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DBA or “doing business as” is a term used to set up a fictitious name for a business so that it can use this new name instead of the legal one for any kind of formal process, bank transactions, submitting of taxes, and so on. It is vital to know how to file a DBA in case you may need one.
For getting the DBA, one will need to go through the process of fictitious name registration. Several businesses have already signed up for this named entity, and hence, it’s time for your business to do the same.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What Is DBA?
Before moving forward with our discussion of how you can complete the fictitious name registration for your business, we will talk about the details of DBA first.
Let’s say your business name is “XYZ.” However, for some reason, you cannot use this type of name in the industry. This is where you will opt for DBA registration. Here, you will choose a new name for your business from the search directory, and once you are sure about it, you will start with the filing process.
DBAs are used for multiple businesses, like a sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, or any other such type of registered company.
Importance of Setting Up a DBA
No matter you are involved in non-profit organizations or a Limited Liability Company (LLC), DBA has proven to very essential for several businesses. Here, we will discuss the importance of the relevant business names that you can register for.
Easy Registration
Every LLC (Limited Liability Company) is asked to process the name’s online registration. However, this particular method is very difficult since one has to consider a great set of rules for ensuring your business doesn’t get involved in any legal conflict. This is why many businesses come up with the DBA since, with this, you wouldn’t have to worry about the registration process.
Operation of Multiple Businesses
If you want to establish multiple business types, it is the DBA that will help you to do so. This fictitious name will make sure different forms of your business are known by unique names, be it a sole proprietorship, multiple LLCs, or anything related to that.
Perfect for a Sole Proprietorship
For sole proprietorship business owners, DBA serves as a great tool for keeping themselves separated from the business and avoid paying personal income tax through the profits earned by the business.
Helps in Keeping the Business Compliant.
If you want to keep your main business and the additional businesses compliant, registering yourself for DBA will be a great idea. Make sure to choose a unique name so that no problem arises with the compliance factor.
Helps in Introducing a Creative Name
In most cases, a professional business advisor will always suggest you look for a DBA name since that will provide you better flexibility in handling business license, business taxes, business filings, and so on.
How to Set up a DBA?
For setting up the DBA name, you will need a proper business strategy. That is why here we have come up with the three most important steps you need to follow as potential business owners to get the fictitious DBA name.
- Select your state
What you must first do is choose is the state where you are going to open the business office. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a foreign LLC or a domestic LLC; you can file for DBA in both cases. State selection is very important because the taxes and other types of details will vary from one to the other.
- Choose a proper DBA name.
What you must do next before filing up the DBA forms is to choose a proper name for representing your business. You need to check whether the name you have chosen is available with the domain list or not. Also, the name you have chosen shouldn’t match with any government entity and must not be similar to another business.
- Register your DBA with the state authority
Once you choose the proper name after complying with all the rules, you will have to look for the registration process with your county or city’s clerk office. Depending on the state, you might have to register your company with multiple government tiers.
For What Businesses Can DBA Be Used?
The DBA name can be used for many businesses. Here, we have explained a list of all those structures where DBA is applicable.
- Sole proprietorships
- General partnerships
- Limited Liability Companies
- Non-profit corporations
- Limited partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
DBA Taxes
IRS explains the taxation structure for the business and how they operate. However, as DBA is a name and not a business structure, you won’t have to file any tax report for the same.
F.A.Qs
No, DBA and LLC are not the same. DBA is nothing but a fictitious secondary name which any business can adapt for several reasons, including the LLC, like:
1. Finding the proper domain name
2. Maintaining privacy
3. Separating the business entity from yourself
4. Easy name registration
5. Increasing the credibility
On the other hand, LLC is a company opened by a single or multiple members for protecting their personals assets and yet continuing with a business without having to worry about debts, lawsuits, and others.
No, it isn’t mandatory for the DBA to have Inc. as a part of the name. DBA can be any name as long as it does not represent a government entity or an already formed business.
DBA should be filed when you want to open multiple businesses under a single parent company, or you are not finding a suitable domain name for your business.
How to Add a DBA to an LLC
To add an DBA to your LLC you need to select the name of your choice and search for its availability. You will be required to fill the DBA form and submit it to Secretary of State office along with your registration.
The process of adding a DBA to an LLC is relatively straightforward and varies slightly depending on the state in which the business is registered. However, regardless of the state, there are some general steps that need to be taken to ensure the successful addition of a DBA to an LLC.
First and foremost, it is essential to conduct a name search to ensure that the desired DBA is not already in use by another business. This can typically be done through the Secretary of State’s website or office. Once the availability of the DBA is confirmed, the next step is to file the necessary paperwork with the appropriate state agency. This paperwork usually includes a registration form and a filing fee, which can vary depending on the state.
After the paperwork is submitted and approved, the business owner will typically receive a certificate or acknowledgment of the DBA registration. This document should be kept on file and may need to be presented when opening a business bank account, obtaining business licenses or permits, or entering into contracts under the DBA name.
It’s important to note that adding a DBA to an LLC does not change the legal structure of the business. The LLC itself remains the entity responsible for any debts, liabilities, or legal obligations incurred by the business. The DBA simply allows the business to operate under a different name for branding or marketing purposes.
When adding a DBA to an LLC, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on the business’s branding, marketing, and overall strategy. A well-thought-out DBA can help differentiate the business from competitors, attract new customers, and enhance the overall professionalism and credibility of the brand. It’s a valuable tool that can be used to build brand recognition and strengthen customer loyalty.
In conclusion, adding a DBA to an LLC can be a simple and effective way to enhance a business’s brand, expand its reach, and operate under a different name. By following the necessary steps and considerations outlined above, business owners can navigate the process of adding a DBA to an LLC successfully. Whether it’s to launch a new product line, enter a new market, or refresh an existing brand, a DBA can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to establish a unique identity and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
In Conclusion
Doing Business As is required if you are running a business as a separate entity. The process is pretty easy and explained in this article. To file a DBA one has to name it first. It is strongly recommended for any structure of the business to name your DBA. Also, as this is not a business structure itself, it does not involve tax filing.
Si tenías un DBA y lo pasas a corporation. Por ejemplo tenías empleados y varios camiones y decidisteis quedarte tú solo sin empleados y un solo camión y quieres volver a ser DBA para reducir gastos en pagos de negocio, Payrroll, bookkeeping y corporate taxes . Puedes llevar a cabo ese proceso . Cuáles son los pasos y si es posible cuáles serían los pro y los contra