Texas Legal Entities
Filing a DBA
If you own a sole proprietorship or partnership and are practicing business under another name, it is important to register the name with the state. DBA stands for “doing business as.” It is perfectly legitimate to operate the business under this “fictitious name,” as long as it is registered. Therefore, if your name is Laura North, and you open Delightful Donuts, your county, city, and/or state may mandate the filing of a DBA.
Procedures vary by state, but in general, all that is needed is a registration fee to be paid to the county clerk. This usually can be done at a county office. Some states require a fictitious name notice to be run in the local newspaper for a specified time. The costs associated with filing a notice generally do not exceed $100. The local bank might also require a fictitious name certificate if an account is to be opened. The specific bank can offer more information on where to obtain such certification. If a newspaper advertisement has been run, the necessary papers are often already filed with the county. In most of the United States, corporations are not required to file fictitious business names unless the corporation decides to do business under a name differing from the corporation.
Keep in mind to choose a name that will appeal to the type of customers you target. Pick a name with pleasantries and highly positive connotations. Do no make it too long or confusing and avoid fancy titling such as Inc. or Enterprise, which is often used by amateurs.
For more information on starting a business, contact Texas Legal Entities by calling 512-472-2431 today.
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