How long does it take to register a business in Texas?

Processing times vary: 2-3 business days (online). Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Texas?

Texas does not require a state-level business license, but individual cities and counties may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for specific licensing needs.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Texas?

The LLC filing fee is $300. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $500.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Texas. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Texas Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Texas Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Texas LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Texas businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Texas

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Texas?

$300

Filing Fee

2-3

Processing (days)

3.2M

Total Businesses

350K/yr

New Businesses

No state income tax - keep more of your profits

Business-friendly regulations and low bureaucracy

Second largest economy in the US with $2 trillion GDP

Growing tech hub in Austin with diverse industries statewide

Starting a Business in Texas

Top Cities for Business

Houston2,314,000
Dallas1,343,000
Austin974,000
San Antonio1,495,000
Fort Worth978,000

Popular Industries

Energy
Technology
Healthcare
Agriculture
Manufacturing

Cost to Start a Business in Texas

LLC Filing Fee$300

Name Reservation (optional)$40 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$500

Processing time: 2-3 business days (online)

Texas Tax Overview

Texas has no state income tax. Franchise tax (margin tax) applies to businesses with revenue over $1.23 million. Sales tax is 6.25% state plus up to 2% local.

Texas Business Name Requirements

Must contain "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Cannot be deceptively similar to existing names

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Insurance, Trust

Business Name Ideas for Texas

Explore 50 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Lone Star Grille
Texas BBQ & Southern Cuisine
Austin Eats Co.
Farm-to-Table Texas Style
The Texas Table
Authentic Tex-Mex & More
Hill Country Kitchen
Comfort Food Done Right
Dallas Dine & Grill
Modern Texas Dining

barbershop

Texas Cuts & Co.
Classic Texas Barbering
Lone Star Barbers
Premium Men's Grooming
The Austin Clipper
Modern Cuts, Timeless Service
Houston Shave Shop
Expert Barber Services
Texas Grooming Lounge
Your Style Headquarters

construction

Texas Build Group
Quality Construction Statewide
Lone Star Contractors
Building Texas Since Day One
Texas Strong Construction
From Foundation to Finish
Hill Country Builders
Trusted Construction Partners
Alamo Construction Co.
Excellence in Every Project

consulting

Texas Strategy Partners
Business Growth Experts
Austin Advisory Group
Strategic Business Solutions
Texas Business Consultants
Transform Your Enterprise
Dallas Consulting LLC
Expert Guidance, Proven Results
Lone Star Advisors
Your Success, Our Mission

retail

Texas Mercantile
Curated Texas Goods
The Lone Star Market
Quality Lifestyle Products
Austin General Store
Modern Goods, Texas Spirit
Texas Supply Co.
Premium Retail Experience
Hill Country Collective
Discover Texas Treasures

Home Services

Texas Home Care
Complete Home Solutions
Lone Star Property Services
Your Home, Our Priority
Texas Home Pros
Expert Home Maintenance
Austin Services LLC
Professional Home Care
Texas Home Solutions
Trusted Service Providers

technology

Texas Tech Labs
Innovative Software Solutions
Austin Digital
Custom Tech Development
Texas Innovations
Building Tomorrow's Technology
Dallas Software Group
Enterprise Tech Solutions
Lone Star Tech
Your Digital Partner

healthcare

Texas Wellness Center
Comprehensive Healthcare
Lone Star Health Partners
Patient-Centered Care
Texas Medical Group
Trusted Healthcare Providers
Austin Therapy & Rehab
Expert Rehabilitation
Texas Care Clinic
Quality Healthcare for All

Real Estate

Texas Properties
Your Texas Dream Home
Lone Star Realty Group
Expert Real Estate Services
Austin Home Finders
Connecting You to Home
Texas Living LLC
Premium Property Solutions
Dallas Realty Partners
Trusted Real Estate Advisors

fitness

Texas Fitness
Transform Your Health
Lone Star Athletics
Elite Training Center
Texas Strong Studio
Community Fitness Hub
Austin Performance
Peak Performance Training
Texas Wellness & Fit
Holistic Health Solutions

Official Texas Business Resources

Texas Secretary of State

Official business registration and filing services

Texas Comptroller

Tax information and business permits

Texas Workforce Commission

Employer registration and unemployment insurance

How to Register a Business in Texas

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Texas LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Public Information Report and pay franchise tax annually by May 15
No annual report fee for most LLCs
Maintain registered agent in Texas
File federal tax returns as required

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Texas Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Texas Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Texas Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.