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COVID-19 - As recommended precautions continue to increase for COVID-19, the James E. Rudder Building will be closed to visitors and customers beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The Office of the Secretary of State is committed to continuing to provide services to ensure business and public filings remain available 24/7 through our online business service, SOSDirect, as well as United States Postal mail, email, and faxes. If needed, you may schedule an appointment related to apostilles by calling (512) 463-5705. Calls will be accepted Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Thank you in advance for your patience during this difficult time.

Online Searching and Filing

• Business Basics
• Business Start-Up Information
• Business Forms
• Filing Options
• Fee Schedule
• Copies & Certificates
• Access Entity Information
• Registered Agents
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Foreign or Out-of-State Entities
• Uniform Commercial Code
• Trademarks
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• Texas Business Law
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Contact Us

Guides and Resources

Start-Up Guides and Resources

• Texas.gov: The award-winning official eGovernment website for the State of Texas, providing citizens, local government, and state agencies with a single, secure structure to conduct business online.
• Texas Hospitality for Small Business Owners: Information provided by the Texas Economic Development Division within the Governor's Office, includes information on business structure, EINs, business taxes, and employer requirements.
• The Governor's Office Small Business Handbook (PDF): A start-up guide for small businesses provided by the Texas Economic Development Division within the Governor's Office.
• Small Business | USA.gov: An official site of the U.S. Government that provides access to federal, state, and local information for small business owners.
• Starting & Managing Your Business: Guides provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration for every stage of business.

Small Business Resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration: The SBA provides programs and services for small businesses and partners in a network of local small business development centers.
• Search for Your Local Small Business Development Center
• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Mentoring and other assistance to small businesses through partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Other City and County Resources
• Corporate Filing Offices in other States
• Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

Permits and Licenses

• Find Business Licenses & Permits (SBA.gov)
• Historically Underutilized Business Program
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights

• Texas Trademark FAQs
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• U.S. Copyright Office of the Library of Congress

Securities Issues

• Texas State Securities Board
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Other Resources

• Business Identity Theft: Information concerning business identity theft and strategies to employ if you think you may be a victim.