Businesses are permitted to use numerous trade names, commonly referred to as “doing business as” (DBA) names, in Maryland. This implies that a business can use various names without having to establish distinct legal entities for each name. Each trade name, however, needs to be registered with the state.
Businesses must submit a Trade Name Registration form to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation in order to register a trade name there. A trade name may be registered for $25, and the registration is good for five years. Businesses must renew their trade name registration after the five-year mark.
In this context, a trade name in the District of Columbia refers to a name that a company uses in addition to its legal name to conduct business. Businesses in DC are required to file a trade name registration form with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). A trade name may be registered in DC for $70, and the registration is good for two years.
Additionally, companies might think about trademarking their trade name to safeguard their brand identification. A trademark application in DC costs $225 per class of goods or services, plus an extra $100 for expedited processing. Businesses can utilize their trademarks to prevent other parties from using their name or emblem without their permission and trademarks offer legal protection against infringement.
Why then would you require a trade name? Businesses can set themselves apart from rivals and create a distinctive brand identity with the aid of a trade name. Additionally, it might make it simpler for clients to find and recall your company. To comply with state and federal requirements, businesses that wish to use a name other than their legal name must register a trade name.
To sum up, companies in Maryland are permitted to use several trade names, but each one needs to be registered with the state. Businesses might also think about trademarking their name for legal protection; the fee to register a trade name in DC is $70 for two years. Businesses can build a distinctive brand identity and abide by state and federal rules with the aid of a trade name.
In Maryland, you are not allowed to use any trading names. When selecting and utilizing a trade name, certain guidelines must be observed. The name must not already be in use, it cannot be false or misleading, and it must abide by all local, state, and federal regulations. To ensure compliance with all rules, it is advised to speak with a legal expert.
In Maryland, it is legal to use more than one trade name. However, you must register that name with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation if you conduct business under a name that is distinct from your own legal name. Your business structure will determine whether you require an LLC to file taxes or not in response to your second inquiry. If you are a lone owner, you must include the revenue and costs of your firm on your personal tax return. You must submit a separate tax return for the business entity if it is a partnership or LLC. It’s important to seek advice from a tax expert or accountant for detailed information on your tax filing obligations.