Austin, Texas Business Formation Attorneys
Business Entity Formation in Texas
At JH Law, we guide entrepreneurs and small business owners through the pivotal first step of establishing a company in Texas. Choosing the right business entity—whether an LLC, corporation, or partnership—is not just a formality; it sets the foundation for how your business operates, how you protect your personal assets, and how you plan for growth. Our Texas business attorneys help you evaluate the options, complete all required filings, and implement the governance and operating documents you’ll need from the start.
Why Entity Formation Matters
When you launch a business, the entity you select determines your liability exposure, tax treatment, management structure, and how easily ownership can shift over time. Selecting the wrong entity or skipping key steps may leave you exposed to unnecessary risk or complexity. At JH Law, we don’t just file your paperwork; we provide strategic counsel to help you build a foundation that supports your long-term goals. Our formation services include document preparation, internal governance planning, state filings, and ongoing setup to keep your business compliant and protected.
Overview of Entity Types
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A Texas LLC is one of the most popular options for startups and small businesses. It offers flexibility in how you manage the business and how you are taxed, while providing personal liability protection for owners (members). We help draft your certificate of formation, operating agreement, and ancillary resolutions so you start with the correct structure.
Corporation
A corporation in Texas is a more formal entity that separates ownership (shareholders) from management (officers and directors). It offers strong liability protection and often is a better choice if you plan to raise capital, issue stock, or have multiple classes of ownership. At JH Law, we assist with corporate formation, bylaws, board resolutions, shareholder agreements, and ongoing compliance.
Partnerships & Other Structures
Sometimes a general partnership or limited partnership fits a business model. Partnerships are easier to form but carry greater personal liability. We’ll evaluate whether a partnership or other structure is appropriate, advise you on risks, and help you convert into a more protective entity if needed.
Additional Considerations
In addition to choosing the entity type, you’ll need to consider tax classification (for example, electing S-Corporation status), ownership transfers, member/owner agreements, and operational governance. These factors are often overlooked in DIY filings but matter critically for future business transitions, investor involvement, and owner protection.
How JH Law Assists You
Entity Selection Strategy: We evaluate your business goals, ownership structure, anticipated growth, tax considerations, and liability concerns to recommend the best entity type for your circumstances.
Formation & Compliance Filings: We prepare the certificate of formation with the Texas Secretary of State, proper organizational documents, internal governance resolutions, and assist you in obtaining your IRS Employer Identification Number and any state registration obligations.
Operating & Governance Documents: We help you draft an operating agreement (for an LLC), bylaws and shareholder agreements (for a corporation), or partnership agreements as required, so ownership rights, management responsibilities, and decision-making processes are clearly defined.
Ongoing Guidance: Once your entity is formed, we continue to support you with periodic compliance, amendments, ownership changes, and regulatory obligations. We aim to keep you proactive rather than reactive when legal issues arise.
Tailored Advice, Not a Template: Unlike generic online “fill-in” services, our attorneys deliver hands-on legal counsel. We tailor each entity formation package to your business’s unique characteristics and growth trajectory—helping you avoid pitfalls and set up for success.
Get Started with Confidence
Forming a business in Texas is an exciting milestone—and also a critical stage that benefits greatly from experienced legal guidance. Let JH Law help you launch your business on a solid legal foundation, protect your personal assets, and position your company for long-term growth.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our entity formation services can help your business thrive.
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