When you’re building your business, you may choose to go by a name other than the legal name of the company. Even as a sole proprietor, you may have a more common name for your business that goes on your business cards, flyers, and signs.
Because of that, you may need to file some papers stating you’re “doing business as” (DBA) another name for your Texas business.
But all that paperwork can be confusing, and you may be unsure whether you need to fill out this extra paperwork. Reach out to your business lawyer at The Curry Law Firm if you’re worried about taking the right first steps for your DBA and your business.
A DBA allows you to use a different name for your business. That way, you may have a legal name that you registered your business under, as well as an assumed name you can also use. For example, your business name may be Mermaid Swimwear Company LLC, but you’d rather be known as Maddy’s Mermaid Swimwear as a business.
Whether you’re a sole proprietor or a corporation, having a DBA gives you more freedom to use the name you want, not the official name on your business forms. If you want to do business under a different name, your business lawyer can help you file for your new name and streamline the process where possible.
When getting a DBA, your first step is to make sure the name you want is available. You can do a corporate entity search to ensure the name you want isn’t taken. While you may be able to use a similar name, this can help you avoid copyright issues and rejections on your application.
Luckily, your lawyer can help you determine whether the name you want is available. They can also help you avoid trouble through Texas’ naming requirements for business. To avoid confusion with other entities and other trouble, you may be unable to use any of the following words in your business name:
Those aren’t the only restrictions. Let’s say you’re planning to open up a doctor’s office. You may be required to provide more paperwork and proof of your license in order to open a business as a doctor. This also applies to attorneys, banks, and other licensed officials.
Fortunately, filing your DBA shouldn’t be difficult with a lawyer on your side. First, you need to fill out the Assumed Name Certificate paperwork. Your lawyer can help you answer any confusing or difficult questions on your paperwork, and they can review the information provided to ensure your registration goes smoothly.
Once this is done, you’ll file your paperwork with your county clerk. While the details can vary, depending on the county you’re in, you should be able to file through the mail or in person. Once this is done, your paperwork will be filed, and you’ll receive notice of whether your DBA was approved.
When you’re trying to help your business grow, you may want to do so under the name you want, not your official title. But you can’t just change your business’ name on a whim—you’ll need to file the right paperwork to get a DBA in Texas.
At The Curry Law Firm, we understand you’re already dealing with a lot of paperwork. That can get confusing fast, and you may have trouble acting now. Luckily, your lawyer is here to help. If you’re unsure where to start on getting your DBA, reach out for help by calling 713-678-0013 or completing the online contact form below for a consultation.
