Yeah, I can help. LLCs are a relatively new hybrid type of entity. The steps, whether you do it or have an attorney do it, are basically these:
1) Choose a name and check for availability. Typically you need to call the offices of the Secretary of State. You name must have "Limited Liability Company" or the abbrev "LLC" in it. Also, they will not approve a name that is already taken or similar to one already taken. It usually takes numerous attempts to find a name they will approve. It can be frustrating. Generic type names are hard to obtain approval for.
2) Complete and submit the registration form, available at the Sec of State website
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/index.shtml and pay the filing fee of $300.
You should have an operating agreement, especially if you have more than one "member", but it is not a legal requirement.
LLCs are not corporations and are not partnerships. They are a hybrid. They do not have shareholders or partners ... they have members.
As to getting a fed'l id #, go to IRS.GOV and in the search box put SS4. That is the form number. Complete it and they will send you a number. An attorney or CPA can get it over the phone.
The there is the taxation. If you are the only member, you have the choice of treating it as a sole proprietorship (Sch C on your 1040) or as a corporation (files form 1120 if it is a C corp and a form 1120S if it is an S corp). If there are more than one member, you have the choice of treating it as a partnership (files a 1065) or as a corp.
