Licenses and permits to open an importer or e-commerce seller in Fort Worth
Selling imported goods online means customs registration and import paperwork before the first shipment lands. Here are the 9 filings, in the order they're made.
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.
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
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
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.
More on opening in Fort Worth
Questions people ask
- How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
- How long does it take to get an EIN?
- Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
- How do I become an importer of record in the US?
- Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?
- Does a Texas LLC have to file a franchise tax report if it owes no tax?
Other businesses in Fort Worth
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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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.
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