Legal Question in Technology Law in Texas
Hi,
I am partner of 50% in a private registered company in Pakistan which is working in computer in IT field. Now I want to open its branch office in America with the same partner, my partner is Pakistan national and I m American immigrant, In the first phase I want to start it with my home and then move to some commercial place. The working area in to provide computers related service to the home and office users. what is the process for opening business in America ?
Please brief in detail.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Step 1: Get a lawyer. Do not try to do this legal job on your own.
Step 2: Let the lawyer take care of this so it is done right.
As I understand your question, you want to open a US branch office of a Pakistani IT service company in which you already have a 50% ownership share and you want to do this starting from an office in your home? OK, if that is right you will need at least: (a)a dba registration["doing business as" registration by which you inform the public officially who it is that is doing business under that name] in at least Texas and perhaps some other states, (b) a business license from your local jurisdiction, probably Tarrant County judging by the zip code listed for you on lawguru, (c) a US service mark clearance check and registration, and (d)a Tax ID number for IRS purposes. In addition, you will probably want an LLC to keep your personal assets out of harm's way from any claims against your business.
You should see from the above you need legal help. If you can not see that, then frankly you probably do not have sound enough business judgment and should get a good businessman as a partner. I can help (Although near Saint Louis, I was raised near Houston, I am a Texas attorney and I am a graduate of the Univ of Texas Law School.) or I can refer you to a suitable Forth Worth attorney if you would prefer to have someone whose office is closer to you.
It is a very simple process to incorporate and set up your business and it is inexpensive. However, it would be good for you to talk to an attorney to make sure you do not make any mistakes.
A corporation is an entity that legally separates the business's financial liability from its owners and shareholders. Texas offers one of the best environments for new businesses and many entrepreneurs incorporate in the state. I suggest that you incorporate either form an LLC, a corporation or partnership, otherwise you risk personal liability.
For Texas:
Step 1
Download Form 201 from the Secretary of State's Web site: www.sos.state.tx.us/corp.
Secretary of State's office number is (512) 463-5555.
Step 2
Insure that the name you'd like to use for your business is available by searching the business database. This service is free to use.
Step 3
Complete the Name Reservation form to reserve a name for your business.
Step 4
Complete the Application for Registration in order to incorporate your business in Texas. There is a fee for filing an Application for Registration with the state.
Step 5
Application for Registration should be processed in about 6 weeks, though you could file expediated Registration if circumstances permit. You will receive a certified copy of your Articles of Incorporation and your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
If you need help feel free to contact me.