Harris County - starting a business

[YvetteH]

So I am now ready to go ahead and get a business registered but I am not sure exactly what is needed in Harris County. Is there anyone in this county that can tell me exactly what I need to do? Where I need to go for all the different licenses etc? Would it be a good idea to register as a sole propriotor or a LLC?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am new to this area so am not sure where to go for everything. Can most of it be done online?
It is a pet photography business and I will not have a studio.


Thank you.
Yvette

[toverman]

If you don't already have a state sales tax ID number, you can apply for that online at the comptroller's Web site. This is a must.

[YvetteH]

Originally Posted by toverman

If you don't already have a state sales tax ID number, you can apply for that online at the comptroller's Web site. This is a must.

Thanks Todd. I will start with a list.

1. State Sales Tax ID

[canoflan]

File a dba search and get a dba for your business name. About $99. You can do this online as well and is needed for business banking and credit card/credit accounts.

[YvetteH]

Originally Posted by canoflan

File a dba search and get a dba for your business name. About $99. You can do this online as well and is needed for business banking and credit card/credit accounts.

Thank you Pat. I will add that to the list. Who would I file that with?

1. State Sales Tax ID
2. File DBA

1. Sales Tax License (online)
2. Harris County Assumed Name dba - online search is free and you can file for dba for $15.
3. Are you taking customers at a studio? Home or retail? You will need occupancy permits, etc.
4. Harris County Appraisal District - you will need to file property rendition by April 15th of next year

[DavidsStudio]

Yvette

Go to the City of Houston One Stop Business Center and download the Getting Started files located on the left side of the page. They will give you some of the best info you will need.

David

[YvetteH]

Originally Posted by TLooney

1. Sales Tax License (online)
2. Harris County Assumed Name dba - online search is free and you can file for dba for $15.
3. Are you taking customers at a studio? Home or retail? You will need occupancy permits, etc.
4. Harris County Appraisal District - you will need to file property rendition by April 15th of next year

thank you Tina. I won't be taking customers at a studio or at my home. I will be taking pictures at client's homes, parks etc.

[YvetteH]

Originally Posted by DavidsStudio

Yvette

Go to the City of Houston One Stop Business Center and download the Getting Started files located on the left side of the page. They will give you some of the best info you will need.

David

Thank you so much David. That is a great site and I think it will have all the info that I will need. I appreciate you passing that on to me.

[HotHolly]

Use your local small biz assoc. They are free and their help was amazing. At least here in Abilene. Ive heard other people love their SBA too.

[corralup]

Your going to need business cards and flyers. Advertise.

[YvetteH]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Use your local small biz assoc. They are free and their help was amazing. At least here in Abilene. Ive heard other people love their SBA too.

Thanks Holly. I know there is one here in Houston but I think they will only help you if you have taken one of their courses and have a full business plan printed out. I have done all the research but have not put it all down in the form of a business plan yet.

[YvetteH]

Originally Posted by corralup

Your going to need business cards and flyers. Advertise.

Got the business cards, just need to work on flyers. I have also got a portfolio ready.

[Jenny Z]

Originally Posted by canoflan

File a dba search and get a dba for your business name. About $99. You can do this online as well and is needed for business banking and credit card/credit accounts.

$99??? It was only about $15 when i did it...

[kenmcphotos]

Originally Posted by YvetteH

Thanks Holly. I know there is one here in Houston but I think they will only help you if you have taken one of their courses and have a full business plan printed out. I have done all the research but have not put it all down in the form of a business plan yet.

Look for a local chapter of SCORE - they provide a lot of help with business plans etc
www.scorehouston.org