But how do you change your company name? And if you run an LLC or business, can you change your business name? If you are filing a return for the current year, check the appropriate name change field on the Form 1120 you are using: It`s almost time to share your new business name with the world! Before you start sharing the news with your customers and updating commercial signs accordingly, it`s important to meet with a lawyer first. The official name of your company is the official name of your company for tax and legal purposes. If you use a business name, a Doing Business As (DBA) name, or a „fictitious“ name to do business, that name will be registered in your locality, not in a state or federal agency. To change this name, you must submit a DBA name change request to your county clerk`s office. If you have never established a formal business structure with the state and are operating as a sole proprietor (sole proprietor) or partnership (multiple owners), the steps to change an existing business name are fairly straightforward. Perform a name search to see if the new database administrator you want to use is available. If you register the name, no one else is allowed to use it, at least not in the county where you are registered. For the same reason, you cannot use a database administrator that is already in use. Many state governments maintain searchable online databases of business names.
A list of government agencies can be found on the U.S. Small Business Administration website. If there is no statewide list, contact your county clerk`s office. The county clerk`s offices maintain lists of DBA names used in the county. Keep in mind that if you are filing a status change or DBA, you should check the availability of your new name before proceeding with any of these steps. You don`t want to accidentally infringe another company`s name or brand. A business name is the cornerstone of your company`s branding. If your name no longer reflects your brand, market or products, it is more than possible to change it. Make sure you follow the right legal steps to avoid potential problems. The name change requires extensive research. Follow these four steps to properly change the name of your LLC or company. By filing a document called „Articles of Amendment,“ an LLC or corporation may apply to change the name of the corporation.
If approved, it means your business will operate under its new name. Note: Companies that have foreign qualifications in other states (i.e. are registered in multiple states) must file articles of association for amendment in all those states. When you change the name of your business, you need to make sure that this change will benefit the business and its customers in the long run. Here are some questions you can ask yourself before you start the name change process. This ensures that you and the company are ready for change. If you want to change the address, log in to your account and select „Change address“. The name change must first be approved by the owner or members of the LLC or, in the case of a corporation, by the shareholders. Refer to your LLC operating agreement or your company`s bylaws to discuss how to address these issues.
Use these tips from other entrepreneurs to protect your brand. There are several reasons why you may want to change your business name. Maybe you want to attract a new audience, reflect an extension of your offering or location, or maybe you`ve acquired a new business. Another common reason for a name change is a brand renewal or a desire to attract a new generation of customers. Negative publicity is also a request for a name change. Or maybe you just chose the wrong name when you started your business, and it`s time for something new. Naming or renaming a small business is a thoughtful process that takes time and research to complete successfully. You want your business name to be unique and differentiate you from your competitors. Write to us at the address where you filed your return and notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the name change.
Note: The notice must be signed by the owner or agent of the business. Conduct a formal investigation to make sure your new name is available in the state(s) where you do business. In addition to the naming rules of the Business Entity Act, you must ensure that your new company name does not infringe on another company`s trademark rights. If your LLC or company name is used as a trademark, you can also protect its rights. A trusted advisor who is familiar with trademark law can help. Post a notice of DBA name change in a local newspaper if required by your state or county law. Some countries require you to publish a DBA record or change for several consecutive weeks. Once the notice is published, file copies of the newspaper with your district clerk. Is it difficult to change the name of a company? Changing the name of a business may seem daunting, but the process has more similarities to the name of a small business than you might think.
If you`re ready to change your small business name, focus on the following areas when you change your name. The IRS assigns an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to registered businesses. This number is a federal tax identification number that tracks the payroll activities of a small business. Ready to change your business name? CT can help you do this correctly and in accordance with all state and local laws. We`ll find out if you can legally change your name in any applicable state, comb through the name change requirements, prepare your change elements, and ensure that the entire name change process goes smoothly and quickly.