How to Change Business Name in Ohio

Changing a business name can give your company a new lease on life, but following the correct legal procedures is essential to ensure a smooth transition. The name is the first identity of your business. If you run it for a while and then decide to change, you must update the new name everywhere. In Ohio, popularly known as The Buckeye State, the process of modifying your business name can be quite straightforward, provided you adhere to the necessary rules and regulations.

You must follow some steps and regulations while changing your business name. For example, if you start an LLC in Ohio, you must follow specific regulations the Ohio state government sets. The current population of the so-called The Buckeye State is 11,878,330. Changing the name of your existing business in any city (especially in the capital, Columbus) might affect your business reputation and existing customers adversely. Hence, before you change the name of your business, make sure the decision is rightfully taken.

Technically, the process of changing your business name in Ohio involves three major steps. In this article, I have shared how to change a business name in Ohio. To learn everything about changing a business name, I recommend you read the whole article till the end.

Reasons to Change a Business Name in Ohio

Rebranding: A business may want to change its name in Ohio to reflect the new brand identity, target a different market, or signify a shift in the company’s vision and goals.
Merger or acquisition: If a business in Ohio merges with or is acquired by another company, a name change may be necessary to represent the combined entity accurately.
Legal reasons: A business in Ohio may need to change its name due to trademark disputes, cease and desist letters, or other legal issues.
Expanding to new markets: If a business in Ohio is looking to expand into new regions or countries, a name change may be needed to avoid confusion with existing businesses in those markets or to appeal to a broader audience.
Negative associations: A business in Ohio may want to change its name if the current name has become associated with negative events, such as scandals or poor customer experiences.
Simplifying the name: A business in Ohio may choose to change its name to a simpler or more memorable one, making it easier for customers to remember and find.
Reflecting a change in ownership: If a business in Ohio changes ownership, the new owners might change the business name.

Things to Consider Before Changing Your Business Name in Ohio

There are a few things to consider before you change your existing business name. A business name change is a huge decision for any company. Changing the business name in Ohio frequently is neither easy nor desirable. If it is absolutely necessary to change the business name, you must consider the following points-

Legal requirements: Ensure you follow the necessary legal steps to change your business name in Ohio.
Name availability: Search the Ohio business registry to make sure your desired new name is available and does not infringe on any existing trademarks or business names.
Impact on branding and marketing: Assess how a name change will affect your existing brand identity, marketing materials, and overall company image in Ohio.
Customer perception and loyalty: Consider how your current customers in Ohio will react to a name change and whether it may cause confusion or negatively impact customer loyalty.
Costs associated with the name change: Changing your business name in Ohio may involve costs such as new signage, website updates, and reprinting marketing materials. Be sure to budget for these expenses.
Updating licenses and permits: You must update any licenses, permits, and registrations with the new business name in Ohio.
Maintaining continuity: Consider maintaining continuity with your old name during the transition period and address any potential confusion among customers and clients in Ohio.
Tax implications: Consult with a tax professional to understand any tax consequences or implications of changing your business name in Ohio.
Reputation management: Be prepared to manage your online reputation during the transition, as customers may leave reviews or comments on social media related to the business name change.

How to Change a Business Name in Ohio

Changing your business name in Ohio is not difficult, as I mentioned. But, before we start with the steps, you must know that one must follow some LLC naming guidelines while naming their LLC. Based on the type of business structure, naming guidelines may vary. Following are some of the guidelines an LLC must follow while changing the business name-

The name should be available to use
Any other business does not use the name.
The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company.
The name should not be confused with a government entity, such as banks, treasury, or any governmental organization.

Read Ohio LLC name search to learn about LLC naming if you form an LLC. Now, let’s dive into the steps to change the business name-

Step 1: Choose the New Name for Your Business

The first step is to choose a new name for your business. Many people file a DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name before filing their business with the SOS. Later, they can change that name and get a new one when filing their business. When you decide to change the name of your business, you can search for the name to check if the new name is already taken or available for you to use.

To choose a new name, you must go through the same process you did when you first named your business. You go to the Ohio SOS, search for the name, check if the name is available to use if it is available, finalize it and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Amendment

As soon as you are ready with the new business name, you must start preparing to file the Ohio Amendment. Along with the name change form, you must submit the following details,

Current business name
New business name
The entity number of the business – issued by Ohio state
Board of Directors’ approval statement (for corporations)
Information of shares (if applicable)
Signatures of members (LLC) or Shareholders (Corporation)
Ohio amendment filing fee

You must submit the above-mentioned list of details to the Ohio SOS while filing the new business name. Ensure the details you provide for the Amendment are consistent with the initial filing documents. Failing to do so might result in the cancellation of the registration.

Step 3: File the Ohio Amendment

Once everything is arranged and checked, you can file the Amendment. You must amend Ohio LLC Articles of Organization for LLC or amend Ohio Articles of Incorporation for the corporation. Remember, you must attach the name reservation form with the Amendment forms. You can file it online or by mail, whichever is available.

What Will Happen If I Change My Business Name in Ohio

You can change the name of your business in Ohio. You must file the Amendment for changing your name to the Ohio Secretary of State. The process of filing the amendment is the same for an LLC and a corporation. However, the forms are different. The forms are available on the official website of Ohio Secretary of State.

It is recommended to check if the name change is absolutely necessary. Because it can affect the whole business. In some cases, it is better to start a new Business than change the name of an existing one.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Things to do After Filing the Ohio Amendment

As soon as you are done with the filing process, you must update the new business name in other areas as well. Following are some points to consider after you change your business name in Ohio-

Legal documents: Ohio statement of information, loan documents, active legal contracts, or any other legal documents must be amended with the changed name.
Informing stakeholders: Ensure that you communicate the name change effectively to all your stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and partners in Ohio.
City/local registration: Some cities/local authorities in Ohio might need business registration. If your city has the same rule, then you must register your new business name with the city by submitting appropriate documents.
Business License: The business licenses you obtained previously to run a business in Ohio have the current name of your business. Hence, you must update your new name with the proper department to obtain appropriate business licenses and permits.
Bank Accounts: It is obvious that all your business accounts in Ohio have a current business name. Once you change the name, file the amendment, and pay the fees, you must update the bank accounts to avoid any inconvenience.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): It is essential to update the IRS once you change your business name in Alabama. Neglecting to notify the IRS and other relevant entities may lead to confusion and disorganization within your business operations. It is absolutely necessary to amend with the IRS once you change the current business name in Ohio. Failing to amend with the IRS or any other places results in confusion and disorganization of the business.
Others: If you have employees, you must inform the employment development authority of the name change. Additionally, it is important to update various business permits and other legal documents as needed.
Website: Finally, if you have a domain, update the name there to avoid confusion. Signage, visiting cards, merchandise, and any other places where your business name is mentioned should be updated. Changing the domain name will not be a good idea as it can affect your SEO results.

FAQs

How do I change the name of my business in Ohio?

To change the name of a business in Ohio, you must file an application with the Secretary of State or the county recorder in the county where the business is located.

Can I change my business name online in Ohio?

Yes, you can file the name change online through the Ohio Secretary of State website.

What paperwork do I need to change my business name in Ohio?

You will need to file an application with the Secretary of State or the county recorder in the county where the business is located.

Is there a fee to change my business name in Ohio?

Yes, there is a fee to file the name change application with the Secretary of State.

How long does it take to change the business name in Ohio?

The name change process typically takes up to 10 business days.

Do I need to inform my employees if I change the company name in Ohio?

Yes, it is important to notify your employees of the name change.

What else do I need to do after changing the name of my business in Ohio?

After changing the name of your business, you will need to update your business license, tax records, and any other permits or documents related to the business.

What happens if I don’t change the name of my business in Ohio?

It is important to change the name of your business in Ohio to avoid confusion with other businesses and to ensure that you are in compliance with state laws. Failure to do so could result in penalties or fines.

How do I inform my customers of the business name change in Ohio?

You should inform your customers of the name change by sending out an email, a letter, or posting an announcement on your website.

How do I update my business license after changing the name of my business in Ohio?

You will need to contact the Ohio Department of Taxation to update your business license after changing the name of your business.

Do I need to change my EIN number when I change my business name in Ohio?

No, you do not need to change your EIN number when you change the name of your business in Ohio.

Can I change the name of my LLC in Ohio?

Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Ohio by filing an application with the Secretary of State or the county recorder in the county where the business is located.

What information do I need to provide when changing the name of my LLC in Ohio?

When filing the application to change the name of your LLC in Ohio, you will need to provide your current business name, the new proposed business name, the business address, and the name of the registered agent.

Can I change the name of my corporation in Ohio?

Yes, you can change the name of your corporation in Ohio by filing an application with the Secretary of State or the county recorder in the county where the business is located.

What information do I need to provide when changing the name of my corporation in Ohio?

When filing the application to change the name of your corporation in Ohio, you will need to provide your current business name, the new proposed business name, the business address, and the name of the registered agent.

Do I need to update my state tax return when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you will need to update your state tax return with the new business name when the name change is finalized.

Do I need to update my local tax return when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you will need to update your local tax return with the new business name when the name change is finalized.

Is there any other paperwork I need to submit when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

You may need to file additional paperwork, such as a DBA or an assumed name certificate, with the county clerk in the county where the business is located.

Are there any restrictions on the name I choose for my business in Ohio?

Yes, there are certain restrictions on the names you can choose for your business in Ohio. The name must be distinguishable from other business names and must comply with the rules and regulations set by the Secretary of State.

What happens if someone else already has the same business name in Ohio?

If someone else already has the same business name in Ohio, you will not be able to use it. You will need to choose a different name that is distinguishable from other businesses.

What should I do if I have questions about changing the name of my business in Ohio?

If you have questions about changing the name of your business in Ohio, you should contact an attorney or the Secretary of State.

Do I need to inform the IRS when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you should inform the IRS when you change the name of your business in Ohio.

Should I update my website when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you should update your website with the new business name when the name change is finalized.

Do I need to update my business cards when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you should update your business cards with the new business name when the name change is finalized.

Do I need to update my bank account when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you should update your bank account with the new business name when the name change is finalized.

Do I need to update my business insurance when I change the name of my business in Ohio?

Yes, you should update your business insurance with the new business name when the name change is finalized.

What do I need to do to advertise my new business name in Ohio?

Once your new business name has been finalized, you can advertise your business by creating a website, sending out press releases, and using social media.

What are the requirements for changing a business name in Ohio?

In Ohio, the requirements for changing a business name include filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Ohio Secretary of State, registering with the Ohio Department of Taxation, and notifying any affected creditors.

What paperwork is required when changing a business name in Ohio?

The paperwork required when changing a business name in Ohio includes a completed Certificate of Assumed Name form, a copy of the business’s articles of incorporation, and proof of publication of the name change in a local newspaper.

Is there a fee for changing a business name in Ohio?

Yes, there is a fee to file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Is there a time limit for changing a business name in Ohio?

Yes, the Certificate of Assumed Name must be filed within 60 days of the date of the business’s initial filing with the Ohio Secretary of State.

Is it necessary to notify creditors when changing a business name in Ohio?

Yes, when changing a business name in Ohio, it is necessary to notify any affected creditors of the name change.

Is there a penalty for not changing a business name in Ohio within the time limit?

Yes, failing to file the Certificate of Assumed Name within the 60-day time limit can result in a penalty of up to $500.

Are there any other regulations that must be followed when changing a business name in Ohio?

In addition to filing a Certificate of Assumed Name and notifying creditors, businesses in Ohio must follow all applicable state and local laws when changing the name of their business.

Why Ohio Change Business Name is So Important

A business name can speak volumes about the company it represents. It can convey the company’s values, mission, and identity to customers, investors, and employees. A well-chosen name can create a sense of trust and credibility, while a poorly chosen name can leave a negative impression that is hard to shake. This is why businesses often put a significant amount of thought and effort into selecting the right name.

In the case of Ohio Change, the decision to change their business name was likely made in order to better reflect the company’s values and goals. A business name should be a reflection of the company’s identity and brand, and if the current name no longer accurately represents the company, a change may be necessary.

Changing a business name can also be a strategic move to attract new customers and stand out from competitors. In a crowded marketplace, a unique and memorable name can help a company differentiate itself and attract attention. By changing their name, Ohio Change may be hoping to reach a broader audience and appeal to new customer segments.

Furthermore, a change in business name can also signal a change in direction or strategy for the company. It can be a way to mark a new chapter in the company’s history and showcase a fresh start. This can be particularly important for businesses that have undergone significant changes, such as mergers, acquisitions, or rebranding efforts.

In addition, changing a business name can also have legal and copyright implications. A name change can help protect a company’s intellectual property and ensure that they have exclusive rights to their brand identity. By changing their name, Ohio Change may be safeguarding their business against potential legal challenges and trademark issues.

Ultimately, a business name is more than just a label – it is a key component of a company’s brand identity and can greatly impact its success. The decision to change a business name should not be taken lightly, as it can have far-reaching implications for the company and its stakeholders. Ohio Change’s recent rebranding is a testament to the importance of carefully considering and planning a business name change.

Conclusion

It is not desirable to change business names frequently. But if it is required, you must change it. Whether you are rebranding or restructuring your company, this guide walks you through the essential steps to change your business name in Ohio efficiently and effectively. The process of changing the name and filing the amendment form in Ohio is not so difficult. However, a list of details is needed to submit. Make sure they all are accurate and consistent with the previous filing documents.