You must file a DBA with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) if you are a lone proprietor or partnership and wish to utilize a business name other than your own. For corporations and LLCs that desire to use a name other than their legal name, the same rule applies.
You must first check to see if the business name you want to use is available before registering a DBA in Maryland. After that, you must complete and submit the necessary paperwork to the SDAT along with the registration cost. Depending on the kind of business you run, there are different fees.
You must file an update with the SDAT if you currently have an LLC in Maryland and want to add a DBA name. You must supply additional information about your LLC, such as its present legal name and registration number, during the process, which is identical to registering a new DBA.
Depending on the kind of business you have and the filing you’re making, the fee to register a business name in Maryland varies. For instance, registering a single proprietorship’s DBA costs $25, whereas registering a corporation’s trade name costs $100.
The requirement to register a trade name in Maryland may be a concern for some business owners. If you’re conducting business under a name other than your given name or the official name of your company, the answer is yes. A DBA name is also referred to as a trade name.
Finally, it’s critical to comprehend the distinction between an LLC and a DBA. Simply put, a DBA is a name that a company employs for branding and marketing. It offers no immunity from accountability or legal action. On the other hand, an LLC is a type of company entity that distinguishes between its owners’ personal and corporate assets and offers liability protection for them.
In conclusion, you must register a DBA if you are conducting business in Maryland under a name other than your own or the legal name of your company. Although the procedure is quite simple, it’s crucial to pay the correct fees and follow the right stages. It’s a good idea to speak with a company attorney or accountant if you’re confused about whether you need to register a DBA or have other inquiries regarding launching a business in Maryland.