How To Start A Woodworking Business In Texas

How to Start a Woodworking Business In Texas

Here is some information on how to legally register and start a woodworking business in the state of Texas.  A woodworking business could include woodturning, woodcarving, woodburning, wood pallet projects, chainsaw carvings, furniture making, wood crafts, and more. Make sure you do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start legally making money in your wood shop, along with links to more information.
Here is a website that will help if you want to start a business in Texas: Start a Business in Texas

1. Register your woodworking business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml

For more information on choosing a name for your wood shop:  How To Choose A Business Name and Woodworking Business Name Ideas

2. Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/businessstructure.shtml

3.  Register your woodworking business.

You can register your woodworking business with the state of Texas here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml

4. Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your woodworking business with your new business name.

5. Taxes.

While you can certainly file your own taxes, an accountant may be helpful in figuring out deductions and other tax laws. More information about taxes here: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxes/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .

6.  Liability Insurance.

You may not want or need liabilty insurance if you are doing your work in your own woodshop.  If you will be doing any work on location, you should consider liabilility insurance.  Find an insurance agent that offers liability insurance.  You may want to shop around, as prices and options can vary.  More on liability insurance here: Liability Insurance Options

7. Worker’s Compensation.

You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees.

8. Get Health Insurance.  how to start a woodworking business in Texas

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you want to have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

9. Register as a Contractor

Check with your local government to see if you need to register as a contractor.

10. City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to operate your woodworking business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.