mail with your questions about DBA permits. You can also
find which business names are already taken by searching the online database.
Certain business entities, such as limited partnerships and corporations, must register with the secretary of
state if they want to operate in Texas. If your business will be structures as a corporation, it is also
necessary to be sure that the name you register is unique and cannot be confused in any way with that of
another similar business entity.
To find out if your business name is already in use, contact the secretary of state at 512-463-5555 or visit
the website (www.sos.state.tx.us/corp).
Find the SOS District button for the secretary of state’s online information. By subscribing, you can
access a variety of records and documents that are maintained by that office.
Once you have registered your business name, contact the Texas State Comptroller’s Office to obtain a
sales tax permit and bond. There is no fee for this. Although there are exceptions, most products and many
services are subject to sales tax. Visit www.window.state.tx.us or call toll-free 1-800-252-5555.
If you will be paying wages to one or more employees, next contact the Internal Revenue Service toll-free
at 1-866-816-2065 to obtain an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. If you will be a sole proprietor
with no employees, your Social Security number is all you need.
If you want to download forms or find additional information about requirements, access the IRS website
(www.irs.ustreas.gov). Look for the Small Business and Self Employed Community section.
In this section, you can find a schedule of free IRS small business workshops held at various locations.
The workshops are offered at least weekly, and some are taught in Spanish.
Finally, determine if your business must be registered with other agencies for additional licenses or
permits. To do so, visit www.ci.houston.tx.us and click on the “One Stop Business Center” icon, or pick up
a “Getting Started” packet at the City of Houston One Stop Business Center office, located at City Hall
Annex, 900 Bagby St., Public Level. The phone number for the Center is 713-663-7867.
You can also find much of the information you need for registering your business name and determining
other steps in starting your business at www.tded.state.tx.us/guide.
The Texas Department of Economic Development’s online guide provides links to local, state and federal
regulatory agencies, as well as resources that will help you with a variety of business issues.

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