You might need to submit a DBA (Doing Business As) application in Georgia if you want to run a business under a name other than your legal name or the name of your entity. There are some circumstances where you must file a DBA to comply with Georgia state requirements, while it’s not always necessary.
A DBA is registered in Georgia at the county level. This means that you must register your business with the county where it is located. In order to obtain a DBA in Georgia, you must go to the county clerk’s office and submit a form with your contact details, business name, and address. A filing fee, which varies by county, is also required.
Depending on the county, the cost to file a DBA in Georgia can range from $20 to $100. It’s vital to keep in mind that this is only the cost of submitting the DBA; there could be other expenses if you choose to operate under that name as well.
In Georgia, if your firm is a sole proprietorship, you aren’t legally required to register it with the government. However, in order to open a bank account or to adhere to local laws, you might still need to file for a DBA. You might also need to register your business with the state if you intend to hire staff or collect sales tax.
When addressing DBAs, the subject of how they vary from LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) frequently comes up. The fundamental distinction is that an LLC is a legal framework that shields business owners from liabilities, but a DBA is only a name you use to do business. A DBA can be a great tool for branding and marketing your company even though it doesn’t provide any legal protection.
In conclusion, you might need to submit a DBA application if you want to run a business in Georgia under a name other than your legal name or the name of your entity. The procedure and price varies according on the county, but it’s normally a simple procedure. Keep in mind that a DBA is not the same as an LLC, and you should think about creating an LLC if you want legal protection instead.
The lack of legal protection for the owner’s personal assets is one of the drawbacks of a DBA. A DBA does not establish a distinct legal organization, so the owner is personally responsible for any debts or legal problems that result from the business.