Business Start Up Information - Guides and Resources
Secretary of State | 512-463-5555; https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/related.shtml
The Texas Secretary of State is the filing office for documents related to business organizations and nonprofit entities formed under the Texas Business Organizations Code and other applicable statutes. This office provides general information relating to the formation of certain Texas businesses, registration of certain foreign businesses and other helpful business start-up information.
Tax Permits and Registration
Some services may require a tax permit and/or registration. For more information, please contact the Comptroller of Public Accounts. See https://comptroller.texas.gov | 512-463-4600 or 800-252-5555; or https://comptroller.texas.gov/web-forms/tax-help/
Sales Tax Permit
Comptroller of Public Accounts | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/; 512-463-4600 or 800-252-5555
You must obtain a Texas sales and use tax permit if you are an individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity engaged in business in Texas and you:
- sell tangible personal property in Texas;
- lease or rent tangible personal property in Texas; or
- sell taxable services in Texas.
If you are a remote seller who is selling into Texas, a marketplace provider or marketplace seller in Texas, you may also need to obtain a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit. For additional details, see https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/remote-sellers.php.
There is no fee for the permit
Information for Businesses
Office of the Attorney General | 800-621-0508; https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
The Office of the Attorney General offers general information to protect consumers from scams and unlawful business practices. The information provided by the Office of the Attorney General can also assist business owners with operating within the bounds of state and federal consumer protection, including in the following areas:
- protecting customers' personal data in storage;
- concealing credit card numbers on receipts;
- price-gouging - illegally raising prices in times of declared disaster;
- training for bank tellers to help them recognize exploitation of senior customers; and
- foreclosure prevention efforts to help homeowners endangered by the mortgage lending crisis.