You have decided to start a Texas limited liability corporation (LLC)? There are a few things you must do first. These include choosing between the two entities, deciding in which industry to go into, and so on. The choice of the right name will be crucial for your business.
Texas LLC Name Search Link  https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/
This guide can help you if you’re not sure where to begin or how to conduct an entity search in Texas. We will explain how to conduct a lookup on a corporation or LLC.
A great business name is essential
Your business name will be part and parcel of its identity. It doesn’t really matter if your business is an LLC, corporation, or both. A great name will be the name that people remember you by. Important is also making sure the name is memorable and catchy.
How to make a great business name
One thing is certain: you need a great business name. It is quite different to actually come up with one. This is the time you need to really think about your naming options.
A list is the best way to accomplish this. This will likely take some time.
1. Texas’s business name rules
Before you can choose a business name in Texas, you will need to be familiar with Texas’s business naming regulations. These rules can be extremely strict. It’s important to read them carefully before making a list of possible business names. Your Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of the State (SOS), could be revoked if the name you are considering isn’t in compliance.
The Rules
Texas has many rules regarding business naming. Be sure to check out the website of the Secretary-of-State to see them all. These requirements must all be met in general:
- The business name must be distinctive from other business names.
- Names can’t be taken to mean affiliation with any government agency.
- Names cannot be used to imply that they will engage in illegal activities.
- The name must not contain banned words such as “university”, “bank” or “bank” except in certain circumstances. Section 79.34, Texas Administrative Code, provides more information.
- The name must not be indecent.
You can find a complete listing of Texas naming rules in Title I – Part 4 – Chapter 79 – Subchapter C (“Entity Names”) of the Texas Administrative Code.
2. You can conduct a Texas search for a business entity
Do a corporate or LLC name search. Texas has a simple method for you to do this via the state’s comptroller site.
How to look up a corporation/LLC
First, visit the Texas Comptroller’s site to perform a Texas company checkup. You can search the Texas Comptroller’s website for “taxable entity search.” This will bring up the search engine which allows you to look up all taxable entities within the state. This tool will allow you to verify the availability of the business name you are interested in.
This tool doesn’t require an account. Simply search for the potential name you are interested in using the “EntityName” box. You’ll be able to see if any business is currently in operation using your name.
Search for SOS TX businesses
SOS is an alternative option. TX’s business search options might be limited. To be sure your potential business name is still available, contact the SOS by calling (512) 463-5555.
These are two of the best ways you can conduct a Texas company search. You can search for businesses on the websites of the Secretary and other agencies depending on where you live.
3. Choose a domain
Next, select a domain that is closely related to your Texas business. Next, you should consider purchasing a domain name after performing a lookup on a corporation or LLC. If you are going to be running an online business, a domain name may not be necessary. Whatever your reason, now is the best time to select a domain.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain is the website’s name. It should match the name of your business as closely as possible when you look to purchase a domain name. So, if you decide to name your business Tony’s Donut Shop, then you should get the domain name “tonysdonutshop.com.”
Why should I purchase a domain?
A domain name (and by extension a business website) can be an excellent marketing tool. It allows you reach people outside your physical location. Your website can also be used for social media marketing.
Why should I purchase a domain now, and not later?
It would be really disappointing if you registered a business domain name only to find out later that the domain you are looking for is not available. You can avoid this by choosing a domain name that is closely associated with your business name.
If the domain name you want is not available, you can return and select a different name for your business since it hasn’t yet been registered.
4. Name your Texas business
Next, you must register your Texas business with the Secretary Of State. To do this, fill out Form 501 (General Information) (Application to Reservation or Renewal for an Entity name). This form lets you reserve a company or LLC name.
Fill out the Form 501
The instructions for filling out form 501 include some guidelines. You will only need to fill out the part that contains information. These are the things you will need to include:
- The entity name that you would like to reserve
- How many entities you will form (LLC or corporation?
- Your name, address
- Your signature
Your name will be kept for 120 days.
Texas: An assumed name
An assumed name can be added to your business name. Although you can continue to do business under your company’s name, an assumed name allows you to go under a different name.
How do I get an assumed surname?
You will need to file Form 503. General Information (Assumed name Certificate) with the Secretary to Register an Assumed Name. This form is available on the SOS’s site.
Why would I require an assumed name?
You can use an assumed business name to launch a product you are not sure about. An assumed name can be used to open a shop. You can also get an assumed name depending on the entity that you form.
- Can I renew my Texas business name?Yes. You may renew your business-name reservation. This can be done by completing Form 501 in the 30 days preceding expiration.
- How can I change my Texas business name?To change the business name, you’ll need Form 424 – General Information (Certificate to Amend) to be filed with Secretary of state. It is important to note that any name you are changing it to can’t be used already by another business. A search for another LLC or corporation name will be required. You have a couple options to do this in Texas.
- Can I modify my business name online?Yes, you can submit Form 424, online via the SOSDirect page of the Secretary-of-State’s website.
- What type of business is required to file an assumption name certificate?If you intend to do business under an assumed title, the following entities need to file an assumption certificate:
- LLCs (including professional-limited liability companies (PLLCs),
- Corporations (non-profit, for profit, and professional).
- Limited liability partnerships, (LLPs),
- Limited partnerships (LPs).
- Associations of professionals
- Foreign filing entities
- Can I name my LLC after myself?Although you can name your LLC for yourself, it is best to consider the marketing and professional aspects of this decision. Can your name be memorable and generate interest for your brand? You can always use an assumed name if your business is not under the same brand.
