Your business structure affects how much you pay in taxes , your ability to raise money and your personal liability .
Business Incorporation
All businesses operating as corporations in Texas must file Articles of Incorporation with the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas . If the corporation conducts business under names other than that stated in the Articles of Incorporation , the corporation needs to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the County Clerk in which the principal office and registered office of the corporation is located . You can also find out if a corporation is already using the name chosen .
Other Business Entities
Other forms of business entities required to file with the Secretary of State include : Limited Partnerships , Limited Liability Companies , Professional Corporation , Professional Associations , and Non-Profit Corporations . The Secretary of State provides a summary of requirements for the creation of these entities but does not provide forms for organizational documents except for registration of a limited liability partnership .
Certificate Of Authority
Corporations , limited partnerships and limited liability companies organized in other states or countries may transact business in Texas by obtaining a Certificate of Authority through the Office of the Secretary of State . The Corporation section of the Secretary of State can provide you the forms . An out of state business may consider the option of creating a Texas corporation , limited partnership , or limited liability company for transaction of business in Texas .
Texas Secretary Of State Online Access ( SOS Direct )
SOS Direct provides subscribers with a convenient way to file business entity formation documents and other required documents online . Business entity formation filings such as Articles of Incorporation , Articles of Organization , Certificates of Limited Partnership , Registration of a Limited Liability Partnership , Unincorporated Associations , Foreign Fiduciaries , and other Uniform Commercial Code documents can be filed online by using SOSDirect .
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