One of the first choices you’ll make when beginning a business is a name. However, when your firm expands, you might decide that you’d prefer to trade under a name other than your legal business name. This is feasible, but there are some crucial considerations to make. First off, as a sole proprietor, you have the option of operating under your own name or selecting a different name for your company. If you decide on a different name, you must register it with your state’s government as a business name. You’ll need to pay a fee, supply some basic information about your firm, and generally follow a simple process.
You may also decide to conduct business under a different name if you’re acting as a limited liability company (LLC). The procedure is a little more difficult, though. A “doing business as” (DBA) or “fictitious name” registration must be submitted to your state’s authorities. As a result, you will be able to legally operate under a different name for your company, while you will still need to utilize your LLC name for tax and legal reasons. Additionally, if you’re creating an LLC, you must designate a registered agent. This is the person or firm that will receive legal and tax paperwork on your company’s behalf. Although you have the option of acting as your own registered agent, it’s usually a wise decision to choose a professional agency. This will guarantee both the confidentiality of your personal information and that you don’t miss any crucial documents.
And finally, depending on your location, you could require a company license in order to run your enterprise. Businesses that offer products or services to the general public often need to comply with this. Even if you operate as an LLC and use a different name, you must still seek a business license.
In conclusion, it is possible to trade under a name other than your company name, but it necessitates some extra processes. You must register your business name with your state government if you operate as a solo proprietor. If your company is an LLC, you must designate a registered agent and obtain a DBA registration. In addition, you might need to apply for a business license no matter how your company is set up. These steps will help you make sure your business name is real and lawful.