If you have already filed your return for the current year, write to us at the address where you filed your return to inform us of the name change. The directions for corporations, according to the IRS website, include “If you are filing a current year return, mark the appropriate name change box of the Form 1120 type you are using. Single-member LLCs would do this the same way as a sole proprietorship multi-member LLCs would handle it the same way as a general partnership. (Generally, applying for a new EIN won’t be necessary when changing a business name, but it’s best to check to make sure.) Finding out if the business must apply for a new EIN under the new name.Checking with the county, city, or local government office to find out if they require updating existing business licenses and permits with the new name, or canceling the current licenses and getting new ones under the new business name.Contacting your bank to find out if you must open a new business bank account for the new name, or if you can change the name on the existing account.While this takes care of the state records, you may also need to follow through on one or more of the following steps, depending on your situation: Note: Businesses that have foreign qualified in other states (i.e., are registered in multiple states) must file Articles of Amendment in all those states. When approved, it means your company will operate under its new name. File Articles of Amendment with the state to change the business nameīy filing a document called “Articles of Amendment,” an LLC or corporation can request to change the name of the business. One requires abandoning the original business name entirely while the other maintains the original name and creates a new one for marketing purposes (such as for a new product line).ġ.
Limited liability companies and corporationsīusinesses registered as either an LLC or a corporation may change their name using one of two methods.
Finding out from the IRS if getting a new DBA will require applying for a new Employer Identification Number (EIN).Checking with the county, city, and local government authorities to find out if business licenses and permits must be updated or obtained for the new DBA.Contacting your bank to find out if the existing business bank account’s name can be changed to the new DBA, or if it will require opening a bank account for the new DBA.This involves contacting the government authority that approves and registers DBAs, or you might consider using an online legal business document filing service to handle the details for you. Canceling the existing DBA and filing for a new one.
If your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership and you want to change your DBA, you can do so by: They can file for a fictitious business name, also called “Doing Business As” (DBA). However, that doesn’t mean sole proprietorships and general partnerships can’t market themselves under a name that’s more interesting and attractive. A sole proprietorship or partnership are one in the same entity as their owner(s)-the business name must have the owner’s first and last names in it. Operating as either of these entities means you have not set up an official business structure with the state. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships