What is a Fictitious Name
DBA registration is necessary if you company conducts business under a name other than your own name. DBAs are not just for Sole Proprietors. Corporations and LLCs use DBAs as well.
For example -
1- If your name was Jack Pots and the name of your business was Green Office Products, you would register your DBA as Jack Pots , doing business as Green Office Products.
2 - If your name was Pots LLC and the name of your business was Green Office Products, you would register your DBA as Pots LLC doing business as Green Office Products.
Your DBA cannot add INC or CORP to the name to create the impression that the DBA is actually a corporation when it is not. The DBA will be filed at the state or county level depending on where you are located or want to conduct business. The fees also are different from location to location. Some locations also require you to publish your DBA in the newspapers to stay compliant. The filing time is also different by location, usually 2 weeks.
The DBA should be filed before you begin using the name. Some locations require the DBA be filed within 60 days once the name is being used. You will need a EIN for your DBA. You can use the EIN for your Corporation or you can order a EIN for your DBA instead of using your Social Security Number.
When to use an DBA
Product Line
Identity other than company name
A division in your company that conducts other lines of service or products.
