In most cases, you will need to register with the Secretary of State`s office, business office, or commercial agency in the state where you operate. Choose a name under which you want your business to operate and make sure it complies with state rules. If you register the company as an LLC, its name should include LLC or limited liability company or something similar. For example, White`s Heating Limited Company or White`s Heating and Cooling LLC. Typically, you`ll also need to register with your state for a more complex form of business organization, such as a limited liability company (LLC), limited liability company (LLP), or corporation. The formation of an LLC, limited partnership (LP), limited liability company (LLP) or corporation (whether C corporation or S corporation for income tax purposes) provides liability protection to the owner(s) of that business entity. The company, LLC, LP or LLP owns the company and is responsible for the company`s debts. Shareholders, partners or associates are not. This is one of the great advantages of starting a business.

After forming your corporation, LLC or other legal entity, if you wish to do business under a name other than the one listed on your company`s incorporation document, you must file the appropriate documents to register your DBA name. It`s possible (and likely) that your business operates outside of your state, but all you need to do is register with the state. in which you mainly work. Note: If you plan to expand the company to other states, you should also qualify the respective state as a foreign qualification. Any corporation, LLC or other legal business entity is prohibited from doing business in any state without qualification. There are penalties if you do not comply. Your official name in the states where you qualify is the name on your company`s certificate of authority. If you wish to use a different name, you must register your DBA name in that state by submitting the appropriate documents. If John Smith came to your house to make you an offer to renovate your home, and he had no corporate or entity documents, no business insurance, wanted to write a check directly in his name and wore street clothes, would you trust him with $100,000 of your money to renovate your home? However, the exact requirements vary from state to state. To understand your obligations, contact your state`s tax department. You may also need to register with your county so that your business can pay personal property taxes and property taxes. First, you want to know if you need to register.

Some business structures such as partnerships, G&C bodies, and LLCs help: Depending on the state where you register your business, you may not need an operating agreement. However, it`s always a good idea to have one, as it adds a layer of protection to your business and ensures that the operation complies with its own rules. The enterprise contract governs the ownership shares and management structure. If you don`t have one, the business should operate according to the general rules of your state. Here`s a brief overview of some of the most common business structures. A trademark is a design, symbol, word or phrase that identifies the source of your products or services and distinguishes them from the products and services of your competitors. Trademark protection results from the use of your trademark in businesses, but for national protection, you can register your trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. There are many reasons why doing business under a DBA (Doing Business As) name can be a good decision for a business. In this article, we`ll define what a DBA name (or fictitious name) is that it isn`t, cover the main reasons why you should consider using a DBA name, and provide important tips for registering your DBA name – what you need to do in the states where you use it. Some business structures require licenses and permits from the county or city where your business is located. While it`s good to get rid of business registration, there are many other things you need to do to start a business.

Check out our resources on the elements of a business plan and how to conduct market research to take the process to the next level. Skipping the path of actual registration of your business has some drawbacks that could lead you to realize that this is not the best situation for you and your business, both in the short and long term. Below are some things to consider in order to understand the risks and responsibilities associated with a sole proprietorship or sole proprietorship. However, the actual documents and their contents depend on the structure of your business. Once you`ve chosen the business structure that`s best for you, you need to choose a location. This doesn`t mean your business has to have a physical location. When it comes to registering your business, this is the address you use for tax returns, obtaining important documents from government agencies, or your business bank account. Subscribe to the Town Square newsletter for business owners. Expert advice, industry information, and curated content are provided to you once a week. You can trademark a company name, logo, label, product packaging, and other documents that you use to identify your business.

Again, these reasons vary in relevance to your business, depending on your type of legal entity, the type of business you`re in, and your growth strategies. We strongly recommend that you speak to your accountant or lawyer to determine if DBA registration is the right choice for your business. Below are some of the most common reasons why companies use a DBA name. Keep in mind that these reasons often vary depending on the type of business. For example, what motivates a sole proprietorship to choose an adopted name is different from what motivates a business or LLC. However, all businesses should take a look at each section below to determine the necessary steps they need to take to be officially considered a business.