Registering a Business Name: 2024 Guide

How to Registering a Business Name 2024?

Before you launch your business, it’s super important to register it. Most of the time, you’ll need to do this with state agencies, like the secretary of state. However, there are situations where you might also need to get licenses, permits, or registrations from local or federal agencies. In this article, Forbes Advisor walks you through the steps to register your business so you can get everything up and running smoothly.

Are You Required To Register Your Business?

Whether you need to register your business depends on your industry and where you’re located. Generally, businesses like LLCs, partnerships, and corporations must register with the appropriate state agency, usually the secretary of state. On the other hand, sole proprietorships often don’t need to go through this process.

Registering Your Business with Local and County Agencies

Most of the time, you won’t need to register your business with local or county agencies. However, depending on what your business does, you might need certain permits or licenses to operate. If your business name is different from your legal business name, you may also have to register a trade name or a “doing business as” (DBA) name.

Registering Your Business with State Agencies

Most states require businesses—like LLCs, corporations, and partnerships—to register if they’re operating there. This can mean having a physical location, meeting clients in the state, earning a good amount of revenue there, or having employees who work in the state. Be sure to check your state’s specific requirements, but you’ll likely register through the secretary of state’s office.

When you register, you’ll need to name a registered agent. This person is responsible for receiving official papers and legal documents for your business, and they must be located in the state where you’re registering.

Registering Your Business with Federal Agencies

In most cases, you won’t need to register with federal agencies, except for getting your employer identification number (EIN) for tax purposes. Some industries do require federal registration, and you might want to register for federal trademark protection as well. If you want your business taxed as an S Corporation (S-corp), you’ll need to file Form 2553 with the IRS.

Even if you don’t need to register federally, you still have to follow federal laws and regulations, like workplace safety rules from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

When You Do Business in More Than One State

Registering a Business Name: 2024 Guide
Registering a Business Name: 2024 Guide

Foreign Qualification

If you’re doing business in more than one state, you’ll need to get something called foreign qualification for each state where you operate. To get this qualification, most states will ask you to file a certificate of authority with them. You’ll also need a certificate of good standing from the state where your business was originally formed.

How To Register a Business Name

Your business name is the official name that identifies your company. You’ll need this name to fill out Form SS-4 and get your Employer Identification Number (EIN). To register your business name, you first have to set up your business by creating the necessary documents—like an LLC operating agreement, partnership agreement, or shareholders’ agreement—and filing the registration papers with the right state agency.

Before you can register your business name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in your state. You can easily check if the name is free by visiting the state agency’s website. Most states have a business name lookup tool through the business division of the secretary of state.

Also Read: Easy Steps to Create a Simple Business Plan

How To Change a Business Name

Registering a Business Name: 2024 Guide

If you need to correct any clerical errors or typos in your business name, you can usually file a certificate of correction. But if you’re looking to make a big change to your legal business name, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Adopt a resolution: This means you’ll need to officially agree on the name change. If you have shareholders, partners, or LLC members, they may need to sign off on this resolution.
  2. Amend your business documents: Depending on your business type, this could involve updating your LLC operating agreement, shareholders’ agreement, or partnership agreement, as well as your articles of organization or incorporation.
  3. File articles of amendment: You’ll need to submit these to the secretary of state or the appropriate state agency, along with any required fees.
  4. Notify relevant agencies: Let state regulatory agencies, tax authorities, and licensing agencies know about your name change.
  5. Update your accounts: Don’t forget to change your business name on accounts and inform your clients, vendors, and suppliers.

Before registering your new business name, make sure it’s available in your state. It’s also a good idea to do a quick Google search to check for any similar business names and search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure your new name isn’t trademarked.

Registering a Trade Name

Changing your business’s legal name can take a lot of time and money, so you might want to consider using a trade name or “doing business as” (DBA) instead. If you go this route, you may need to file a separate registration for your DBA. To find out what’s required and what the filing fees are, just check with your state’s secretary of state office.

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