Business

How To Start A Business In Houston

Ankita Tripathy

Business

Published on: Nov 30, 2023 Last Updated on: Jan 18, 2024

If you’re thinking about starting a business in the United States, one of the most popular and convenient options is to open a company in Houston. This magnificent state is the perfect place to put down roots and watch your business grow. Why?

According to figures provided by Business News Daily, Texas currently has 3 million businesses employing over 4.9 million people. This demonstrates how robust the economy is in a state full of opportunities for entrepreneurs and a welcoming business environment.

Having a professional Houston tax advisory firm to assist us at this stage can make the difference between a successful decision or not. A Houston CPA firm with committed CPAs and accountants that focus on providing customer service strategies and resolving industry challenges.

How To Get Started

There are seven basic steps to start a business anywhere in the world, and Texas is no exception. When starting, it’s important to keep these steps in mind to ensure you’re not overlooking anything crucial.

Starting a business from scratch is hard work and requires a high level of attention to detail, so it’s always important to have an accountant who can advise you at each stage.

In this regard, if you are in Houston, working closely with a Houston CPA firm that advises companies on how to structure their strategy will be crucial for its success. Some of them, like Evans Sternau, offer comprehensive services that allow you to take the next step with confidence and with the least possible risks.

The seven steps to start your business are:

Develop your business plan.
Choose your business location.
Finance your business.
Decide on the business structure and register your company’s name.
Determine the business’s tax responsibilities.
Find out about mandatory licenses and permits.
Understand commercial employer requirements.

Why Open An LLC Company In Houston Or Texas?

There are several reasons to consider starting an LLC in Texas, the most important being:

Administrative structure flexibility
Unlike other corporate structures, an LLC in Texas allows owners to have a flexible operating agreement that suits the business’s needs.
Tax benefits
LLCs have a favorable tax system as profits and losses are reported on the owner’s tax return, avoiding double taxation and allowing for a lower tax rate compared to corporations.
Business credit
Establishing an LLC in Texas can help you build a strong business credit history and facilitate access to financing for future business growth.
Low state tax rate and favorable structure
Texas is known for offering an attractive business environment due to its low state tax rates and business-friendly laws.
Privacy: By registering an LLC in Texas, you can maintain a certain level of personal and professional privacy as you don’t need to disclose certain personal details in the formation documents publicly.

How To Register An LLC In Texas

Even though all states have similar requirements, there are some distinct ones. To register a company in Houston, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose A Name For Your LLC

The name must be unique and distinguishable from other entities registered in Texas. You can check the name’s availability on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website. The search process is entirely free if done online or by phone.

Step 2: Appoint A Registered Agent

Your LLC must have a registered agent in Texas responsible for receiving legal documents and notices on the company’s behalf. The agent can be a member or employee of the LLC, an attorney, or a specialized registered agent service.

Step 3: File The Certificate Of Formation

You’ll need to complete and file Form 205 with the Texas Secretary of State along with the appropriate fee. This form requires basic information such as the LLC’s name and address, registered agent details, management structure, and other relevant information.

Step 4: Create An Operating Agreement

While not a legal requirement in Texas, it’s recommended to create an operating agreement. This document establishes the internal rules and regulations of your LLC, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the members. It’s an internal document and doesn’t need to be filed with the Secretary of State or any other public entity.

Step 5: Apply For An Employer Identification Number (Ein)

This is a number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify employers and other business entities. The EIN is used for tax filing, opening business bank accounts, obtaining licenses and permits, and establishing business relationships with other companies.

Step 6: File Franchise Tax And Public Information Report

In the state of Texas, all LLCs are required to file an annual Texas franchise tax report and a public information report by May 15 each year.

Step 7: Comply With Tax And Legal Obligations

In the United States, there are three levels of taxes: federal, state, and local, and your business must comply with all of them. The good news is that in Texas, there are no personal state income taxes, but federal taxes still apply. Depending on your business activities, you may also be required to pay other state or local taxes. To find out more, consult the taxes and fees in Texas.

Step 8: Open A Business Bank Account

Keep your personal and company finances separate by opening a dedicated business bank account for your LLC.

Conclusion

If you have these points in mind, you are already one step ahead. Hence, it wouldn’t be too difficult for you to open a company in Houston. While it’s not impossible to do it on your own, remember that it’s always better to seek the advice of a professional for peace of mind.

Well, that’s what we are! Keep following our articles to get a detailed insight into the best topics out there. Also, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Until then, happy reading!

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

CFR Vs CIF: What Are The Differences Between These Shipping Terms?

CFR vs CIF: What is the difference between the terms? – You will find both terms standard in shipping and transport, and both are part of international trade rules. CFR is a trade term that means the seller will transport goods by sea to the destination port. On the other hand, CIF means that the seller pays to cover the cost of shipping and insurance to ensure there is no potential damage or loss for the buyer. In this article, you will learn about two popular terms in shipping: CIF and CFR. First, we will get a general overview of both the terms. Then, we will discuss the function of the seller in both cases. Finally, we will examine the differences between the two terms. Hence, to learn more about the two terms, read on to the end of the article. CFR Vs CIF: An Overview Of The Terms One of the interesting things about both terms is that they are known as incoterms. According to Indeed.com, “Incoterms are common trade rules developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers while participating in international trade. CIF is an Incoterm specifically meant for shipping across oceans or international waters. There are other internationally recognized Incoterm that buyers and sellers can use when delivering products.” Furthermore, both are part of the larger group of international trade rules. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) devised the rules. The first version of the rules came out in 1936. both terms consist of guidelines for traders. Basically, CFR and CIF are similar terms. However, in CIF, the seller will also need to pay for the marine insurance to offer protection against loss, destruction, and damage to the order. What Is Cost And Freight (CFR)? As per Investopedia’s definition, “Cost and freight (CFR) is a legal term used in foreign trade contracts. In a contract specifying that a sale is cost and freight, the seller is required to arrange for the carriage of goods by sea to a port of destination and provide the buyer with the documents necessary to obtain them from the carrier.” This term strictly finds its use in cases of cargo transport through sea or inland waterways. However, in this case, the seller does not have the responsibility of procuring marine insurance, as is the case with CIF. The insurance is to provide protection against the risk of loss or damage to the product during transit. What Is Cost, Insurance, And Freight (CIF)? On the other hand, CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) gives responsibilities to both buyers and sellers. This is also the case in the case of deliveries through transport through seas or inland waterways. The term gives information about who will merchandise the shipment and when. If you follow the rules of a CIF agreement, you will be able to divide your shipping costs. Apart from that, you will also have a basic understanding of when you have responsibility for the shipment in the shipping process. With the CIF agreement, you are transferring both your costs and your risks, but at different times. Here, as a seller, you are transferring the cost when the financial responsibility of the product shifts from the seller to the buyer. Generally, the cost transfer occurs when the product reaches the destination port. Here, you will have to take responsibility for any merchandise cost before that. The risk transfer happens when the responsibility for the lost or damaged item shifts from the seller to the buyer. In this agreement, this risk transfer happens after the goods are loaded onto the ship. Hence, while the goods are traveling, the seller is responsible for handling shipping costs. However, the buyer will be responsible for the damages to the merchandise or in case of loss. CFR Vs CIF: What Are The Differences? According to Investopedia, “Each term refers to an agreement governing the responsibilities of shipping that fall respectively to buyers and sellers in an international trade transaction. This system of agreements aids in an orderly process of international trade by making contract models available that are easy to identify and understand in all languages.” However, there are some primary differences between the two agreements. The major difference lies in one additional responsibility for the seller (shipper). In the case of CIF, the seller must also provide a minimum amount of marine insurance on the shipped goods. Here, the buyer and seller agree on the insurance amount beforehand. Apart from that, the seller of the product takes up the responsibility for additional costs related to the transportation of the product. In addition to that, the seller also pays for paperworks, custom inspections, rerouting, etc., that might occur during the transport of the product. However, the buyer here has to take responsibility for any damage to goods or even loss during transit. CFR Vs CIF: Understanding The Difference With Example You can understand the difference between CFR and CIF easily with the help of this example. Let’s say Seller X sells a particular good from Spain to Buyer Y in the United States. Here, Seller X pays for the shipping from Spain to the US. Also, the seller is responsible for the shipment until the goods are loaded on the shipping vessel. After the loading of the vessel, Buyer Y takes over the responsibility for the goods. This agreement is the same for both CFR and CIF. However, under CIF, there are additional responsibilities for Seller X. Here, Seller X needs to buy insurance for the transfer of goods. With the insurance, the seller will need to cover the loss or damage to the goods at the time of shipment. Eventually, after the goods reach the destination port, the seller does not have any responsibility. Wrapping Up CFR vs CIF – Hope you have found an understanding of both the terms and the differences between them. You can see from the article that both are quite similar agreements. However, in the case of CIF, the seller bears an additional responsibility. Do you have more information to add? Consider sharing them with us in the comments section below. Find More About Business By Clicking Below!! Equity Theory: A Balancing Act for Modern Workplaces What Is A Distribution Channel? Essential Things To Know About It How Does The Procurement Process Work? Essential Things To Know About It

Periodic Inventory System: What Is It, How It Works, Applications, And More

The periodic inventory system is the method through which a business does a valuation of its inventory. Here, the business updates its inventory account at the end of each accounting period and not after each sale, wholesale, or purchase. The main advantage of this system is that it helps the business track its beginning and ending inventory within an accounting period. In this article, you will learn about what a periodic inventory system is in general. Apart from that, you will also learn how a period inventory system works. In addition to that, you will also learn the difference between a periodic inventory system and a perpetual inventory system. Finally, you will learn how to use such a system in your business model. Hence, to learn more about this system, read on through to the end of the article. What Is A Periodic Inventory System? Investopedia defines – “The term periodic inventory system refers to a method of inventory valuation for financial reporting purposes in which a physical count of the inventory is performed at specific intervals. As an accounting method, periodic inventory takes inventory at the beginning of a period, adds new inventory purchases during the period, and deducts ending inventory to derive the cost of goods sold (COGS).” The best thing about a periodic inventory system is that it is easier to implement. Apart from that, it is also a cost-effective option for companies that are usually small in size. Another major advantage of a period inventory system is that it helps the business manage risks in the supply chain better. It is an accounting technique where the accountant updates the count of the physical inventory at specific intervals. One can execute a period inventory count monthly, quarterly, and annually. Here, the accountant does not update the account regularly or after each sale of products and services. However, this system of accounting is a great option for small businesses only. When it comes to larger companies, they use the perpetual inventory system. Here, the companies update their inventory lists regularly (or after each sale). How Does A Periodic Inventory System Work? The inventory of a business is nothing but the goods that the company has in its hand, and it can make them available for sale. In general cases, a business holds inventory in the normal course of business. Furthermore, the inventory is also one of the most valuable assets of the business. This is because those inventories create the primary source of revenue for the business. According to FreshBooks.com, “In a periodic inventory system, no continuous record of changes is kept. The yearly inventory purchases are recorded in the purchases account, which is a ledger listing all inventory purchases and their costs. At the end of the year, a physical inventory count is done to determine the ending inventory balance and the cost of goods sold.” In this accounting system, the business keeps a physical count of inventory at certain periods of time. With the periodic inventory system, the time is mostly monthly, quarterly, or annually. This means that the company that uses this system tracks its inventory at hand both at the beginning and the end of a specific accounting period. Here, the company does not track its inventory on a regular basis or during sales. With this inventory system, the company also finds it easier to track the costs of all the goods sold. This inventory updating system is popular among smaller companies that do not have the necessary tools and manpower to conduct regular updates of inventory. Also, these companies have smaller quantities of inventory. Periodic Inventory System Vs. Perpetual Inventory System In the periodic inventory system, the company does not have full information regarding its levels of inventory. Apart from that, it also does not know all the costs of goods sold until the completion of the physical count process. Hence, this system is the best option for businesses that have a smaller number of stock-keeping units (SKUs). Furthermore, the company also needs to operate in a market that plods. In other cases, the perpetual inventory system is a better option for all. The following are the major differences between a periodic inventory system and a perpetual inventory system: The perpetual inventory system updates the inventory asset ledger on a regular basis or after each sale. As a result, the management gets an instant view of the inventory. On the other hand, the periodic inventory system is more time-consuming and does not get updated information. With the help of the perpetual system, the company can always keep its COGS updated. On the other hand, the periodicity of the periodic system makes it less useful when it comes to staying updated. The perpetual system tracks individual items in the inventory. Hence, it is easier to locate defective items quickly. However, the periodic system does not help in this regard. When To Use A Periodic Inventory System? According to Netsuite.com, “Any business can use a periodic system since there's no need for additional equipment or coding to operate it, and therefore it costs less to implement and maintain. Further, you can train staff to provide simple inventory counts when time is limited, or you have high staff turnover.” However, the periodic system is most suitable for small companies with a low number of SKUs. This is because such a business is not concerned fully about scaling its business at the given moment. Apart from that, based on your needs and the types of products you deal with, you can use a periodic system along with a perpetual inventory system. Furthermore, if you have good control of your supply chain system and you sell only a few products, then the periodic system is the better option for you. Wrapping Up The periodic inventory system is the best option for only those companies that deal with only small quantities of goods. Apart from that, companies that are not looking for scale at the moment and have only a limited number of employees must use this inventory accounting system. Do you have more suggestions on how to use the best inventory accounting system? Consider sharing your ideas and opinions with us in the comments section below. Read More By Clicking Below!! What Is Bottleneck In Business? Everything You Should Know About It What Is Free Alongside Ship? Essential Things To Know About It Cost Insurance Freight? Everything You Should Know About It

Trollishly: How To Establish Your E-Commerce Brand On Tiktok?

In the digitized business era, social media has driven brands to establish their network. Among all other social media platforms, TikTok is a powerful medium for brands to grow their brand community. Plus, this platform serves a great purpose for e-commerce brands to thrive in the competitive market. Meanwhile, you can't pick out any brands that don't imprint their presence on the TikTok platform. In fact, the platform outnumbers all other social media platforms by its effective performance. They share engaging video content by featuring their e-commerce brand's specialization and generating sales through them. Furthermore, most brand owners tend to use TikTok to make their e-commerce brand reach worldwide in a short time. Are you one of those e-commerce brands who want to establish their brand presence on the TikTok platform? Then this article will help you make it possible. So read and find out more! Why Is Tiktok Compatible With Your E-Commerce Brand? It is obvious that though there are many platforms to experiment with, why should you choose this application particularly? The answer to this question is simple. When you establish your brand on the platform, you are already on the path to reaching a massive audience. Here are some reasons why you should consider it. Reasons For Using TikTok I) Easy To Get Viral With the platform's effectiveness, getting viral has become more accessible. By increasing the views count for the videos, they put themselves in the position of being a member of the influencer community. For brands, once the videos are viral, the brand's name has reached the SEO. II) Time Limit - An Added Advantage By sharing quick videos about your brand features, you can capture the attention of your target audience. As a result, brands who are having a stronger presence can actively build up their brand awareness and audience base. Plus, it provides plenty of influencers for e-commerce brands to promote their products more effectively. III) Highly Personalized TikTok has a powerful algorithm that suggests only the most relevant content for the users. It is done based on collected information such as the likes, searches, and how long you see a video. For brands, the way can be much more straightforward. Your product videos will be suggested to users interested in the related products or services. IV) Quality Matters Over Quantity The length of the TikTok videos might be small, yet; it creates an enormous impact on the audience's minds. Plus, the best part is that you don't need to spend extensive money on matters like photoshoots and promotions. With shorter videos, you can captivate a massive audience. Furthermore, considering Trollishly will make your videos drive more views and get viral in a matter of seconds. Tiktok Features For E-Commerce Sales While TikTok offers numerous features and updates for businesses, here are some that you can integrate into your online store. They are TikTok Collection Ads: When it comes to video advertisements, then collection ads can be the game changer. Instead of adding CTAs, it lets the brand use its product card, shown throughout the content. Then, it allows the viewers to click on the card and discover the complete product catalog. TikTok Shopping Tab: The act of social shopping has been made simpler with the assistance of the TikTok Shopping tab. You can see this on the right side of the brand's profile. Users can effortlessly search, place an order, and buy the product within a single application. Adding Product Links: It is more or less similar to the normal approach, like tagging a famous persona or brand in the videos. However, a brand can tag its products or services by adding the respective links in the video content. Further, the prospects can make an immediate purchase by choosing the option without leaving the application. Live Shopping: The concept of live-stream shopping is one of the new cultures of shopping. The perks of this live-stream shopping include real-time connectivity, immediate purchase, and expanded awareness for the brand. Tiktok E-Commerce Brand - Best Practices 1 Using Branded Hashtags On TikTok, Hashtags are the driving force for pushing the videos to the FYP page. Knowing this strategy, most brands use popular and high-performing video hashtags. Being an e-commerce brand, you can use highly popular hashtags or even create branded hashtags for your video content. Regardless, the hashtags should be the perfect one that represents your brand and register in the minds of your targeted audience. This helps you get more traction and reach for your e-commerce brand. Besides, you may try out Trollishly, which will help you to gain more brand exposure and visibility in a short while. 2 Partnering With Influencers Influencer partnering is the ideal way to attract new customers and get your brand into regular feeds. If you come across an influencer who fits your brand and can motivate users to try the product, better try partnering with them. It will make the target audience trust your brand and make them more likely to buy your product. Also, you will get a complimentary spread of mouth for your e-commerce brand competently. 3 Experimenting With UGC Content Alternatively, conducting a contest on TikTok is an excellent way to engage your audience and generate UGC content. To give you an idea, most challenges and contests are undertaken mainly by business account holders. Then, you, too, can do it! You can set your own solid rules and agenda for your contest, along with an exciting prize. 4 Avoiding Sales-y Language If you look at your competitors, they are most likely to focus on only selling part of the brand's products and services. But on the other hand, users tend to use this platform to learn something new or to entertain themselves. Thus, you need to maintain the equilibrium between promotional and informational content to thrive in the e-commerce market. The Bottom Line In short, investing and establishing your e-commerce business on the TikTok platform can give you tremendous outcomes. It has set its standard for the e-commerce industry and marketing. If you choose this platform to establish your brand, take a different approach. Only this can help you become well-established on TikTok. Therefore, keep in mind that what works for other platforms will not work here. So it is time to make your way into the TikTok market and let your e-commerce brand outshine! Read Also: Why Create A Powerful Business Continuity Plan? What Is Network Marketing And How To Do It In 2021 How To Start A Business In 2021 – Best Business Strategies

How To Create A Powerful Business Models For Your Business In 2023

Are you dreaming of a successful business empire? If yes, then you must plan to develop your business plan in the best possible manner. You cannot consider things for granted here. Create a business plan that can help you break even quickly. Select the best business models that can help your business to grow. You must develop a perfect business model to help you achieve the next level of the milestone. Consider the market condition first before you frame your business strategy. Many Entrepreneurs of the world miss out on several tricks of success in their business’s initial phases. The application of the SWOT analysis is essential for developing your business, as per Forbes Report. Powerful Business Models That Can Help Your Business To Grow If you want to develop your business in the right direction, you must follow some specific business models to correctly build your business. Therefore, let’s explore the ways one after the other to get a better insight into it. 1. Find Enough Backing You must find out the ways or the sources from where you can accumulate the required capital for your business. In the initial phase of your business financing, a business venture can be a tricky thing from your end. You must not make a rash decision from your end in the initial phases of your business. Your business models must be strong enough to convince the investors that they have made the right choices from their end to invest their money in your business. Starting a small business is very hard in the initial phases, as per Investopedia’s study. You must have that business plan ready from your end. You must consider things seriously from your lot to develop your business in the right possible manner. Calculation and proper cost estimation are very crucial in the initial phase of your business. If you can make the right calculation from your end, you can achieve your business’s desired success. 2. Know Your Target Audience You must identify your target audience in the best possible manner. It will help you to achieve the goals of your business organization in the best possible way. If you do not have a clear idea of who your target audience is, you cannot achieve your desired objectives. Therefore on specific parameters, you must focus your attention to identify your target audience. You must identify your target audience on the following parameters: You must streamline your products and services depending on the needs and the preferences of your target audience. Clarify your marketing budget where it can perform well in the market. Identify the target audience where it can show the maximum growth for the business. Make an appealing approach towards your consumers so that they can reach you in a period. Build your marketing strategy where your target audience will put their maximum attention. The best business models can help you to achieve your business goals effectively. 3. Build Your Brand Before You Launch You must build your brand before you launch it in the market. 86% of the marketing experts agree that if you want to develop your brand image, then you must create strong brand awareness for your business. Authenticity is one of the prime aspects of any business. It will help your brand to grow in the best possible manner. Branding encompasses every aspect of your business, starting from logo designing to website building and messaging all the essential elements of your business to your target audience. You must build your brand recognition on social media platforms to get the highest amount of brand recognition. Ensure that your branding strategy must create a strong buzz in the market so that you can get the maximum returns from your investments. Building goodwill and brand recognition take some time, but you can enjoy the highest market share once created. 4. Use Of Social Media Marketing Today, we all live in a digital age, and if you are ignoring the use of social media, you are just doing injustice to your branding strategy. 50% of the world’s population make use of social media every day. If you want to derive the expected results from your business, you must use social media marketing channels. You can divide your target audience depending on the demographics. It will help you to achieve the desired result for your business. If you want to seek the best business models’ assistance, you must make aggressive use of social media marketing. You must not ignore the potential target audience for your business that you can get from the social media platforms. If you want to create powerful business models, then social media marketing is crucial. 5. Build A Great Team You can achieve your business’s success if you have a great team behind you committed to giving their best efforts to earning your business goals. It is the main reason you need a great team to help you achieve your business objective in the best possible manner. You must have team members who have a positive attitude towards achieving the desired goals for your business. You must provide them the required training, create an appraisal program, and develop the perfect marketing strategy to help their brand grow in the best possible manner. Why did You need To Create A Perfect Powerful Business Model For Your Business? Powerful business models can help you to achieve your business goals in the best possible manner. You must have a strong, motivated team power behind you to help you achieve your business goals. You must not take a risk or an undue chance in this regard. Otherwise, you cannot complete the business goals in the best possible manner. You must create a perfect business model that can help your business to grow. Conclusion Hence, if you want to develop your business in the long run, you must select the right platform to help your business grow in the best possible manner. Selection of the best person, best business models, and proper training and grooming can help you to develop your business in the right way. Your team, your business strategy, marketing technique will define your success rate. It can help your business to grow in the right manner. You must select the proper business technique to help you develop your brand in the best possible way. Selection of the men in your team is very crucial. Read Also: How To Get Sponsored For Your Brand? The Best Guide For Beginners In 2021 Top 5 Best B2B Marketing Strategies For The Entrepreneurs In 2021 Top 5 Successful Serial Entrepreneur Of All Time – 2021 Updates

How To Start A Business In Houston

How To Get Started

Why Open An LLC Company In Houston Or Texas?