Business Formation

Start Your Business the Right Way

Choosing the right business structure in Texas is a big decision and our knowledgeable attorneys can guide you with careful planning. When choosing the right business structure it is important to consider all the implications of each business entity option such as liability, tax consequences, formality of operation and management preferences.

At Parra Law Firm, PLLC, we can help guide you through the process for a secure foundation for your business journey. The different types of businesses have different levels of risk against them in terms of their owners’ personal assets being at stake if there’s a lawsuit or bankruptcy, so selecting the right legal structure for your business can make all the difference in how successful it will be.

Which Type of Business Entity Is Right for You?

We understand what makes each type of entity unique so we can find with you which option best suits your situation. It’s not all about how you’re going to pay taxes or what type of corporate structure will be easiest for you; it also depends on who owns the business in question, as well as which form would give more advantages when dealing with employees.

Generally, businesses are created and operated in one of several types of business entity.

Filing Business Entities

There are multiple types of business entities that you can choose from when starting your business. We can help you weigh your options based on your unique needs to start your business based on one of these entity types:

The Limited Partnership

As filing entities, the Limited Partnership structures are formed by filing a Certificate of Formation for a Limited Partnership with the Texas Secretary of State. It is the first stage above the General Partnership in terms of liability protection, meaning that limited partners are legally protected from the debts or obligations of the business.

Corporation

Corporations are probably the most well-known business structure in Texas and the United States. These types of businesses are viewed as separate entities from the owners and allow them to sue and be sued, to hold property, and are required to pay taxes separately from the owners. To form a Corporation it is necessary to file a Certificate of Formation for a For-Profit Corporation or a Certificate of Formation for a Nonprofit Corporation depending on its purpose.

Limited Liability Company

This Business entity allows owner(s) to limit personal liability in the finances of the company, as well as some tax advantages as the business’s net income is passed through to the owner(s) who report it on their personal income forms. To run your business as an LLC it is required to file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State.

Nonfiling Business Entities

There are also types of business entities that can be created without any formal action, including:

The Sole Proprietorship

If you are looking to start a small business and want something that requires little paperwork or planning, forming a sole proprietorship may be for you. In order to establish this type of company, there’s no need for state filing; as long as your legal name isn’t already taken by another person who has previously established their own single-ownership enterprise within Texas. If it does happen that someone else also claims themselves under this category before they form theirs, they’ll have to file what’s known as Doing Business As (DBA).

The General Partnership

At its core, the general partnership structure has the most similarities with the sole proprietorship. In order to form this business entity, you only need to start working with your partner or partners. In addition, unlike LLCs or corporations, there are no formation fees or ongoing maintenance fees related to filings like annual reports. However, the lack of personal asset protection allows your creditor to pursue your personal assets if your business is sued.

No matter what kind of business suits your needs the best, we can help you get your company started on the right foot.

Begin Your Business Here

If you are ready to start your business, contact our San Antonio office today. Call us at (210) 332-5454 or email us here for a free initial consultation to take the first step in your business formation.