When you form a Texas LLC, you need to give it a name. The name you choose will be used on official documents and filings, so it’s important to pick something that is both professional and easy to remember. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect name for your Texas LLC.
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Overview
Picking a Name for Your LLC
You have a lot of leeway when it comes to naming your LLC. You want to choose a name that is easily recognizable and will represent your company well. You also want to make sure that the name is available so that you can avoid any legal issues down the road. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a name for your LLC.
Naming Guidelines for Texas LLCs
When you form a limited liability company (LLC) in Texas, you need to choose a name for your LLC. Here are some guidelines from the Texas Secretary of State on what you can name your LLC:
Your LLC name must end with “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC.”
Your LLC name can’t include words that would be misleading to the public about your business activities.
You may need to get approval from certain state agencies before using words like “bank,” “attorney,” or “university” in your LLC name.
Your LLC name can’t be the same as the name of another business entity already filed with the Texas Secretary of State, unless you get written consent from that business entity.
You can check to see if your desired LLC name is available by searching the online business entity database on the Texas Secretary of State website.
The Importance of a Name Search
One of the most important steps in forming your LLC is picking a name for your company. Your company name is how customers and clients will identify your business, so it’s important to pick something that is professional and easy to remember. Additionally, you want to make sure that the name you choose is available to use and not already being used by another business.
The first step in picking your LLC name is to do a name search. This will allow you to see if the name you want to use is available and has not already been claimed by another business. The state of Texas has a few different options for searching for names:
-The Texas Business Permits and Licenses Search
-The Secretary of State Business Filings Database
-The Texas Comptroller’s Good Standing Certificate Database
Once you have conducted a search and confirmed that the name you want to use is available, you can proceed with forming your LLC.
How to Name Your LLC
Your Texas LLC name must contain the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” It can also have “Limited” or “Co.” as part of the name. You can choose to use commas or periods to separate the words in your LLC name.
The Process of Naming Your LLC
The process of naming your LLC is not as simple as coming up with a name and registering it with the state. You must first check to make sure the name you want is available and then file paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.
When you’re ready to start the process of naming your LLC, follow these steps:
1. Check for name availability: You can do this by searching the Secretary of State’s website or checking with the county clerk in the county where you plan to register your LLC.
2. File an LLC application with the Secretary of State: This document, called the Certificate of Formation, must include the name of your LLC as well as other required information.
3. Choose a registered agent: This is the person or business that will receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
4. Draft an operating agreement: This document outlines how your LLC will be run and includes important information such as ownership percentages and voting rights. While it’s not required in all states, it’s a good idea to have one in place to avoid potential conflict down the road.
5. File annual reports and pay taxes: Most states require LLCs to file an annual report and pay taxes, so be sure to check with your state’s taxing authority for specific requirements
How to Reserve a Name for Your LLC
1. Search the Texas Secretary of State website.
The first step is to make sure your desired LLC name is available in Texas. You can do a quick name availability search on the Texas Secretary of State website. If your desired name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days for a fee of $40.
2. File a Certificate of Assumed Name.
If you want to keep your LLC name beyond the 120-day mark, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Texas Secretary of State. The assumed name must be distinguishable from any other business entity name on file with the state agency. The filing fee is $25.
Tips for Naming Your LLC
When you form a limited liability company (LLC) in Texas, you’ll need to give it a name. The name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” It can’t include certain restricted words, like “FBI” or “Treasury.” The name must be distinguishable from the names of other businesses registered with the Texas Secretary of State. To see if your chosen name is available, you can conduct a name search online.
Consider Your Business Structure
When you’re naming your business, you need to take into account the business structure you’ve chosen. An LLC, for example, must have “LLC” or “L.L.C.” in the name. You can use a DBA (“doing business as”) name that doesn’t include these initials, but it must be registered with the state along with your LLC paperwork. Other business structures have different naming requirements, so be sure to check with your state before settling on a name.
Consider Your Business Type
When naming your LLC, it’s important to keep in mind the type of business you’re starting. For example, if you’re starting a law firm, you might want to include “LLC” or “L.L.C.” in the name to indicate that you are a limited liability company. Including your business type in the name can also help potential customers understand what type of company you are and what services you offer.
Here are some other things to consider when choosing a name for your LLC:
-Is the name available?
-Does the name comply with llc naming requirements?
-Is the name too similar to another business?
-Does the name have a available domain?
-Is the name easy to remember and pronounce?
Consider the Future of Your Business
As you’re thinking about names for your LLC, it’s important to consider the future of your business. If you think there’s a possibility that you’ll expand your business or sell it in the future, choose a name that won’t limit you. For example, if you name your LLC “XYZ Painting Company,” you may have a harder time expanding into other areas or selling the business because potential buyers will only see it as a painting company. On the other hand, if you simply name it “XYZ Company,” you have more flexibility for growth and expansion.
Some other things to keep in mind as you choose a name for your LLC:
-You can’t use wording that would confuse your LLC with a government agency (for example, “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department”)
-You can’t use wording that implies you are providing a professional service if you aren’t licensed to do so (such as “engineering,” “accounting,” or “medical group”)
-The name of your LLC can’t be too similar to the name of another business
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