To reserve a business name and check its availability in Texas for your consulting business, follow these steps:
1. Check Name Availability:
- Visit the Texas Secretary of State Website: Go to the Texas Secretary of State's website and use their online business name search tool. This allows you to check if your desired business name is already in use or if it is available.
- Consider Name Restrictions: Ensure that your name complies with Texas naming regulations, which may include restrictions on certain words or phrases.
2. Reserve Your Business Name:
- Fill Out the Application: If the name is available, you can reserve it by filling out the "Application for Reservation of an Entity Name."
- File the Application: Submit the application online through the Secretary of State's SOSDirect system or by mail. There is typically a small fee associated with this application.
- Duration of Reservation: A name reservation in Texas is valid for 120 days, giving you time to set up your business.
3. Consider Additional Steps:
- Trademark Search: It might also be wise to search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure the name is not trademarked.
- Domain Name Search: Check for the availability of a matching domain name if you plan to establish an online presence for your consulting business.
4. Additional Services:
- If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a legal professional or a business services company that specializes in business formations in Texas.
Summary
- Check availability at the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
- Fill out and submit the name reservation application.
- Consider additional trademark and domain checks.
By following these steps, you can effectively reserve a business name for your consulting business in Texas.