Category: Event in Greater Houston area

Start Your 2025 Business in Texas: A Quick Guide

Ready to start 2025 with a BANG?

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it’s important to start off on the right foot. Texas, with its business-friendly laws and thriving economy, is one of the best places to launch your dream venture. At Filis Law Firm, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Here’s a quick guide to help you take your first steps toward success.

1. Choose Your Business Idea

Every great business starts with an idea. What problem are you solving, and how does your product or service stand out? Whether you’re starting a tech company, a retail store, or a consulting firm, it’s important to refine your idea and evaluate its feasibility.

2. Pick a Business Structure

Your business structure determines everything from your taxes to your personal liability. Common options in Texas include:

  • Sole Proprietorship: Simple but leaves you personally liable.
  • Partnership: A shared venture, ideal for co-owners.
  • LLC (Limited Liability Company): A popular choice that combines liability protection with tax flexibility.
  • Corporation: Offers robust liability protection but is more complex to maintain.

Not sure which structure is best for your goals? That’s where our expertise comes in.

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-start-a-business/36934

Thank you WalletHub! Yes Texas is a great state to start a new business!

3. Register Your Business Name

Your business name is your first impression, so choose wisely. In Texas, you’ll need to check if your desired name is available by searching the Texas Secretary of State’s database. If you’re operating under a name other than your own, you may need to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”).

4. File the Necessary Paperwork

Depending on your business structure, you’ll need to file specific documents with the Texas Secretary of State:

  • For an LLC: File a Certificate of Formation.
  • For a Corporation: File a Certificate of Formation for Corporations.

This is also the time to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you’re planning to hire employees or open a business bank account.

5. Get the Right Permits and Licenses

Certain industries in Texas require specific licenses or permits to operate legally. From food services to professional services, you’ll need to ensure you comply with state and local regulations.

6. Open a Business Bank Account

Separating your personal and business finances is crucial. Open a dedicated business bank account to keep your transactions organized and simplify tax filing.

7. Set Up Your Financial and Legal Foundations

  • Establish a bookkeeping system or hire a professional to keep track of your finances.
  • Protect your business with the right insurance coverage.
  • Draft contracts and policies tailored to your operations.

Why Choose Filis Law Firm?

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Filis Law Firm, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs like you navigate the complexities of business formation in Texas. Our experienced team can:

  • Help you select the right business structure for your goals.
  • Handle the legal paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about missing any steps.
  • Provide personalized advice to set your business up for long-term success.

Let’s turn your vision into reality. Contact us today (713-462-1777 ) to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your 2025 business in Texas.

Enrich Your Life

When I speak with high school students about opportunities for personal and professional growth, number one on my list is being a volunteer or on the board of a non-profit.

Serving on the board of a local non-profit organization can be a rewarding and impactful way to contribute to the community.

Here are a few reasons why it can be a wonderful experience:

Community Engagement: By being on a non-profit board, you gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by your local community. This firsthand knowledge allows you to play an active role in addressing those needs and making a positive impact.

Networking Opportunities: Serving on a board exposes you to a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about the same cause. It provides you with networking opportunities and allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, community leaders, and professionals from various fields.

Skill Development: Joining a non-profit board allows you to develop and enhance your skills in leadership, strategic planning, decision-making, fundraising, financial management, and more. These skills can be valuable not only within the non-profit sector but also in your personal and professional life.

Making a Difference: Being part of a non-profit board gives you the chance to make a tangible difference in your community. You have the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission, shape its direction, and ensure that it effectively serves the needs of the community.

Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering your time and expertise for a cause you care about can bring immense personal fulfillment. Seeing the positive impact of the non-profit’s work and witnessing the lives it touches can be incredibly rewarding and gratifying.

Currently, I serve on six boards and each non-profit brings additional value to our community.

Visit these non-profits and see if you can donate your time or money to one or more of these worthy causes.

Autism Moms of Houston

https://www.autismmomsofhouston.org/

https://www.autismmomsofhouston.org/meetourboard

Cafe Azul TX

https://www.facebook.com/cafeazultx

https://cafeazultx.wixsite.com/cafeazultxautism/post/leona-filis-community-advocate

Family, Friends and Duchenne

https://familyfriendsandduchenne.org/home-2/our-team/

Friends of Down Syndrome

https://www.friendsofdownsyndrome.org/leadership

Hope for Luka

https://hopeforluka.org/pages/copy-of-board-members

SAFE Diversity Communities

http://www.safediversity.org/

Community Outreach Events

https://www.facebook.com/groups/840056543353650/

Embracing Diversity Radio Show

https://www.facebook.com/groups/176841273950502/

Congratulations Leona E. Filis – A Winner of the Best Probate Lawyers in Houston!

We are so proud of our Principal Attorney Leona E. Filis! She has won another award for her services to the Houston community, named one of the winners of Best Probate Lawyers in Houston 2022 by Expertise.com.  Leona works with families with children with special needs and provides invaluable advice for planning for their futures. Supplemental Needs Trusts can be tricky, but hugely effective to preserve eligibility rights to lifelong government benefits. 

This award is on the heels of Leona’s national recognition from President Joe Biden for her community service.

Awesome recognition for Leona and her tireless efforts to fight the good fight and protect our kids.

International Women’s Day

Steering a New Course: Female Leadership Celebrated on International Women's Day 2020 | Delivered. | Global

3/8/2021

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD), let’s reflect on the most influential women in our lives and throughout history. Let’s celebrate the women who have trailblazed and paved the way inspiring the next generation of women leaders. 

The theme this year is: #ChooseToChallenge 

What does this theme mean to you? How have the challenges from other women affected you?

The International Women’s Day site they defines this year’s theme as:

“A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.”

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

The Filis Law Firm hopes all of the women from our clients, team, and community a happy International Women’s Day! #IWD2021

To find out more information about International Women’s Day (IWD) and ways to celebrate amazing women leaders visit:

We will help you protect your family

With the new environment we find ourselves in, and with all of the uncertainty we have face, you can be comforted in that Filis Law Firm will be available to you.

Here is a letter from Leona E. Filis, founding member.

Dear Valued Clients, 

At Filis Law Firm, the safety and well-being of our clients is always a top concern. During this time of crisis, please know that Filis Law Firm is here for you, as we have been for the past 17 years. Although Courts and businesses have limited hours or are completely closed, Filis Law Firm will continue to provide services to meet your needs. 

As always, we allow for teleconferences, and now for your convenience, we have added Zoom as an option for video meetings.  You can schedule your appointment time online at Calendly https://calendly.com/filislawfirm.  If you prefer, you can also communicate with us or forward any information/documentation to us via email at leona@filislaw.com.

You can rely on the Filis Law Firm. Attorney Leona E. Filis understands that under the current circumstances, it is crucial to secure the optimal future for your family. As a result, should you need Estate Planning documents, Filis Law Firm will expedite such services, including Wills, Power of Attorneys, and Special Needs Trusts. If you are in need of Guardianship services, we can begin the Guardianship process by preparing and filing the initial legal documents. When the Harris County courts are fully operational, we can schedule a hearing date, or have a video hearing.

The Filis Law Firm team is dedicated to supporting you through this unprecedented time.  Please stay safe and know that you can count on us.

Leona E. Filis

Owner and Managing Attorney

Did You Hear the Embracing Diversity Show This Month?

Every month you can listen to the Embracing Diversity show on Radio DaBang 99.5 FM. This month DJ BigNate, Mrs. Thelma Scott and Attorney Filis had special guests Giset King, Max Power with Agape the Koala, and Kathy Tatum.

Giset King with Cafe Azul is hosting Tools for Caregivers of Individuals with Autism March 21, 2020 at 114 Eastwood St. from 10 am to 2 pm.

I Was On a PODCAST!

Wow! I was interviewed on the Adriana Beasley podcast “Conversations That Inspire” talking about Legal Life Planning. Many families with children with special needs have experiences that are similar to mine and to Adriana’s. Even though it seems as though so much of your life is out of your control, you do have the power to set your family’s course for the future with legal life planning. If you have a child with special needs who is approaching adulthood, now is the time to contact Filis Law Firm for a free 30-minute consultation about Guardianship, SDMAs, Special Needs Trusts, and other legal documents to protect your family’s future.

Make a Difference in a High School Senior’s Life and Donate Now

Filis Law Firm just made a $100 donation to S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities. You too can help make a difference in a high student’s life by making a donation to help him or her go to college.

 

Join the movement & give back
November 27th, 2018
As the holiday season brings cash flowing to retail businesses, non-profits can get in on the action thanks to #GivingTuesday. Participate today by donating to S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities as we embody and empower diversity through our unique platform and approach. Thanks to supporters like you we have been able to promote cultural diversity and a safe community for many Houstonians, and if you continue to support us we can continue to educate and spread love and positivity. Join the team and donate today.
Make a contribution today

Thank you Mr. Mike Khan Founder/CEO of Radio Dabang 99.5 FM for making a generous $500 donation.

http://www.safediversitycommunities.org/full-donation-page.html

#GivingTuesday

#FilisLaw

The Embracing Diversity Radio Show and $1000 Scholarships

Thank you Radio Da Bang and Ms. Thelma Scott!

I will be co-hosting with Ms. Scott once a month leading up to the fabulous 5th Annual Unique Blue Carpet Scholarship Awards Gala May 3, 2019. We are trying to get funds to high school students to enable them to go to college.

 

 

 

 

 

If you know a high school senior who wants an opportunity to earn a $1000 scholarship, tune in to the Embracing Diversity Radio Show at 99.5FM or or click this link for more information on the S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities website.