Incorporation Concierge - Doing Business As (DBA)

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Adopting a business name

A doing business as (DBA) filing is an official and public way to register a business name with either the state or a local jurisdiction, such as a county. A DBA name is also called an assumed name, fictitious business name, or trade name.

Why it’s important

DBAs allow sole proprietorships and general partnerships to conduct business under a name other than the owner’s or owners’ personal name(s). For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), filing a DBA allows them to transact business using a name other than the official company name that is included in the incorporation documents.

Once the DBA filing is approved, the business can use the name as its official business name and:
• Open a business bank account
• Create stationery or business cards
• Develop advertisements and/or list the company in directories
• Undertake transactions on behalf of the company

Common reasons for filing a DBA:

There are a number of reasons why business owners choose to file a DBA, and these reasons may vary by business type. Common reasons include:
• To transact business under a name other than the official name of the company or the sole proprietorship. A DBA allows a sole proprietor or corporation/LLC to name the business something other than the legal name, which in the case of a sole proprietor is the name of the individual.
• Open a business bank account. Banks typically require sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a DBA before opening a business bank account.
• Additional business credibility. Having a DBA can lend additional credibility for sole proprietorships and general partnerships.
• New name for new business activity. Often a DBA name is used when a company wishes to enter a new line of business or to market a new product/service.
• Domain name as DBA. A DBA can be filed in order for a company to transact business under the company’s domain name.
• Public notification. Filing a DBA notifies other businesses that the name is in use, as the DBA name becomes part of the public record.

Key Benefits

There are no limits to the number of DBAs a business can register. Having multiple DBAs can allow your company to effectively run separate businesses under one legal entity, as long as you stay within any limits posed by your business purpose (if incorporated). When to file a DBA

Keep in Mind

For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, filing a DBA does not provide personal asset protection to the owner(s). Incorporating a company is necessary to protect personal assets from the debts and liabilities of a business.
The Benefits of Incorporation

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