Why You Might Want a DBA For Your Business

Starting a business comes with numerous important decisions, including whether to file for a DBA, which stands for Doing Business As.

Essentially, a DBA is known as an alias, a trade, fictitious, or assumed name for a

company. By using a fictitious name, you can conduct your business under a name that is not your legal name.

Why Would You be Inclined to Register for a DBA?

One advantage to having an alias is that using a DBA allows you to use a creative name which could help attract more customers. Additionally, if you're a sole proprietor or a part of a partnership, your real name is kept private, as your customers will only see your fictitious name. Therefore, you will have more privacy.

You can also benefit from having a DBA when working with your financial institution. For example, when you need a small business loan, banks understand that DBAs are a sign that you mean serious business and that you are not having fun with a hobby.

Understand Requirements are Different by State

It's essential to understand that the requirements for registering for a DBA vary from state to state. It's important to research the specific regulations in your state, as some may require you to apply with the Secretary of State or county clerk's office, while others may allow you to file online. However, some states require that the business owner’s signature be witnessed, so you must register in person. Another way states differ is that your business structure may determine if you need to file for a DBA.

Before filing for a fictitious name, be sure to check that no other business is already using the one you want. It's also important to note that a DBA doesn't last forever; each state has different terms, and in some cases, a DBA may only last a few years. In these cases, you will need to renew the alias when the time comes.

If you have questions regarding the regulations surrounding filing for a fictitious name in your location, reach out to your local economic development department in your city or county. They can advise you on the steps required to comply.

Candy Messer

Candy Messer is a and profitability/growth advisor working with entrepreneurs in service-based industries to help them have successful businesses.  With more than 22 years of experience in the industry, Candy understands the stresses business owners  face and offers customized services  to meet their varying needs.

Candy started Affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll (AB&P) with the goal of providing businesses with top notch bookkeeping and payroll services at a reasonable price.  Her company energizes business owners by removing  the burden of  compliance tasks as well as working with them to identify issues preventing higher profitability and/or growth. As a result of using her services, clients have peace of mind and the freedom to do what they love. 

Candy was named Woman of the Year for 2009-2010 by the Peninsula Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, and 2011 Entrepreneur Mom of the Year by Today’s Innovative Woman magazine.  In 2012, the El Camino College Foundation honored her as a Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll was named 2016 Small Business of the Year by the Torrance Chamber and Intuit’s (creator of QuickBooks software) 2016 Firm of the Future.

Candy is co-author of Business Success With Ease released in 2013 and Navigating Entrepreneurship released in 2014 and is the host of “Biz Help For You” which can be found on iTunes, Tune-In, Stitcher, IHeartRadio and Spotify.

Candy has been married since 1992 to her husband Garth and they have a son, daughter, son-in-law, and soon to be two grandsons. When not running her company, Candy enjoys reading, crocheting, logic puzzles and spending time with friends and family.

http://www.abandp.com
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