How do I determinate what my business structure should be?

If you are not sure about what structure work best for your business you can consult your lawyer or your accountant.

• Sole Proprietorship
  • A sole proprietorship is a business of one without corporation or limited liability status. The individual represents the company legally and fully. Common proprietorship structures include part-time businesses, direct sellers, new start-ups, contractors, and consultants.
• General Partnership
  • In the commercial and legal parlance of most countries, a general partnership or simply a partnership, refers to an association of persons or an unincorporated company with the following major features:
    • Created by agreement, proof of existence and estoppels.
    • Formed by two or more persons
    • The owners are all personally liable for any legal actions and debts the company may face.
• Corporations
  • A corporation is an institution that is granted a charter recognizing it as a separate legal entity having its own rights, privileges, and liabilities distinct from those of its members. There are many different forms of corporations, most of which are used to conduct business.
• Limited Liability Company
  • A limited liability company or a company with limited liability (abbreviated L.L.C. or LLC or W.L.L) in the law of the vast majority of United States jurisdictions is a legal form of Business Company that provides limited liability to its owners.
• Limited Partnership
  • A limited partnership is a form of partnership similar to a general partnership, except that in addition to one or more general partners (GPs), there are one or more limited partners (LPs). It is a partnership in which only one partner is required to be a general partner.
• Limited Liability Partnership
  • A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a partnership in which some or all partners (depending on the jurisdiction) have limited liability.
• Association
  • A group of individuals who voluntarily enter into an agreement to accomplish a purpose.

How will incorporating benefit my business?
Even the smallest business can benefit from forming a corporation or LLC. Consider these important advantages:

• Protect your personal assets from business debts.
• Potentially enjoy tax benefits.
• Increase your company's credibility.
• Create a lasting business that exists even if an owner leaves the company.

How do I register my business name or get a DBA?

You can register your DBA at your local County Clerk's office in the correspondent local County Courthouse to register the business name.

How do I incorporate my business?

You incorporate your company through the State in which the company is going to operate.  In Texas you can visit http://www.sos.state.tx.us/  It is advisable to talk to a professional (Accountant, Lawyer, and CPA) to get the proper advice and different options before incorporating.

Do I need a bank account?

If you have a DBA you do not need a separate bank account.  However it is highly advisable to open a bank account in the business name (DBA).   All incorporations require a bank account to operate.

What is the Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a federal tax identification number, is the number issue by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and non-profit organizations.

Where do I get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

Visit online the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at www.IRS.gov or contact their local office in your city.

Where do I get a State of Texas sales tax permit?

Texas State Comptroller www.window.state.tx.us or visit your TSC offices located in your city.

Where do I learn about more about Texas Taxes?

http://www.texasonline.com/guide/texastaxes.jsp?lang=en

Where do I obtain information about Occupational & Professional Licensing?

You can obtain a listing of links relating to acquiring licenses, permits, and registrations in Texas at the TexasOnLine Portal .  http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/gov/9