STEP 6. Get your business license in Texas
a) General licenses and permits
The Texas state doesn’t require you to have a general business license, but there are several regulatory agencies that do require you to have certain licenses and permits dependent on the type of product or service that you offer.
Very specific professions also need a state level license, which you can find more information on at the
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
b) Local permits
Specific permits may also be required from the local government in the area that your business will be located in. Each municipality will have its own regulations, so it is best to check first with them to ensure that you comply with their requirements.
Some of the common permits required include:
- Alarm permit
- Building permit
- Health permit
- Occupational permit
- Signage permit
- Zoning permit
To find out which permits and licenses you may need, contact the local county or the city government for additional requirements you may need to meet.
c) Texas sales and use tax permit
The state requires you to have a Texas sales and use tax permit if you are an individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity operating a business in Texas and you:
- sell tangible personal property in Texas;
- lease or rent tangible personal property in Texas; or
- sell taxable services in Texas.
You can apply for a sales tax permit using the Texas Comptroller Texas Online Sales Tax Registration Application System. Alternatively, you can print an application from or print an application from the Texas Sales and Use Tax Forms webpage and mail it to the Comptroller.
Important contact details
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Website: www.irs.gov
Address: 825 E. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX 78753
Phone: (512) 499-5127
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Website: https://comptroller.texas.gov/
Address: Lyndon B. Johnson State Office Building, 111 East 17th Street, Austin, Texas 78774
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/