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1. What are the basic steps to starting a business?

File an assumed name (DBA) certificate with the County Clerk in the county/counties where the business is located and/or will conduct business.

Nancy E Rister
Williamson County Clerk
P.O. Box 18
Georgetown, TX 78627

Phone: 512-943-1515

Additional Steps

• Corporations and incorporation documents are filed with the Secretary of State in Austin 512-463-5555. Upon filing in Austin, the DBA is then filed in the county/counties where the business is located and/or will conduct business. Forms and information are available on the Secretary of State's web site.
• To obtain a state sales tax ID Number , contact the State Comptroller at the LBJ State Office Building via 512-463-4600 or 800-252-5555. Forms are available on the State Comptroller's website.
• Business resource information is available from the Texas Economic Development Office of Small Business Assistance at 512-936-0101 or 800-888-0511, or on the Texas Economic Development website.
• To order a business tax kit and other publications from the IRS, call 800-829-3676.A federal tax ID Number is available through the IRS at 800-829-4933. Online application and forms are available on the IRS website.
• Employer's ID Number - contact the Texas Workforce Commission at 512-463-2731 or 800-832-9394. Information is also available on the Texas Workforce Commission website.
• Call the Department of Insurance at 512-463-6515 or 800-252-3439.
• For safety regulations, contact OSHA at 800-321-OSHA. Information is also available at the OSHA website.
• For patent or copyright information, contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at 800-786-9199 or visit the Patent Trademark website.
• If the business is operated in a home, review the deed restrictions and contact the homeowners' Association and the planning and zoning division for requirements at 512-759-3479 or email Planning.
• If the business is located in a city or its jurisdiction, contact that city for possible permit requirements at 512-759-5971 or email the Building Department.
• Contact the Williamson County and Cities Health District for a business involved in food preparation at 512-930-4390 or visit the Health District website.
• Contact the Hutto Community Development Corporation by visiting their webpage.

2. What permits are required?

All new construction and most remodeling projects require a permit in Hutto particularly when building safety may be affected. The City enforces State and City codes and ordinances to ensure buildings are safe and meet zoning requirements, and it monitors construction through the inspection process.

If you are a New Business or Relocating a Business you must first obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (PDF).  

More information may be found on the Permit Applications page.

3. When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?

A Certificate of Occupancy (PDF) is required before any of the following:

• New building can be occupied
• Any remodel of existing building can be occupied
• Before an existing building can be used for a new purpose (ex: retail space converted to a school)
• Change of Ownership
• Change of Tenant