Blue Star Bookkeeping · Austin, TX · Updated June 4, 2026
Starting a Business in Austin: A Registration Checklist
Registering a new business in Austin generally involves choosing an entity type, filing with the Texas Secretary of State, getting a federal EIN, and handling the state and local registrations that follow — the exact order matters more than people expect.
Choose your entity type
Whether you form an LLC, a corporation, or operate as a sole proprietorship changes how you file taxes, your personal liability, and what paperwork is required. This decision is worth making deliberately rather than defaulting to whatever a friend used.
File with the state
LLCs and corporations are formed by filing with the Texas Secretary of State. Processing times vary, so it is worth confirming current turnaround before you plan around a specific start date.
Get your federal EIN
Once the entity is formed, you will generally need a federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS — this is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file most business tax returns.
Register for state and local requirements
Depending on what the business does, this can include a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Comptroller, local permits, and setting up your Texas Franchise Tax filing obligations from day one rather than discovering them a year later.
Common questions
Can you draft my operating agreement or bylaws?
That falls outside what our office provides — we are not a law firm and do not draft legal documents. We can refer you to an attorney for that, and we handle the tax, registration-support, and filing side once your entity exists.
How do you help with business registration specifically?
We provide business registration guidance and filing support to help you get the right entity set up correctly the first time — see our Business Registration page for full details.
Related service
Business Registration →General information for Austin, TX taxpayers — not personalized tax or legal advice. Rules, thresholds, and deadlines change; confirm specifics for your situation with our office or the relevant government agency.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We will answer your questions and walk you through the process.