How much permits cost to open in San Antonio
In San Antonio, the filings with a fixed government fee add up to about $325. 6 more are set by the space or the business, and 9 are free. Build-out, insurance and adviser costs are on top.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Certificate of Formation (Texas LLC)
Texas Secretary of StateTexas
Filed online in SOSDirect, or by mail or fax.
- Fee
- $300
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days.
Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)
Texas Secretary of StateTexas
Filed when the store trades under a name other than the legal name.
- Fee
- $25
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days.
- Renews
- Valid up to 10 years.
Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit Application
Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTexas
Apply online in eSystems before your first sale; one permit for each location.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Permit arrives in about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Renews
- Does not expire.
Create/Update Importer Identity Form
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Up to 5 business days.
Customs Bond
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renews
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
Certified food manager
Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas
At least one manager passes an exam from a DSHS-licensed certified food manager program. Local health departments require a certified food manager on site whenever the place is open.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- DSHS doesn't issue the certificate itself; the accredited exam provider issues it as soon as you pass the exam.
- Renews
- Every 5 years.
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Food handler certificates for staff
Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas
Every employee who works with unpackaged food, equipment or food-contact surfaces finishes an accredited food handler course within 30 days of hire. Certified food managers are exempt.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Each food employee must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of being hired; the training provider issues the card.
- Renews
- Valid to the date on the card, or 2 years if none.
Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal
Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every two years.
Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal
Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Update every year.
Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry
U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal
The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Hazardous materials registration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)US federal
Filed online when you ship or offer certain hazardous materials in bulk, such as large lithium battery shipments.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every year by June 30.
Unemployment tax account
Texas Workforce CommissionTexas
Register online once you pay wages in Texas.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Account number issued instantly online.
Certificate of Occupancy
City of San Antonio Development ServicesSan Antonio
Needed when the new business is a different type of business than the one in the building now; a new owner or tenant with the same use only updates the name on the existing certificate. Expect building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire inspections.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed in person
- Takes
- San Antonio doesn't publish a processing time for a Certificate of Occupancy; for new construction it's issued once all required inspections are complete.
Food establishment license
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health)San Antonio
Once the space is zoned for the use and the Certificate of Occupancy requirements are complete, buy the license at the Development and Business Services Center, 1901 S. Alamo.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed in person
- Takes
- Metro Health doesn't publish a processing time; the license is issued only after all building, health and fire inspections are approved and recorded, and you must show a valid CofO to buy the permit.
Franchise tax annual report
Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTexas
Filed every year by May 15, even when no tax is due.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- The Comptroller doesn't publish a processing time for the report; the annual franchise tax report is due May 15 (next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday).
- Renews
- Every year by May 15.
Guides for each business in San Antonio
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your business in San Antonio
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders