In Georgia, starting a business involves more than simply an excellent concept. Make sure your company name is available and complies with all legal criteria. How can one ascertain whether a business name is accessible in Georgia? The steps are as follows:
1. Carry out a business search The first step is to use the Georgia Secretary of State’s website to search for businesses. If the business name you seek is already in use, our search will let you know. If the name is already in use, you must choose another name or significantly alter your first choice. It is crucial to pick a distinctive name for your company that sets it apart from competitors.
A company name is not necessarily free to use just because it is a registered business name in Georgia. To avoid future legal problems, you should also look for trademark infringements. On the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, you can look for trademark infringements.
You can register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office once you have determined that your proposed business name is available and does not conflict with any existing trademarks. Your company name will be legally protected and unusable thanks to this registration process.
How to Register as a Sole Proprietorship in Georgia You must file a Trade Name Registration with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where you intend to conduct business if you intend to run your business as a sole proprietorship. You can lawfully run your business under a name other than your given name according to the Trade Name Registration.
Georgia has different filing fees for sole proprietorships depending on the county. Usually, the price is between $25 and $50. To obtain the precise price, get in touch with the Superior Court Clerk in your county.
Georgia does not require sole owners to register with the state. However, in order to run their firm, they must get any relevant licenses or permissions. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Revenue requires that sole owners file an annual income tax return.
You must give your legal name when applying for a trade name registration. You must submit the name you intend to use as your “Doing Business As” or DBA name if you intend to use a name other than your legal name. Your legal name should be written exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification for DBA purposes.
Conclusion: Careful planning and attention to legal regulations are necessary when beginning a business in Georgia. You may make sure that your company name is available and legally protected by taking the actions listed below. Do not forget to register your firm, look for trademark infringements, and acquire any required licenses or permissions.
You might not always require a separate bank account if you run your business under a DBA (Doing Business As) name. To keep your personal and business finances distinct, it is advised to have a separate bank account for business transactions. It might also make it simpler to keep track of your revenue and costs for tax purposes. For precise guidance on whether or not you should establish a separate bank account for your DBA, it is preferable to speak with a financial expert or your bank.