How To Start A Business In Houston
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.
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A Physical Shop Or Online Store: What Is Better For Business?
There was a time when having a brick-and-mortar store was essential for anyone in business. To gain the trust of customers, it was imperative to invest in a physical store. However, things have changed a lot post-Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the epidemic disease and the lockdown, brick-and-mortar stores across the globe took a massive hit. In such trying times, online stores saw a massive boom. E-commerce websites like Amazon made record sales and subsequently, revenue. It was then businesses started digitizing. Are you looking to set up your own business? What do you have in mind? Are you going to set up a brick-and-mortar store? Or would you like to have an online store? Perhaps, a website or a social media page? In this article today, we're going to check out the pros and cons of physical shops and online stores. Hopefully, it will help you make the right decision. Pros And Cons Of Online Store As mentioned earlier, a lot of things have changed in the last two years. Most people now prefer buying things online. They order stuff online and get it delivered to their doorstep. It helps save people time and energy. An online store is all about user convenience. The more convenience you provide to your customers, the more they'll shop at your store and the higher would be your revenue. It's as simple as that. Not to mention, running an online store is easier than having a brick-and-mortar store. It doesn't require you to hire a lot of people. Instead, you invest in a website, a web designer (which is a one-time expense), and a VPS hosting service that keeps your website functional as well as payment gateways. Yes, incorporating a payment gateway into your website is a must when running an online store. Providing your customers with simple payment methods like credit or debit card payments, Apple Pay, and Payoneer can make them happily shop at your store. Also, don't forget to collaborate with a logistics company as getting the order delivered is also the responsibility of the online store. The only problem with an online store is the management of finances. It's not easy keeping a record of everything when it's all online. Also, many people question your credibility in case you don't have a physical address. It is something that often affects your sales. In other words, it takes some time to establish yourself as an online store and to make people start believing in your brand. Moreover, having a customer service department is a must when running an online store, and that too, with 24/7 availability like Amazon. If anything, it will help you gain your potential customer's trust. When they'll know that you're available to address their concerns, they'll shop more and more at your store. Pros And Cons Of A Physical Store Indeed, all the brick-and-mortar stores now have online stores as well but that doesn’t mean having a brick-and-mortar store is of no use. A brick-and-mortar is a must if you wish to gain your customers’ trust. They’ll know that you’re available to address their problems, so they’ll keep shopping at your brand. Besides that, many people prefer checking out things in person before investing in them. It is especially correct for fashion retailers and tech companies. Nobody wants to take chances with electronic gadgets, appliances, or clothes. Thus, people prefer trying them out before buying them. Well, it’s fair. After all, you’re spending your hard-earned money on all these things. However, one problem is that a brick-and-mortar store could be very expensive. In fact, it’s like an additional expense. It starts from renting a space to getting it designed and decorated and hiring employees. Not to mention, the monthly bills and salaries. Therefore, it isn’t a smart option for a small business or anyone who’s struggling with revenue. On the other hand, it does save you some money on customer service. You don’t have to hire people for 24/7 customer service. Simply add your working hours on your website or store billboard and let your customers know what time you’ll be able to take their questions and address their concerns. The great thing is that it won’t affect your business in any way. The Takeaway Both physical shops and online stores have different pros and cons. For established businesses with great revenues, it’s advisable to have both a physical and an online store. On the other hand, for small businesses or companies who are struggling with revenue and growth, it’s best to stick to an online store and not have a brick-and-mortar store for some time. Additionals: How To Create A Powerful Business Continuity Plan? How To Make Money Fast – 5 Strategy To Follow In 2021 How To Start A Business In 2021 – Best Business Strategies
Feb 21, 2023
How To Boost Warehouse Productivity
A productive warehouse is an income-generating warehouse that allows businesses to save valuable resources, such as time and money. The business moves faster, revenues are higher, and the costs are spread across different activities, resulting in happier customers. Considering how essential warehouse productivity is, we’ve compiled six actionable techniques to help you boost yours. Use the information below as your reference or guide to ensure that your warehouse and its employees perform at their best. 6 Tips About How To Boost Warehouse Productivity 1. Prioritize Employee Comfort Warehouse work can be stressful, which is why it’s important to focus on the comfort of your employees. It’ll be challenging for them to complete orders if they’re uncomfortable at work. Invest in workplace ergonomics to ensure employees produce better quality work and improve their overall well-being. To achieve that goal, have employees store items strategically, let them use machine assistance (such as bubble wrap dispensers, self-leveling lift tables, and tilted pick trays), and improve employee training. Providing sufficient air conditioning units and a soft floor to reduce foot pains and giving them access to a kitchen and rest area also helps. Play music during working hours as studies show that this can improve productivity. 2. Offer An Incentive Program Your employees play a vital role when it comes to running a productive warehouse. If you’re not currently offering any incentive program to them, it’s high time that you do. You can choose from different incentive programs for your warehouse employees: you can offer paid time off, financial bonuses, or tickets and vacations. Highlighting your best employees on your company’s social media profiles or websites also helps boost their morale. Whatever incentive program you decide to settle on, aim to make it visual. If the program runs every month, prepare a chart, indicating the target line and actual line of work to give employees a reminder on how they can get rewards at the end. 3. Implement A Feedback Mechanism The shopfloor workforce are the first people to identify issues that impact the efficiency of the warehouse. Whether they raise the concern or not depends on how connected or engaged they feel with the warehouse management functions. Without any mechanisms for sharing feedback in place, your employees will likely hold back and won’t communicate about any work-related issues. Preventing this issue is easy — sometimes, all it needs is a manager to foster team communication or an open-door policy. This approach will encourage employees to communicate openly about their concerns. You can also implement something more formal, like a weekly sit-down between the managers and their teams. Regardless of the system you decide to put in place, you need to encourage feedback from employees to identify issues and improve your warehouse productivity. Read Also: Profitable Business Ideas To Start In UAE 4. Optimize All Available Space Running out of warehouse space can cause bigger problems, such as unpreparedness for seasonal demands, unsatisfactory order management, and frustrated customers. Storage is critical for the success of your warehouse, so make sure to optimize all available space. Instead of expanding the footprint of your warehouse, use vertical space. Adding taller storage units and investing in the right equipment to store and pick materials also help maximize the square footage of your warehouse. Additionally, consider using different types of shelving. Using the same shelving for different items wastes space and makes it easy to misplace or even damage items. Using standardized bins also keeps shelves orderly and neat, making it easier for employees to find items. 5. Embrace Enabling Technology Technology has significantly improved businesses, including warehouse operations. Today, you can invest in different apps and software to make the lives of your warehouse employees easier. One of the most common technologies you can use is a Warehouse Management System or WMS. This system suggests the best methods and routes for put-away, as well as providing automated pick lists that can be sent to devices to reduce wasted paper and minimize mistakes. As a result, your warehouse will be greener and neater. Using Radio Frequency Identification or RFID readers also reduces picking errors and improves the overall efficiency of warehouse transactions. In fact, research shows that using RFID can increase warehouse inventory accuracy by up to 27% in just 13 weeks. 6. Standardize Workflows Every process for moving items within the warehouse — from the moment they enter to the time they go out — should follow an established workflow. Without one, employees will choose to work using a method that’s only efficient for them but not efficient for the business. Automated workflows are a must as it guarantees employees follow the same standards when working. It also enables you to assess employee performance against the benchmark set for a specific segment of the workflow. In this way, bottlenecks can be identified and resolved ASAP. Use The Right Strategies Ensure a productive warehouse by implementing all of these strategies consistently. As long as done correctly, these strategies can cause your warehouse productivity rates to soar. Additional: How To Start A Dropshipping Business In 2021 – A Beginners Guide Boxed Packaged Goods: The Right Guide To Uplift Your Business How To Start A Concession Stand Business? – A Complete Guide How To Run A Fast Food Restaurant Business At A Shoestring Budget?
Dec 21, 2022
7 Business Opportunities That Can Change Your Life In 2021
Are you planning to seek the assistance of the best business opportunities in 2021? If yes, you must consider specific facts to help your business grow in the best possible manner. Whatever business model you choose, it must help you to reach your break-even in a short time. You must be careful regarding selecting the best business model to earn more revenue in a short time. You must select the best business opportunities that can prove to be life-changing ones for you. This thing will be possible when you select the best business model from your end. Select the best business opportunities near you. Business Opportunities That Can Change Your Life Several business opportunities that can help you to change your life in 2021 are shown in this article. Let’s find out the business models that can help you in achieving it properly. Therefore, let’s explore the facts in a better way. 1. Consulting Business consulting is one of the most effective ways to help you achieve your revenue-generating opportunity in a better way. The best thing about this business model is you just need guidance from the experts to achieve their objectives. They may be professionals or people with specific skill sets. Select the niche in which you are an expert and share your tips with the people who return for money. Here the stress is low, and the chances or the scope of earning is more. 2. Website Flipping Website flipping is another essential business model that you can opt for. The best thing about this business model is you can purchase an old website at a low cost, and after modifying it from your end, you can sell it at a higher cost. Website flipping is the best business opportunity that can change your life. Here, you need to make fewer investments to generate more revenue from your end. You must allow others to visit your newly made website so that the chances of the sales increases. You cannot make a filthy decision from your end. Select the best business opportunities near you. 3. Freelancing Freelancing is another suitable way and of the best business opportunities that can change your life. It can help you to achieve your business goals in the best possible manner. The only thing that matters here the most is the selection of niche. The reason is you can select multiple domains for doling the freelancing like You can do freelancing in content writing. You can do freelancing in web development. You can do freelancing in providing SEO services. You can do Freelancing in graphic designing and photography. In all these popular, domains you can perform your freelancing activities. You need to understand that you must select the right Freelancing platforms if you want to develop your brand image. 4. Blogging Select your niche and start blogging. It is one of the best business opportunities where you have to make zero investments, but the earning scope is more. You can earn more by selecting blogging as your career. Write blogs stating your real experience and share it with the entire world. If your writing style is right and your blog solves many individuals’ problems, they benefit from it. There will be a scope that you can earn more profits from your business. Selection of the niche and the topic must be perfect for earning maximum revenue from it. 5. Affiliate Marketing Affiliate marketing is one of the best business models that can help you achieve your business goals better way. You must not make lesser efforts from your end to achieve your goals in the best possible manner. In this business model, you will get their opportunity to become rich quickly. You just need to sell the famous brands’ affiliate products from their platforms and earn commissions from them. You must not make wrong decisions regarding the selection of the affiliate products or the niches. The more you can think pro-actively, the better you can earn from it. You must not make an attempt where you can lose your market share to the competitors. 6. App Creation App creation is one of the best business opportunities to help your business grow in the right direction. Here, you need to build the mobile apps for your clients as per their requirements, and you can develop your marketing campaign through it. You must have the proper programming skills to develop the most customized app for your target audience. On various Freelancing websites, you can create your apps and showcase them to get your client’s orders. 7. Online Course Creation Virtual learning is a new trend in this digital world. You need to understand that if you are creating the online course, you are offering the opportunity to learn new things by staying back in the comfort of your home. It is now one of the best business opportunities that can help you to earn the maximum revenue. You must understand that you must scroll down the best options to help you achieve your goals if you want to develop in your career. Why Must You Scroll Down The Numerous Business Options? Numerous business options will help you to achieve your career goals in the best possible manner. You must not make any wrong decisions in this regard. Wrong decisions can ruin your dreams, and it can result in the downsizing of your career goals. If you go for the right business opportunities, then you can grow in your career. Ensure that the selection of your niche must be perfect. Conclusion Hence, if you plan to seek the best business opportunities, you must know the market well according to the current market scenario. You must select your niche. It will help you to achieve your desired objectives. Ensure that you know the niche properly for which you plan to do the business in the future. Depending on your niche, you must select the business category so that you can earn more. Try to select that niche where the scope of the earning is more and expenses is less. The less investment means you have less burden on your shoulder to do your business freely. Read Also: How To Start A Business In 2021 – Best Business Strategies Top 5 Successful Serial Entrepreneur Of All Time – 2021 Updates 5 Most Powerful Marketing Strategy That Will Change Your Business In 2021
Mar 04, 2021
How To Create A Powerful Business Continuity Plan?
p Are you planning to do your business more effectively than ever? If yes, then you must consider several important aspects in the light of this matter. You can continue your business with a super flow if you have the right plan in place. Disruptions in the business policy can lead to disaster in your marketing policy. In the Forbes study, the importance of the business continuity plan is highlighted several times. Your business continuity plan can help your business to grow in the right direction. If you want to continue your business in the best way, you need to plan three things with the best possible efforts, like your marketing, finance, and supply chain system. Apart from these, other ways are also there that you can employ from your end. Tips To Create Powerful Business Continuity Plan There are several factors that you must consider while you frame your business continuity plans from your end. Therefore, let’s explore the facts one after the other to get a better insight into it. 1. You Must Identify The Objectives And Goals Of The Plan You must identify the objectives and the goals of your business plans in the best possible manner. It can help your business to grow in the right direction. Setting the long term objectives plays a crucial role in developing your business. If you want to achieve success in your business, your plan must be accurate enough to accomplish that goal in the best possible manner. You must not consider things for granted. You must change your working process as per the needs of the situation. The more effectively you can frame your policy, the better you can earn from your business. The only thing that you must consider here is to make the right plan to achieve your business objectives in the best possible manner. 2. Establish An Emergency Preparedness Team You must create an emergency preparedness team that can help you combat your company’s challenging situation. Select some cross-sectional managers and leaders who can bring valuable ideas to the table at the crisis time. You must follow some of the essential factors in the light of this matter. Different ways to select an emergency team Select your high performing team members. Select the best members of your team who can handle the contingencies in the best possible manner. Boost up the skills of your team members in the best possible manner. You must consider a business continuity plan sample to develop your business. Identify the team’s leaders who can guide you to take the right decision at the right point in time. These are some of the factors that you must consider while creating an emergency preparedness team from your end. Proper development of the strategy here is very crucial in developing your brand image. 3. You Must Perform Risk Assessment & Business Impact Analysis You must perform the risk assessment plan in the best possible manner. Develo the right business impact analysis plan to develop the right strategy for your business. You must not consider things for granted here. Discuss the major issues with your teams and prepare a plan to overcome these crucial circumstances in the best possible manner. Make proper research and analysis in this regard. You must develop your risk assessment plan to reduce, modify, and eliminate essential services and functions. If you want to develop your business continuity plan, you must have the right policies to help you achieve your business goals in the best possible manner. A good business continuity plan sample can help your business to grow in the right direction. Your business continuity plan can help your business to grow in the right direction. You must have the right strategy that can help your business to grow in the right direction. 4. Identify Your Essential Business Services You must divide your business services into two categories. First is the performing services, and the second is the non-performing services. You must develop your business services in the best possible manner to get the required services at the right point in time. Your business services will determine the fortune of your business. So if you want to continue your business, you must stop your nonperforming assets and services that increase your business wastage. Here, inventory management, social media branding services, and customer care services of your brand play a vital role from where you can decide which services you must invest and on which services you will not invest your money. Essential Benefits Of Business Continuity Planning Several benefits of business continuity planning can help your business to grow in the right direction. The main factor here is that many of us do not have the right idea of where you must invest and how you can invest your money to get the maximum returns. Therefore, let’s explore the essential benefits of the continuity plan one after the other to understand it better. It will help you to maintain proper business operations. It can help you to build proper customer confidence in the best possible manner. It can help you to preserve the reputation of your brand in the best possible manner. It will help you create your business USP, and you can gain a better competitive edge for your business. It will help you to meet the financial contingencies of your business in the best way. The importance of the supply chain system is discussed clearly in the Economic Times Report. Hence, without business continuity planning, you cannot develop your business in the best possible manner. You must have plan B ready to combat the business’s critical situations in the best possible way. Conclusion Hence, if you want to continue your business smoothly, you must have the backup plan ready. It will help you to develop your business in the right direction. It can help you to achieve your business goals in the right way. If you want to develop your business plan, you must seek the best person to help you achieve your business goals in the best possible manner. Your business policies must be correct enough to help you develop your business plan in the best possible manner. The only thing you must consider here is making the right business plan to help your business grow in the best possible way. Proper planning for your business is very crucial. It can help your business to grow in the right direction. Read Also: How to Start a Business in 2021 – Best Business Strategies How To Make Money Fast – 5 Strategy To Follow In 2021
Feb 11, 2021