Do I need any permits? Where should I call for information on permits and licenses in Texas?
Most small businesses do not need special permits. However, many do. To find out if you need one or more, consult local and state authorities having jurisdiction over your area of business (see list of agencies, below.) People in your trade or industry can often tell you. SBDCs often know.
While not technically a permit, every business should be registered. A corporation is registered with a state agency via papers of incorporation and a sole proprietorship and partnership usually register with a local county courthouse by way of an “assumed name certificate.”
To incorporate, you need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Incorporation Office of the Secretary of State.
Corporations Section
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711-3697
https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/help/help-corp.asp?pg=filing
For information on businesses and occupations that require state permits:
Texas Department of Economic Development
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 936-0100 or (800) 888-0511
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/business/Texas_Licenses_Permits_Guide.pdf
For information on all state and city regulatory agencies:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/
Registering your business name in Texas:
Navarro SBDC
Sales & Use Tax Permit:
Texas State Comptroller’s Office
PO Box 13528, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711-3528
(512) 463-4600 or (800) 252-5555
http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/
Workers’ Compensation Information:
Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC)
P.O. Box 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
(512) 804-4000 or (800) 372-7713
http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb030.html
Insurance Issues:
Texas Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
(512) 463-6169
http://www.tdi.texas.gov
Unemployment Tax:
Texas Workforce Commission
P.O. Box 149037
Austin, TX 78714-9037
(512) 463-2699 or (800) 832-9394 and choose option 1
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/customers/bemp/unemployment-tax.html
Food and Inspection Permits:
Restaurant/Bar Inspection District
City of Dallas
7901 Goforth Road
Dallas, TX 75238
(214) 670-8083
http://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/Pages/restaurant-bar_inspections.aspx
Texas Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
(512) 458-7111
www.dshs.state.tx.us/