If a company wants to conduct business in Pennsylvania using a name other than its legal name, it must first register a fake name. A fictional name is also referred to as a “doing business as” (DBA) name and is frequently used by partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other business models. It is crucial to confirm if a fake name is legal to use in Pennsylvania before registering it or using it.
You can conduct a business entity search on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website to see if a fictitious name is available in Pennsylvania. If the name you intend to use is already being used by a company in Pennsylvania, our search will show you. You can proceed with registering the name as your fake name if it is accessible. Does Pennsylvania Require a DBA?
A DBA must be registered in Pennsylvania if you are a sole proprietorship or partnership and want to use a name different than your legal name. However, if you are running a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), you do not need to register a DBA because the legal name of your business is already listed with the state. How Long Does It Take in Pennsylvania to Get a Fictitious Business Name?
In Pennsylvania, registering a fictitious name is a rather easy and uncomplicated process. Through the website of the Pennsylvania Department of State, you can finish the registration process online. The processing of your application takes about 5-7 business days, and the registration fee is $70.
A fictitious name is used to enable companies to conduct business under a name other than their legal identity. This can be especially helpful for companies looking to build a brand or distinctive identity in the marketplace. A fake name can also aid businesses in avoiding confusion with other establishments with the same name.
Businesses that don’t want to use their legal name might use a DBA, which is a fictional name. However, an LLC is a type of business entity that shields its owners from personal liability. Since LLC owners are not personally accountable for the debts or liabilities of the company, LLCs are independent legal entities from their owners. In contrast, a DBA offers neither the company nor its owners any legal protection.
You are not obliged to renew your LLC annually in Pennsylvania. You must, though, submit an annual report to the state, which requires payment of a charge. Each year on April 30th, the annual report fee is required. Penalties and possibly the dissolution of the LLC may arise from failure to submit the annual report and pay the fee.