When you enter into an agreement with another person or entity, you assume the other party will hold up their end of the bargain. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Under Texas contract law, a non-breaching party has the right to bring legal action against the breaching party to recover damages if they choose to do so, but what should you...
Continue ReadingTo transfer LLC ownership in Texas, first review the company agreement, identify what interest is changing hands, obtain the required approvals, and document the transaction. Then update the company’s records and address any separate management, tax, or agency reporting requirements. Adding an owner through a new issuance is different from transferring an existing owner’s interest. A sale of the...
Continue ReadingTexas House Bill 3749 (HB 3749), known as “Jenifer’s Law,” was signed into law on June 20, 2025, and will take effect on September 1, 2025. Initially feared to impose strict new regulations on IV hydration clinics and med spas across Texas, the final version of the bill may actually reduce some compliance burdens for clinic owners and supervising...
Continue ReadingWhen someone creates a trust, they must appoint a person or institution to manage the trust’s assets and carry out its terms: a trustee. In short, a trustee is legally responsible for managing trust assets for the benefit of someone else. They must act with honesty, care, and loyalty to ensure they manage the trust in the best interests...
Continue ReadingStarting a business in Texas can feel like learning a new language with all the acronyms and terms involved, like LLCs, EINs, and DBAs. Then someone asks, “Who’s your registered agent?” If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. Many business owners wonder, What is a registered agent for LLC paperwork, and why does it matter? In reality, this...
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to estate planning, most people have the same goal: to make things as stress-free and straightforward as possible for the people they love. That’s exactly what a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) can help you do, especially if you own real estate in Texas. At Massingill, our superpower is making the complex simple, and TODDs are...
Continue ReadingYou’ve worked hard for what you have—your home, your savings, your family traditions—and now you’re wondering how to protect it all. If you’re considering a trust, you’re already ahead of the curve. At Massingill, we simplify the complex. That’s especially true when it comes to estate planning. Too often, people assume trusts are only for the ultra-wealthy. Not true....
Continue ReadingA small estate affidavit in Texas is a court-approved way for heirs to collect certain property when someone dies without a will and the estate meets specific requirements. It can avoid the appointment of a personal representative, but it does not avoid court review. A small dollar amount alone does not make an estate eligible. Start with the checklist...
Continue ReadingA Texas EIN is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS, and applying directly with the IRS is free. Whether you need one depends on your business structure, employees, and tax obligations. Corporations, partnerships, and businesses with employees generally need an EIN. Some sole proprietors and single-member LLCs do not; the exceptions are explained below. To apply: form...
Continue ReadingTexas LLC formation time depends on document preparation, the filing method, and the state’s review queue. Standard expedited review is typically 2–3 business days; Texas Express also offers next-day and same-day review, subject to fees, cutoff times, and service availability. These are review targets, not guaranteed approval dates. Updated September 29, 2026: SOSPortal has replaced SOSDirect and SOSUpload for...
Continue Reading