Does Your LLC Need a DBA? | when does an LLC need a DBA / FBN / trade name registration

[@motivechallengenow]

You exactly answered my question regarding LLC and need for DBA in conjunction. My question is, do I form the DBA first, which is the same name as LLC (but without LLC letters) and then form the LLC? Also do I have to file something to link the DBA to be protected by LLC? THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@ElizabethPW]

No form the LLC first, then have a DBA with the LLC as owner of it

[@ElizabethPW]

Also check out this video about getting a DBA & how to get a FBN: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX60n4p3gd6Fnbs

[@Khans1199]

I have an LLC already that I made to launch a business at another location which never happened, so now I am through a new business deal. I want to use that same LLC with a different Name and Address. Will a DBA be used in this case to change the name of my company for the new business?

[@Kingjaycustomz]

so, if i created a llc example j&k trucking but i want to run j&k trucking as my dba instead of my llc. I want to change my llc to j&k enterprise llc and make my dba j&k trucking.What steps do i need to do? Do i need to just change the llc then add the dba ? create a new llc ? am i able to switch the llc and dba on the current llc i already have? hope its not to confusing.

[@ChristyBrewster-hw7fj]

Hi, quick question. I have a S-corp right now and was thinking of just have a DBA. Do I have to add the Inc to the DBA or can I add the Inc to the DBA?

[@ElizabethPW]

The corporation can own the DBA

[@alimehdisayed3133]

Hi ! Thank you for the insight. Request advise if I can operate multiple activities / what kind of activities I can do on a single LLC. For eg. Can I have a Shipping Agency / Consultancy and multiple products Trading Company under the same LLC.

[@ElizabethPW]

Yep those two types of businesses can be under the same LLC. However, each is liable for the other (so the assets of one is liable for the debts or lawsuits of the other)

[@MohahmmadArif]

Hi Elizabeht, If your LLC name is not your legal name but it;s your business legal name, for example: FLex Auto Sales LLC and you are doing business on the same name as Flex Auto Sales LLC, do I still need to file DBA or no need?

[@ElizabethPW]

If you use the same name as your business then you don't need a DBA

[@GhostTraderz]

Hello Elizabeth, first I’d like to thank you for the great information provided through your videos. Hopefully it’s not to many questions at once but I have a few regarding LLCs. 1. Is having a registered agent worth it? 2. If there is a similar business name for example “Firstloancompany” and I start one named “Firstlineloancompany” is that a lawsuit waiting to happen? 3. Any way to get you on the phone for some payed advice? I know it’s a lot but would greatly appreciate any feed back. Thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

Having an RA is worth it if you want to keep your real location address (like if you work from home). Eh for names being similar it depends on the generic-ness of the name, whether it is used for branding for either company, and whether the differences are generic words. Thanks for asking - I do have phone advice available on the top level of my Patreon: www.patreon.com/elizabethpw

[@Charlie-q2t]

Thank you for this video! I’m thinking I’ll file for a DBA on this to be on the safe side, but I am wondering; if I have “business name LLC” registered, but use “business name” and omit LLC, legally should I be filing “business name” as a DBA?

[@ElizabethPW]

In California, yes! But that does depend on state law, if you are somewhere else

[@richardanderson6459]

I have been operating under a DBA in Michigan and am considering an LLC with the DBA listed. The LLC name is slightly different in that it will add the letters Mi at the end of the name of my DBA. I currently have an EIN for the DBA and have filed taxes as a sole proprietor and I will not be hiring employees...will I need to get another EIN for the LLC or can I just continue paying my taxes using the EIN for the DBA?

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes the LLC has its own EIN.

[@LaRitaFisher]

This is so helpful!! I have a photography business registered as an LLC with a name something other than personal name, but I would like to start using my name as the name of my business now. I filed a DBA to do so, but my question is on tax forms do I use my DBA name or LLC name? Should I change my bank account name or open a new one? Thanks for the insights!

[@ElizabethPW]

On tax forms you put the legal name of the business (the LLC) and sometimes you can also list the DBA. For the bank you can keep it the same, but you might be able to add the DBA name

[@DigitalInspirationLab]

I have an LLC then I formed a DBA, can I use the letters LLC with the dba name?

[@ShutterLifeCaptures]

this is such invaluable information. thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos! If i don't create a dba will my online business still be protected under my LLC? my invoices, website etc will contain my LLC name so my customers know exactly who they are dealing with and i have no use for accepting payments under a name of a DBA. I'm just more worried about the legal protection of my personal assets as my website name is not mentioned in any of the documents I've filed so far starting this up.

[@ElizabethPW]

Well if your website name is different just make sure the LLC name is on there too so there is no confusion -- put it in the footer (so it appears on every page), the about page, etc.

[@ShutterLifeCaptures]

@@ElizabethPW Awesome! Thank you so much for the advice!

[@johnboggs8765]

I'm a roofing contractor who just changed form a SP to an LLC. My official biz name is JJ Boggs, LLC. I have "JJ Boggs Roofing" on all of my biz cards, trucks, shirts, etc. Customers always make checks out to JJ Boggs. Very rarely do they include the "Roofing". My biz account is under JJ Boggs. Do I need to file JJ Boggs Roofing as a DBA? If yes, why?

[@ElizabethPW]

In California you'd need a DBA because you are not using the legal name of the business (JJ Boggs, LLC).

[@Eliscay]

Hi Elizabeth! I'm a year late to this video but have a question! If my DBA name is going to be completely different from my LLC name, and the DBA name is the client-facing one, do my clients have to make payments out to my LLC name (which has the business bank acc) or would they be able to pay invoices with the DBA name on it, and it still go to my bank acc with the LLC name? Thanks in advance!! :)

[@ElizabethPW]

Typically when you set up the bank account, you should be able to have both, the LLC name and the DBA name as the "to" for payments. But check with the bank to make sure

[@patriceb3749]

Hi Elizabeth, My business partner and I are subsidiaries of the parent company which is an LLC. One of us is based in MD and the other in DC. The LLC is in the state of MD. Currently, we are in the process of applying for insurance; we have not registered as a DBA yet; so should we leave this section blank on the insurance quote form? TIA

[@ElizabethPW]

Most likely the insurance company only wants you to list a DBA if you already have registered it.

[@ayobamimagbagbeola9574]

Hi Elizabeth, thank you for all your informative videos. My question is as follows: I have multiple businesses that I am not looking to form as LLC (DIdn;t think it is necessary). The plan is to have one LLC, then the rest of the businesses as a DBA for the LLC in the State of GA. is this possible? I have a wedding Photography business, Event hosting, car rental etc..see how these are all in different industries. The LLC will serve as the Umbrella company in a sense, and it's purpose is to be responsible for the DBAs. I hope i have not confused you. Thank you.

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can have one LLC with multiple DBAs, as long as you are okay with each business being liable for the other ones. In Georgia you file the DBAs with the county superior court georgia.gov/file-dba-doing-business

[@isThatAYeti]

Hi there Elizabeth. I have one question for you , if a company files a DBA for example. mercantile llc wants to do decor and they file a dba "lovely homes" what happens if another company goes and registers a lovely homes LLC. Who has the legal right to market and use lovely homes

[@ElizabethPW]

Filing a DBA or an LLC has not much to do with the right to use a name. The right to use a name is about trademarks. So you'd want to get a trademark from the USPTO if you want to stop others from using the name

[@JustPassingBy_Yolo]

So if I file my business name as ABC LLC, I have to have the LLC after ABC for my website and business cards, paperwork etc... but if I file a DBA just as ABC then I dont have to use the LLC in the business name? Is that what you're saying?

[@ElizabethPW]

Well it would be fine for website headers and such but I'd recommend having the LLC in website footer and you'd always want it on the contracts, so people actually know they are doing business with an LLC (and not with you as a sole proprietorship dba)

[@babylyane]

Thanks Elizabeth your contents are awesome! I have LLC(sole owner) Question can you have 2 or more DBA’s in california? Example: Santiago Cleaning LCC then apply For DBA like first Santiago Mobile Detailing the second DBA Santiago Home Cleaning Service? Thank you in advance! God bless 🙏

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can!

[@sarahmyers102]

Thank you Elizabeth for offering such informative insights! I have an LLC registered in FL. If the LLC primary business is different than the business of the DBA is that still ok? Say my LLC is consulting and I want to DBA as a travel agency. Do you see any issues with accomplishing the DBA? Thank you for your insights!

[@ElizabethPW]

Generally yes you can have multiple businesses in the same LLC (unless one has specific rules like medical services)

[@roialnet]

I have an online store that is different from my LLC name. Does that require a DBA? And if so can I put it under my LLC instead of me as an individual?

[@ElizabethPW]

If you are not using the LLC name, then yes you'd get a DBA/FBN. You would just have the LLC be the "owner" of the DBA

[@sayedwalihamra4872]

Hi Elizabeth, very quick question I recently registered a wholesale LLC in the state of Texas but I’m planning to do business as a retail is it possible to have a DBA for retail under my wholesale LLC your answer is highly appreciated

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm there's no legal problem with having a dba like that but check with the Texas Comptroller's office (tax people) to confirm that there isn't a tax problem for a business to be a wholesaler as well as a retailer at the same time, from a sales tax (seller's permit) perspective. Here's their contact page - comptroller.texas.gov/about/contact/

[@sayedwalihamra4872]

@@ElizabethPW thank you very much

[@anastasiatamarina910]

Hello Elizabeth! I have a question, do I understand correctly, my name is Anastasia Tamarina, I am a wedding photographer in Los Angeles and I want to open an LLC with the name "Anastasia Tamarina Photography LLC", then in this case I do not need to do a DBA because my official name and surname are listed there, but if I called the company "Anastasia Photography LLC" then a DBA is needed because there is no my surname ? I just don't quite understand in which case I need to do it. Also, if I have a different name on my website, but my first and last name are the same, do I just need to put the LLC at the bottom of the website and that's it? Thanks!!!

[@ElizabethPW]

If you call the company with the full LLC you don't need a DBA unless you are using a *different* name for the brand/business. When you have an LLC it is not about your legal name -- it is about the LLC's legal name

[@anastasiatamarina910]

@@ElizabethPW Thank you!

[@ButterflyMs7]

What about taxes? Right now, I'm a sole proprietor and under a trademark in my town, but when I switch to an LLC, will I still have to file tax for the DBA at the town level?

[@ElizabethPW]

You don't need a DBA if you use the LLC name as the name of the business

[@LisaLee-f2i]

I wanted to ask if we have an established LLC that bought a building to run the same type of business as the LLC that bought the business, but we want to name the brick and mortar business something else… do we need to do a DBA, or do we start a new LLC for the brick and mortar shop and have 2 LLCS? Thank you for your help, also for you offer consulting?

[@ElizabethPW]

Really you can do either -- have the LLC own a DBA or have two LLCs. Depends on whether you want them to be legally separate. I do have phone consults - calendly.com/elizabethpw

[@Maximum4723]

Hi Elizabeth, I need to help here. I have a LLC in Wyoming and have applied for a DBA and will be using the Wyoming address. I live in California, will this DBA creat an issue. Should i register it in California. Please help. Thanks In advance

[@ElizabethPW]

It's not about the DBA, whether you need to register in CA is about whether you do CA-to-CA business here

[@songhavenofficial]

So in California, if you are starting a business LLC from scratch, it sounds like you would file the LLC first and then the DBA? Great quick tip video... Thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

Right exactly

[@R3CFutbolEsVida]

Following up on this. for example, if I want to start a coaching business (LLC) I would create it as my full name and then create a DBA as what ever my company name would be? Or can it be the other way around? (Company name LLC and a DBA as my name)?

[@ElizabethPW]

If you want an LLC and to use your personal name for the business branding, you could first create an LLC and then file a dba for your personal name as the branding. The DBA is for the branding.

[@R3CFutbolEsVida]

@@ElizabethPW reason I ask is because since I am a coach, I get hired by other clubs to coach in their club. They usually use my name when sending me payments. Would it be different if I have my business LLC instead?

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes then you'd want them to send the payments in the name of the LLC for you to deposit in a bank account in the name of the LLC

[@ivettesanchez7947]

Hi Elizabeth..I am registering for the dba do I chose retail if I will be selling on etsy and Shopify or do I check off other? I will be selling shirts, tumblers, ornaments things like that thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes retail would be for selling products online

[@ivettesanchez7947]

@@ElizabethPW thank you

[@ivettesanchez7947]

@@ElizabethPW Hi Elizabeth I mailed the dba form and received the same form back stamped and it says filed and the date they filed does that mean I have my dba now? I’m in New York State..Ty

[@carmenpace5649]

Thank you so much for your videos. I live in Texas and a DBA is required to get a business bank account. Now that the state has approved my LLC of the same dba name, do I need to do something to convert the dba or can I leave it as is? I got an EIN number based on the dba name but again both names are the same. I performed an LLC search to ensure the name wasn't in use.

[@ElizabethPW]

So the LLC could get a DBA for that name, to tie the DBA name to the LLC

[@mmckie2000]

Thank you for the information. I have an LLC in South Carolina. SC doesn't require filing for a DBA. Do I just start using my LLC name with the DBA name?

[@ElizabethPW]

Ah if there's no DBA required then yes, but I'd list the LLC as the owner (in the about page, footer of the website, contracts, etc.)

[@mmckie2000]

@@ElizabethPW thank you!

[@MR-he4jb]

Can you tell me why you make things so easy to understand?

[@Fungames91Official]

Thank you so much! You are very helpful. I would like to operate multiple business (DBAs) under an LLC, but I don’t want to use my real name whithin the businesses. I want to use a different personal name and nickname to identify me. I don;t wan’t to exppse my legal name within these businesses. I also want to be able to get paid under that name to have a business account under that name and nickname. Does this personal business name need to be the LLC to hold my DBAS or should it be a DBA under an LLC?

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm sounds like the name might be a dba of your LLC.

[@cashhoncho4812]

I started a llc when I was thinking of getting into trucking could I get a dba for my new clothing brand idea or should I just form a new llc

[@ElizabethPW]

Depends if you are okay with each business being liable for the other

[@purezayraices]

Helpful video, this cleared up some confusion, thank you!! Now, can I create a DBA under my LLC if they aren't completely similar professions? LLC is skincare and DBA health coaching? Thanks!

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes they do not need to be releated businesses

[@purezayraices]

@@ElizabethPW Thank you!! You saved me lots of time and frustrations!!!

[@SadeTeaire]

Thanks for making this so simple to understand ❤

[@Imaginationpen]

So if I am an author, a sole proprietor, who doesn’t want to have an LLC, I could have a DBA instead? And I wouldn’t have to have an EIN either? I am in California.

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can have a DBA and use your own SSN for any business stuff

[@kevinschwebs1404]

Hi Elizabeth, I am in Florida and looking to start up a personal photography biz and a real estate photo biz, two different biz names under one umbrella, such as "123 Media Group LLC" which would be the business bank account also. Do I still need a dba and any other suggestions? Thank you for your time....

[@ElizabethPW]

For the other business names yes I'd get a DBA that's owned by the LLC

[@kevinschwebs1404]

Thank you very much :)@@ElizabethPW

[@butlerjames1974]

Hi Elizabeth, I was told by a county clerk that it’s better to get an LLC before I get my DBA. Is this true, and if so, why?

[@ElizabethPW]

If you want the DBA to be owned by an LLC, yes get the LLC first. But if you are not going to get an LLC for a long time, just get the DBA owned by you

[@synergyskincare6290]

Hi Elizabeth, I have been using a DBA for my skincare business in California since 2017. How can I connect it with a new business entity ( Professional Corporation) to be formed in 2024 for the same skincare business? Is it something I can do myself or the attorney I hired to form the PC will do it for me or just with the bank ? Thank you.

[@ElizabethPW]

You'd get a new DBA in your county, where the Prof Corp is the business owner of the DBA.

[@synergyskincare6290]

@@ElizabethPW you mean I can still keep the old DBA name but reregistered at the county office with the change of owner name as a prof corporation? Thank you for your replies

[@Rockstar8953]

Hi Elizabeth just registered my LLC here in Alabama under LLC name k & J Destination smokehouse & Eatery for a food truck. Is it possible to have a DBA under my LLC name in different industries like transportation. Thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes

[@khecidsdragons7777]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LassenSightseeingTours]

Thanks for this video. Where would one go to add a dba to an llc in california? Thanks!

[@ElizabethPW]

If you want to add a DBA, then you file for a DBA at the local county level, with the LLC as the owner. I recommend using dbastore.com/ - keeps it easy

[@dross0123]

Alright. Songwriter/Music Producer incorporated from a sole prop to a SMLLC w/ S-corp election. Contracts have been calling the LLC business/company name the "lender" and reads "XXX MUSIC, LLC f/s/o Legal Name p/k/a Legal Name. Would this require a DBA in Los Angeles? If so, would it be the personal legal name as the DBA of the LLC business name? Hopefully that makes sense. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!

[@ElizabethPW]

Ah yes it can make sense to file a DBA/FBN of the stage name (or personal legal name) owned by the LLC

[@dross0123]

@@ElizabethPW Okay so the personal legal name would be the FBN? Would that be legally required?

[@3phix]

If my llc name is "blank group llc" can i run it as "blank" or do i need a dba with "blank"

[@ElizabethPW]

You need a DBA unless you use the whole legal name "blank group LLC"

[@LJCar2023]

So I I want my name of the LLC to be the same as the DBA, I should get the DBA and the. Apply for the LLC? Thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

You get the LLC first

[@KenKashi7]

So I should delete my dba bank account once i open my llc bank account? For example, Let's say the dba name is "cookie boy" then i create an llc name "cookie boy llc", should I close the dba bank account?

[@ElizabethPW]

Ah so most banks will require you to open a new bank account for the LLC, because sole proprietorships (with a DBA) have a different type of bank account than LLCs

[@KenKashi7]

@@ElizabethPW thank you but my question is should I delete my DBA bank account? I have 2 business accounts for the same bank, 1 I opened up when my company was a DBA then I went and made that company an LLC. What should I do with my 1st business bank account(the DBA account)?

[@ahmadkai10293]

Where do we go to do a DBA / Trade name registration in Virginia?

[@ElizabethPW]

scc.virginia.gov/pages/Fictitious-Names

[@sugartrailz]

thank you!

[@TheKkholliday]

Hello I started another llc and realized I should have just done a DBA what do I do now

[@ElizabethPW]

You then would shut down the new LLC (terminate/cancel it) and get the new DBA

[@user-zr7nm9ke2h]

how are ,what about day trading taxes with an llc as a day trader?

[@ElizabethPW]

Sorry I don't really know about day trading taxes

[@CaptainCrunch03]

Appreciate it

[@ElizabethPW]

welcome!

[@dross0123]

Is an LLC in California required to have the owner's last name in the legal business name of the LLC?

[@ElizabethPW]

No, you can have the LLC name be anything you want (well as long as it satisfies the rules of naming and it is available)

[@dross0123]

@@ElizabethPW Okay, thank you! If I have a business email, should that contact name be "ABC LLC" or can it just be "ABC" (without filing an FBN)?

[@ElizabethPW]

The email can be just ABC -- you'd put the LLC in the signature line etc

[@X_Booby]

Totally helpful! 🙏 thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

You're so welcome!