## Business Setup 1. **Set up a LLC:** 1. **Get a registered agent** → https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/ (address privacy; manages documents; $125/year) 2. **File Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State (LLC)** → https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml ($300; 3-5 days) 1. Create account < business and organizations 2. Track → sos.texas.gov/filing-status (bad url) 3. **Get EIN (Employer Identification Number)** → https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number (immediate) 4. **Create an operating agreement** → https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+create+an+operating+agreement (just in case?) 5. **Note:** Incorporating in Wyoming is $100 and offers more benefits; still requires registered agent 2. **Register for necessary state and local taxes and licenses** → https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/ 1. **Do I need a sales tax permit?** → https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/ (for goods/services) 2. **Franchise tax** → https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/ (no tax due until revenue >$2.47M) 3. **File and pay state and local taxes** → https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/file-pay/ 3. **Register a domain** → https://porkbun.com/ ($75/year for .ai) 4. **Trademark LLC assets:** 1. **Search TM** → https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/search 2. **Get Texas TM** → https://texas-sos.appiancloud.us/suite/sites/home-page ($50 per class) 3. **Get Federal TM** → https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/apply (broader protection - $350 per class) 5. **Open a bank account** → https://mercury.com/ 6. **Get a payment processor** → https://www.creem.io/ 7. **Contract templates** → ? (e.g., NDA, customer and vendor agreements) 8. **Start charging $** 🚀 --- **Other:** - Terms of Service + Privacy Policy (if collecting any customer data) → https://termly.io/ - Business phone number → Google Voice (free) or OpenPhone - Annual franchise report (TX LLCs must file by May 15 each year) → Set calendar reminder **Do I really need business insurance for IT LLC in Texas?** - Intellectual property disputes? - Sonnet 4.5: "If bootstrapping, get Professional Liability/E&O first then general liability" - Professional liability (E&O) - essential for IT/AI services [[B&M or Service - Grand Opening]]