Start a Business in El Paso

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $0–$100

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Overview

Starting a business in El Paso requires a No general business license through the Development Services Department. Base fee: $0–$100. No state business license. No state income tax. Cities vary widely — some require licenses, some don't.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $0–$100 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$0–$100

Restaurant$50–$300

Contact

Development Services Department

Phone: 915-541-4000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Border city — unique cross-border business considerations

⚠ 82% Hispanic population — Spanish-language forms critical

⚠ No general city business license — CO based like other TX cities

⚠ El Paso County for health permits

⚠ Texas has no state income tax but requires a franchise tax (margin tax) filing annually

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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