Everything? Not quite—but we can get you well underway to having your Texas consulting business up and running quickly. The key is knowing which parts we can handle for you and which steps still require your involvement.

Here's what we can do.

We can handle the heavy lifting for your LLC's formation filing. We'll prepare your Articles of Organization and act as your organizer when filing them, we'll serve as your registered agent, and we'll provide you with an an Operating Agreement template. We can even request your EIN (although it's free and you can get it done in like, ten minutes.)

All that moves you toward having your LLC officially filed by next week instead of fighting with state paperwork.

And since our goal isn't just to help you form your business, we'll help make sure you're ready to do business on day one. Our free Identity Services set you up with a free domain name, professional website, a business email account, dedicated phone line, brand protection, and ongoing compliance support. That means youcan focus on serving clients, growing your business, and getting to work.

Here's your checklist for everything else.

Now that we've covered the areas where we'll be supporting you, there are also a few important business essentials that you'll need to take care of directly as the business owner. They're critical to getting your business up and running properly and keeping everything in good standing.

Texas State Tax Compliance

Even though Texas has no personal state income tax, businesses still have a state tax responsibility through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. You'll need to register your new LLC with them once the Secretary of State approves the filing.

Texas Franchise Tax: Texas LLCs are subject to a state franchise tax if they exceed the no tax due threshold. But even if you're under that threshold of $2.65 million in total annual revenue, you still need to file an annual Public Information Report to maintain your active, good-standing status with the state. This Texas Annual Report Forms and Tax Rates is a great resource!

Sales and Use Tax Permit: Most consulting services are generally exempt from Texas sales tax. There are certain instances though where you do need to register for a Sales Tax Permit—like if you decide to bundle products with your services. Check out the Sales and Use Tax page to see if your business needs to collect sales or use tax.

Texas Business Licenses

Texas doesn't have a one-size-fits-all business license, but most businesses will be required to obtain specialized permits dependent on their services/industry.

Professional Business Licenses: If you offer consulting services to certain regulated professions—think medicine, law, accounting, etc.—you'll need a professional license in the same field. So if you're planning to act as a real estate consultant, you've got to have a real estate license.

You'll also need a professional license to become a mold assessment consultant, which is its own category of consultancy. Learn more fun facts and find out more about professional licenses via the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Local Business Licenses: Many Texas counties don't require general business licenses, but you might still need other documents to operate your business. For example, cities like Dallas, Houston, Brownsville, and Austin require you to get a Certificate of Occupancy to prove your building meets current safety-related building codes. This will be especially important if your building has recently been updated or remodeled.

Business Bank Account

When you set up an LLC, the protection it offers really depends on keeping a clear line between you and your business. At the very least, you'll want to open dedicated business checking and savings accounts business, and you'll probably want a merchant services account in order to accept credit card payments from clients.

If you need more info about getting all that set up, we've got you.

Just don't skip this step. Piercing the corporate veil can happen in a lot of ways, but if a judge finds that your LLC is just an extension of you, rather than a separate legal entity, you could lose your limited liability protection. It's definitely worth keeping things separate from the start!

Business Insurance

Look, we're not gonna lie, business insurance gets complicated fast, and a lot depends on where you're working, whether you've got employees, how you're providing consulting services, and more. Here's a deeper dive into different business insurance policies, and for now, here's a couple basics:

Professional liability Insurance: Sometimes called error and omissions insurance, malpractice insurance, or professional indemnity insurance depending on your specific area of practice, these policies cover losses when following advice you've provided in a professional context leads a client to injury. Business consultants, contractors, real estate agents, financial services providers, and more can benefit from these policies.

Workers' compensation insurance: Coverage for employees' work-related injuries helps you avoid personal payout for medical and legal expenses. You don't need it if you don't have employees, and you're probably not required to have it unless you're working a government contract, but it's something to consider.

Home-based business insurance: Only applicable if you're working from home, but check to see whether your homeowner's insurance provides adequate coverage for your business-related needs. Chances are good you aren't as covered as you think you are, and that you'd benefit from either an additional policy rider or a standalone policy.

Together, we can get this done.

Launching your consulting business within a week will take some quick delegation. While we work on the formation process and build your business identity, you can focus on operational needs like opening a business bank account and securing your business licenses, permits, and insurance. Let us handle the admin stuff so you can focus on what you do best: delivering amazing consulting services to your new Texas clients.