Though exhilarating, starting a business can also be overwhelming. Choosing a name for your business is one of the most crucial steps you must do. But simply selecting a name does not make it protected. A trademark and Secretary of State registration are required in Texas to protect your company name. We will look at the actions you must take in Texas to safeguard your company name in this article. Adding Your Business Name to the Registry Registering your company name with the Secretary of State is the first step in securing it. To make sure your selected name is available, you must do a name search. Through the Texas Secretary of State website, a name search can be done. The name can be registered by submitting a Certificate of Formation to the Secretary of State once you have established that it is available. This document makes your company a legitimate entity and guarantees the protection of your company name. Getting a Trademark
It is not sufficient to just register your company name with the Secretary of State to safeguard it from infringement. You must register a trademark in order to receive complete protection. A trademark is a picture, word, or phrase that represents your company and sets it apart from others’. You are granted the sole right to use your name in connection with your company. You must submit an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in order to receive a trademark. Running a Home-Based Business in Texas
To reduce overhead costs, many people opt to operate their businesses from their homes. As long as you adhere to local zoning regulations and secure all required licenses, you are permitted to operate a home-based business in Texas. For instance, if you dwell in a residential area, your local government may require that you apply for a home occupation permission. It’s also crucial to remember that you must register your home address with the Secretary of State if you use it for commercial purposes. Form 720 and the EIN
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues companies with an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, which is a special identification number. For tax purposes, it is used to identify your business. An EIN can be acquired for nothing and online on the IRS website. Additionally, businesses may be required to submit Form 720, a quarterly excise tax return, if they engage in specific activities like the sale of specific fuels or tobacco goods. It’s crucial to submit Form 720 on time if your company needs to in order to avoid penalties.
In conclusion, registering your company name with the Secretary of State and securing a trademark are the best ways to protect it in Texas. Texas permits home-based businesses, but it’s crucial to follow local zoning regulations and acquire any required permissions. An EIN can be obtained for free, and certain firms might also need to file Form 720, a quarterly excise tax return. You can make sure that your company name is protected and that you are in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations by taking the actions outlined in this article.