Starting and running a business is hard but even more challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the unique legal and tax requirements of doing business in Texas.
Six things every Texas-based business needs is a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the tricky waters of starting and running a business in the Lone Star State. This guide covers choosing the right business structure, insurance, and programs you need to succeed.
1. Registering Your Business
You’ve got a great business idea and are ready to start. But before you can start trading, you need to register your business with the state of Texas.
The good news is that it’s relatively simple to do. Here’s what you need to know.
First, you’ll need to choose a business structure. This will determine things like how you file your taxes and how much personal liability you have. The most common structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.
Once you’ve decided on a structure, you’ll need to choose a name for your business and make sure it’s available. You can do this through the Secretary of State’s website.
Next, you’ll need to obtain any licenses or permits required by the state of Texas. Again, this will vary depending on the type of business you’re running. For example, businesses that sell food or alcohol will need to obtain special permits.
Finally, you’ll need to register your business with the state’s Comptroller office. This will allow you to pay state taxes and submit the required reports. Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you’ll be able to start doing business in Texas officially!
2. General Liability Insurance
A business in Texas needs general liability insurance to protect itself from lawsuits that may arise from its operations. This type of insurance can help to cover the costs of legal defense and any damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff in a lawsuit. Without this insurance, a business would risk paying large sums of money if sued.
Also, it may not be state law for a small business to get insurance coverage, but if you want other companies to take you seriously, you should still obtain insurance. Non-compliant owners are often looked down upon and will refuse to do business with them. So, don’t risk losing potential customers and collaborative opportunities by not carrying general liability insurance.
3. Business Bank Account
There are a few key reasons why businesses keep their money in a separate bank account from their personal finances:
- It helps to create a clear distinction between business and personal expenses. This can be helpful for tax purposes and for keeping track of spending.
- Having a separate bank account can help to build business credit. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses with little credit history.
- Keeping business and personal finances separate can help protect personal assets if the business is sued or faces financial difficulties.
By maintaining a business bank account, businesses can avoid many potential problems down the road.
4. Protection From Severe Weather
Texas is known for its severe weather: hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. And while no business can completely protect itself from the forces of nature, there are steps that businesses in Texas can take to minimize the damage caused by severe weather.
For example, ensuring that roofs are securely fastened and that windows and doors are impact-resistant can help reduce the risk of wind damage. Also, fortifying walls and foundations can help prevent collapse in severe rains or flooding. These precautions can help Texas businesses protect their property from severe weather.
5. Business Accounting Management Software
A business needs accounting software to manage its finances. The software helps the business keep track of its income and expenses, creating financial reports to make decisions about where to allocate resources.
Accounting software can also help businesses comply with tax laws and regulations. In addition, businesses can save time and money by automating the recording and reporting of financial data.
Also, accounting software can provide valuable insights into a business’s financial health, allowing owners and managers to make informed decisions about the future. As a result, there are many good reasons for a business to use accounting software.
However, choosing the right software for your business is important, as not all programs are created equal. Make sure to do your research and find a program that meets your specific needs.
6. Project Management Software
Any business undertaking projects- developing a new product, launching a marketing campaign, or opening a new store – can benefit from a project management software. This software helps businesses plan and track their projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress.
Perhaps most importantly, project management software can help businesses to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to project failure. By centralizing information and communication, project management software ensures that everyone involved in a project is on the same page, working towards the same goal. In today’s fast-paced business world, project management software is essential for any company that wants to stay ahead of the competition.