There are several key steps to starting a business in the City of Corpus Christi. The steps may vary according to the type of business you intend to start, but the following 10 steps will give you a general idea.

 

Note: Many of the following steps can be researched and accomplished by first visiting the respective web sites listed, rather than calling or visiting agency offices.

 

For those business start-ups that do not have access to the internet, you may visit any of the City’s Community Service Centers or Public libraries to get online.

 

The City of Corpus Christi main library provides significant resource materials, including information on market research, trademark and service marks, how-to books on a variety of businesses and industries, etc. The Central library also offers workshops on computer hardware/software use and small business related material including patent, trademark and copyright issues. For more information, contact:

 

805 Comanche

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

(361) 826.7070

Website: http://www.library.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a Business Resource Center which provides free access to a variety of information, education and training designed to help entrepreneurs start, operate and grow their business. In addition, there is on-site free counseling provided by the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). For more information contact:

 

3649 Leopard Street Suite 411

Corpus Christi, TX 78408

(361) 879-0017 ext. 21

 

3649 Leopard Street Suite 411

Corpus Christi, TX 78408

(361) 879-0017 ext. 22

 

2. Create a Business Plan

A business plan is like a roadmap; it shows you where you are in relation to where you want to be. Whether you believe in a business plan or not, starting a business involves many ideas that need to be documented and actions that need to be taken. Many businesses fail without a business plan, and furthermore, banks require one prior to being considered for a loan. Contact:

 

3209 S. Staples

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

(361) 698-1021

 

3. Determine a Business Name

The name you chose for your business is very important. If the name you choose is your own legal surname and a one-word description (such as JohnSmith Roofing) then you are not required to register a fictitious business name. if you choose a business name that does not meet these parameters (such as JS Expert Roofing) and your business is not registered with the state then state law requires you to file a fictitious business name statement with Nueces County. Please note that this statement does not protect the business name.

 

901 Leopard Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

(361) 888-0580

 

Several legal structures exist in the state of Texas. Your choice of legal structure will affect your income taxes and personal liability. Most businesses start as a Sole Proprietorship or a General Partnership and are generally the least complicated. Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies must register with the Secretary of State. You are strongly advised to contact your own accountant or attorney for advice and assistance in determining the best legal structure for you and your business.

 

                        (512) 463-5455          website: http://business.texas.online.com/

 

(512) 463-5555         website: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/related/shtml

 

There is a classification system for business activity types in Corpus Christi, which identifies a business activity and determines many of the start-up requirements and where the business can be located. Determine the general business activity type from the list below. The same list is also provided with Business Tax Certificate application.

 

Agriculture (11)                         Transportation and Warehousing (48-49)      Educational Services (61)

Mining (21)                                Information Services (51)                           Health Care/Social Assistance (62)

Utilities (22)                               Finance and Insurance (52)                        Arts/Entertainment/Recreation (71) Construction (23)                       Real Estate/Rental/Leasing (53)                  Accommodation/Foodservices (72)

Manufacturing (31-33)                 Professional/Scientific/Technical (54)           Other Services (81)

Wholesale (42)                           Management Services (55)                        Public Administration (92)

Retail (44-45)                             Administrative Support (56)                              

 

4600 Silver Hill Road

Washington, DC 20233

website: http://www.census.gov/naics/2007/index.html/

 

6. Select a Site and Determine Zoning and Site Permit Requirements

Determining zoning requirements prior to signing a lease or contract is imperative. You must check with the City to see if the type of business you plan to operate is legal in the desired location. You can usually receive same day information on the status of your location if you have the proposed business address and a description of the business when you contact:

 

2406 Leopard Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78408

website: http://www.cctexas.com/developmentservices

Zoning- (361) 826-3583

Permits- (361) 826-3282

 

If operating from home, you must follow the requirements for Home Occupations. You can obtain this information by contacting:

 

1201 Leopard Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78469

(361) 826-3170

website: http://www.cctexas.com/neighborhoodservices

 

 

7. Obtain Any Special Licenses and Permits

The business activity type chosen determines the licenses and permits needed to operate a business legally. Some of the key contacts are listed below.

 

The Texas Online database provides detailed information on the business permit, license and registration requirements from all levels of government. The information includes a description of the requirement, the name, address, and telephone number of the agency, and frequently, a direct link to that agency’s Internet web pages. The information identified is specific to the type of business and its location in Texas.

 

website: http://www.state.tx.us/

 

For a list of Regulated Occupations and Professional Services, contact:

 

website: http://wwwtxcc.state.tx.us/

 

For information on Crime Prevention Services contact:

(361) 826-2849 website: http://www.cctexas.com/police/

 

Businesses selling tangible personal property in the state of Texas must apply for Seller’s Permit/Resale Number

 

111 E. 17^th. Street

Austin, TX 78774-0100

(800) 252-5555 website: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxpermit/

 

Businesses engaged in selling goods by weight or volume must register the devices with the County Agriculture, Weights and Measures Office. Permits must usually be obtained by: import/export businesses, agricultural-related production, and businesses using pesticides.

 

(512) 463-7476 website: http://www.agr.state.tx.us/

 

Business engaged in: selling or handling food products, operating a pool or spa, handling hazardous materials, underground storage tanks, medical wastes, x-ray equipment, or waste handling must contact:

 

1702 Horne Road

Corpus Christi, TX 78415

(361)826-7200 website: http://www.cctexas.com/health

 

Other permits and licenses may also be required.

 

8. Get Tax Information

Several types of taxes may be levied on businesses including income tax, employment tax and the City’s Business Tax. For City tax information contact:

 

111 E. 17^th. Street

Austin, TX 78774-0100

Sales and use Tax (800) 252-5555

Franchise Tax (800) 252-1381

Certificates of Good Standing (800) 252-1386 

website: http://ecpa.cpa.state.tx.us/taxrates/RateCalc.jsp

 

400 Mann Suite 600

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

(361) 882-1234 website: http://www.window.state.tx.us

 

For state taxes visit the Texas Workforce Commission Information center:

 

3649 Leopard Street, Suite 600, 78408-3233

(361) 361-882-2873 website: http://www.twc.state.tx.us

 

For federal tax information and a copy of the “Small Business Resource Guide” and invaluable tool to help business owners understand the basics contact;

 

(800) 829-1040 website: http://www.irs.treas.gov

 

9. Employer Responsibilities

A whole new set of responsibilities arises when a business hires employees. Employers must register as an employer and obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), pay additional taxes, withhold, match and submit employee withholdings, must obtain worker’s compensation insurance and adhere to employee eligibility regulations.

 

The EIN, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to business entities. The IRS uses this number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit organizations, trust and estates, government agencies, certain individuals and other business entities. Federal Employer ID numbers can be obtained by completing form SS-4 on-line or calling:

 

(800) 829-4933

website: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html

 

Get information on state requirements, taxes and services for employers by contacting: 

 

3649 Leopard Street, Suite 600, 78408-3233

(361) 361-882-2873 website: http://www.twc.state.tx.us

 

Anyone doing business in Corpus Christi for more than six days in one calendar year must have a business tax certificate. Home-based businesses, self employed persons and independent contractors are also required to have a business tax certificate. The applications can be obtained and filed at the following locations or downloaded from the following website:

(Local)

901 Leopard Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

(361) 888-0580

 

(Statewide)

400 Mann Suite 600

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

(361) 882-1234 website: http://www.window.state.tx.us

 

 

The following organizations offer computer access to the general public.

 

Small Business Development Center 3209 S. Staples……………………(361) 698-1021

 

 

By following these key steps, the process should run more smoothly. If you need additional information please contact the City of Corpus Christi Economic Development Office. 

 

 

City of Corpus Christi Economic Development Office

1201 Leopard Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78469

(361) 826-3850 e-mail: irmaca@cctexas.com

website: http://www.cctexas.com/economicdevelopment/