A DBA, or Doing Business As, is the official name you use when conducting business under your brand and name instead of the name of your business entity, such as an LLC or corporation. Registering your DBA in Texas requires very little paperwork and no significant cost, making it easy to start small in this big state. This article will tell you all you need to know about filing a DBA in Texas.
DBA stands for Doing Business As. It’s a fictitious name that businesses can use instead of your legal name. A DBA can be helpful if the business name is long or difficult to pronounce, already taken, or if you want to keep your personal and business life separate.
If you’re thinking about starting a business in Texas, one of the first things you’ll need to do is file a DBA with the state. This simple process gives your business some legal protection and makes it easier to open a business bank account. Plus, it helps keep your business compliant with state laws. A DBA can also open up expansion possibilities for your business. For example, if you want to launch a website for your business, you’ll need to register a domain name. You can also operate several businesses under one ownership by registering a DBA, eliminating the need to create new company entities every time you grow.
The process of filing a DBA in Texas is quite simple and takes only a few steps. First, you’ll need to pick a name for your business and make sure it’s available. If you want to file a DBA in Texas, you’ll need to submit the following information:
You’ll also need to file a certificate of the assumed name with the county clerk. It’s not a huge process; all it takes is filling out some paperwork and paying a small fee. Once that’s done, you’re now registered.
The procedures for registering a DBA vary by state, county, city, and type of business, but in general, there is paperwork to complete, and registration fees range from $10 to $100. You can file your documentation with your state government or the county clerk’s office.
In some areas, you can also need to run a fictitious name advertisement for a predetermined time in a local newspaper. Giving the neighborhood an official announcement of your business name satisfies the “public notice” rule for various states. You will need to pay a $5 publication fee. This fee goes to the newspaper that publishes your DBA notice. The newspaper will also charge you for running the notice, which costs between $50 and $100.
One logistical rule to be aware of is that your “doing business as” name cannot finish in “Inc,” “LLC,” or “Corp.” That offers the false impression that your company is a corporation or otherwise has corporate standing. If you haven’t registered the name as a DBA name in the state where you’re doing business, you aren’t allowed to use an assumed name.
Apart from that, there are no limitations on what you can submit as a DBA name. To ensure no other company uses your DBA name; it’s advisable to conduct a straightforward business name search within your jurisdiction.
It’s typically not essential to hire a business attorney to assist you with filing. Most business owners can manage the procedure alone because it is so straightforward. Yet, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help if you have questions about the procedure or a more sophisticated business scenario. EFileDBA offers online DBA services that make it easy to get your business up and running without hassle. Plus, our team of experts can answer any questions you have along the way.
To conduct your business under a DBA in Texas, you must submit the necessary DBA paperwork to the state of Texas, as it’s where you intend to do business, along with the applicable filing fee. Be sure to review the paperwork and regulations for your state, as each state has its unique set of specifications. The following are crucial factors to take into account when submitting a DBA.
Your legal company entity needs to be legitimate (you can get a certificate from your state or registration showing this). To register a DBA, you might need to get a money order or cashier’s check, as not all states accept credit cards.
Although you can use your Social Security Number to identify your company in registration forms, you should get an EIN (Employer Identification Number, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number) and use that instead of your SSN.
DBA registrations are not permanent. They are usually five years long and require renewal before they expire in several states. Carefully review the state’s unique criteria. If your business information changes, you must update your DBA file. Included are your company’s address, legal name, any changes to the officers, etc.
Now that you know everything there is to know about filing a DBA in Texas, what are you waiting for? Get started today with EFileDBA. We can help you set up your DBA quick and easy, so you can get back to business. We understand how frustrating it can be to go through the process and forms of registering your company name. That’s why we make the process as quick and easy as possible — and do the hard work for you. If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Want to file a DBA?
