Legal Requirements

State Regulations

All businesses operating in Texas as limited partnerships, registered limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, professional corporations, nonprofit corporations, and professional associations must register with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State provides a summary of requirements for the creation of these entities. The Secretary of State publishes several guides which offer guidelines for selecting and registering business entities. The guides also include administrative rules and sample forms promulgated by the Secretary of State.

Legal entities organized in other states or countries may transact business in Texas by registering with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State can provide forms for the application for registration. An out-of-state business may also consider the option of creating a Texas corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company for transaction of business in Texas.