What is a DBA? (Doing Business As)

💼 Ready to start your own business? Get your LLC started today:
go.truic.com/3ZVfLvy (paid)
What is a DBA ? A D.B.A. or “doing business as” is like an additional nickname for your company that you can officially do business with. A DBA is not a formal business structure and DOES NOT GIVE any Personal Asset Protection. For Personal Liability Protection, you will need a Formal Business Structure, for most people an LLC will be the best and easiest option:
howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a...
🕵️‍♀️ For a registered agent service to help protect your privacy and stay compliant:
go.truic.com/3wDSa8D (paid)
🏷️ Use our Business Name Generator to get some help
brainstorming a business name and finding an
available URL to secure for your new business:
epicbusinessnames.com/
👾 Make your business information easily accessible with this Ai powered QR code
generator:
howtostartanllc.com/qr-code-g...
🎨 Create your own logo for free using our logo generator:
howtostartanllc.com/logo-maker
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀:
📙 Need more information on DBAs? Check out our free, written guide:
howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a...
📙 Remember a DBA is not a formal business structure and DOES NOT GIVE any Personal Asset Protection.
For Personal Liability Protection, you will need a Formal Business Structure, for most people an LLC will be the best and easiest option:
howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a...
📙 Learn more on how to name your business at:
howtostartanllc.com/how-to-na...
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - DBA Overview
0:33 - What is a DBA? (Doing Business As)
1:46 - Do You Need a DBA?
3:51 - How To Get a DBA
4:43 - Conclusion
🔎 Use our State Name Search guides to make sure your business name is available in your state
before filing a DBA:
howtostartanllc.com/llc-name-...
If you're interested in any of the other topics in this guide, like what a business structure is, personal asset protection, or just small business in general? Check out these other really useful resources:
⚖️ What is a Business Structure?
howtostartanllc.com/choosing-...
🔒 Personal Asset and Liability Protection:
howtostartanllc.com/maintain-...
🏢 How to Form an LLC:
howtostartanllc.com/form-an-llc
🔔 Please like, comment, and subscribe if you appreciate our content, and want to see more!
🔥 At TRUiC we are dedicated to providing the most useful information for small business owners,
and would love to see your feedback in the comments on what other information you need to
help follow your entrepreneurial dreams.
#smallbusiness #dba #llc #dbavsllc #howtostartanllc #truic #doingbusinessas #name #nameyourbusiness #businessname #business

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 & 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀: 💼 Ready to start your own business? Get your LLC started today: go.truic.com/3ys77IW (paid) 🕵‍♀ For a registered agent service to help protect your privacy and stay compliant: go.truic.com/3y6doZC (paid) 🏷 Use our Business Name Generator to get some help brainstorming a business name and finding an available URL to secure for your new business: howtostartanllc.com/business-name-generator 👾 Make your business information easily accessible with this Ai powered QR code generator: howtostartanllc.com/qr-code-generator 🎨 Create your own logo for free using our logo generator: howtostartanllc.com/logo-maker 🎯 Use our Business Name Generator to get some help brainstorming a business name and finding an available URL to secure for your new business: howtostartanllc.com/business-name-generator 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀: Need more information on DBAs? Check out our free, written guide: howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a-dba Remember a DBA is not a formal business structure and DOES NOT GIVE any Personal Asset Protection. For Personal Liability Protection, you will need a Formal Business Structure, for most people an LLC will be the best and easiest option: howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a-dba Learn more on how to name your business at: howtostartanllc.com/how-to-name-your-business

[@karenriley8529]

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

[@jefflewis9675]

Thanks for the no no-nsense video. It was exactly the information I was looking for.

[@geraldfirme1213]

Best breakdown for beginners like myself🤓

[@toniwilliams1864]

Simple and very helpful!

[@tapslagata]

great info, straight forward. thank you!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

So glad we could help! Thank you for watching!

[@1337ofDiscreet1]

After this video, I'm going to nab some food from Nick's Awesome Burgers. Anyone need anything?

[@jeromescott4223]

Naw I'm good

[@vegetable_oil]

Thank you for the video

[@bettergo18818]

kudos, fantastic video and structured info. introduction clean and concise too.

[@tevinrichie4304]

Wish everyone explained things like this

[@clemsmith2253]

Excellent. Also, very nice Shefrelera tree in the background

[@indrajeetghosalkar7599]

Having common marketing people, engineers, etc saves lots of money instead of having separate teams. Most businesses are seasonal, so you can use manage easily.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

This works for a lot of business owners.

[@ChasinSimplicity]

Great info thank you

[@indrajeetghosalkar7599]

Once my llc company is registered I will do DBA on it, already told this that day also wrote it in notes

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for watching and best of luck with your business!

[@investbig3760]

This video Is more than helpful Sir 👍👍👍👍👍✌️

[@amberkay2596]

Thanks for explaining!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Anytime!

[@indrajeetghosalkar7599]

Also as I earlier if you have multiple ideas or products, you can have one strong business, common marketing or other employees, later funding, easy to manage balance sheets etc. I don’t fear any lawsuits as I don’t do any crazy stuff instead people for example in my current business don’t pay my bills. And at initial stage having multiple companies is just too complicated , can’t use common employees etc

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Thank you

[@Heckerfamilyhomestead]

Super helpful

[@rhonzfitz621]

Very helpful video.👍🏼

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thank you!

[@quinnkerry-rockov4]

Thank you for the video! I had a question maybe you could answer, I’m starting my own dog training business and later on down the road adding Daycare. I want to file the LLC as Confident Canines KY, LLC but want to have my logo, google search, etc as Confident Canines Dog Training and then eventually Confident Canines Dog Training & Daycare. Would I need a DBA to refer to my business as Confident Canines Dog Training since that is technically different than Confident Canines KY, LLC? And would I be able to change the DBA to Confident Canines Dog Training & Daycare later on down the road when I am able to add Daycare?

[@AnthonyVargasHD]

So create a LLC and create a DBA For Each business you want under your llc and when your ready replace the dba with a LLC to create a separate entity. Minimize risk nice! You can get sued but they can take everything you worked for only from the llc your getting sued from.

[@Bodycomp101]

Well the reason I want a DBA for now is to get a business bank account so I can keep my business fund separate from my personal. My question is what if I want to use the same DBA name but now I want to have an LLC for that name would I be able to do that?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

The LLC is what keeps your personal assets separate from your business. DBA is a nickname for your business or LLC you would get afterwards. To answer your question with that information, yes you can have a new DBA for your LLC name.

[@tametriusjohnsonfielder8080]

How does the form look

[@morethanflowersmiami]

thank for the video, can i add a dba to create another type of business (online business)?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

You can register as many DBA's as you'd like! Have you considered starting an LLC and having the DBAs fall under the LLCs protection?

[@tatyanamoore5070]

Would you recommend getting a DBA for new business owners? Then later switching it from a DBA to an LLC. Also if you have a DBA can someone still register you business name with a LLC?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Hi Tatyana! You should get a DBA if you want to change the name of your business for branding purposes, since it is not a Business Structure. A DBA is basically just an official nickname for your company to go by. For example if you have a company called “Tatyana Incorporated” but want the storefront and products to be branded “Tatyana Style”. You would want a DBA called “Tatyana Style” to be added to your company, you can have multiple DBA’s if you wish to have different brands under the same company. Depending on your state, someone forming a new LLC can use your DBA name. To learn about business structures check out our video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/al7cdmiAmdqHf9E

[@tatyanamoore5070]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial thank you so much !

[@suanyyanes4998]

Hello i have a question. This Friday i have an appointment with the county state clerk to Register my New Business. I have a concern. Should i go ahead and place LLC or INC. In the end of my business name so nobody steals my name?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

We're sorry we missed this question! Normally you cannot add those descriptors unless your business is actually an LLC or Inc. In many states, an LLC is only a little more expensive than registering a DBA name.

[@krantzyboursiquot2647]

✊🏾🔥

[@pausesiponder]

What about starting off as a sole proprietor and want two businesses under it that are completely different? I want to have a nanny business and sell my own journals. How do you categorize that when applying for an EIN?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

As a sole proprietor, you are not required to have an EIN unless you hire employees or open a business bank account. A sole proprietoship with a DBA name will not protect your personal assets like an LLC. You can read our full comparison between LLCs and sole proprietorships here: howtostartanllc.com/form-an-llc/llc-instead-of-a-sole-proprietorship?ref=ytdba

[@indrajeetghosalkar7599]

Also in future, I have more products, a company should have multiple products, if it has only one product, then it’s really not a company just completely dependent on that product

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Diversification!

[@ariela_]

My dba has to include either my first name or last name? I wanted it to be a random name I came up with for my blog

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

No, a DBA name does not have to include either a first name or last name. It’s a made-up name that can be basically anything, although keep in mind that trademark infringement laws will still apply. Your DBA requirements can vary depending on your business structure, municipality, county, and state. Generally, it is best to check with your local government office. For more information, see our What is a DBA guide. howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a-dba?ref=cc Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All content is exclusively provided for educational purposes. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney.

[@marklebaron4139]

If I have an LLC now I’m construction I do drywall now but want to add a insulation division, if I get a dba for insulation can I use same insurance? And can I open a bank account with insulation dba? Thanks

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

An LLC can operate several different businesses under different DBA names. And the different businesses can all use the same bank account or each have separate bank accounts. Insurance depends on the risk of the activity covered, so a business that adds a new line of activity may have to renegotiate its policies. If it doesn't, the insurer may be in a position to refuse claims. DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. All content is exclusively provided for educational purposes. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@montewright111]

“When should get a DNA” ?? Next!!!

[@sarahgates3164]

In Arkansas would a general partnership name such as "Smith Studios" when both partners have the surname Smith be considered a DBA? In California as long as the last name is part of the business name it is not considered fictitious, but unsure about other states.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

In Arkansas, a general partnership can have a name such as “Smith Studios”. That name can become the legal name if registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State. This would require the name to be stated in a written partnership agreement, a legally binding document. If the name “Smith Studios” is not registered, the legal name of the general partnership would be Smith & Smith, with the partners’ initials coming after the surname, e.g. “Smith A & Smith B.” If unregistered, the name “Smith Studios” would be a DBA. It would then be open to other businesses to use it as a DBA. We recommend calling the Arkansas Secretary of State to confirm.

[@leonie.anderson3974]

Do you pay taxes for the income generated by your DBA? For example, if I sell my book for $15.00 and the state taxes is 5.25%, do I have to pay that for each sale that I make? Also, when I am filing am I required to submit paper work for my " alleged" legal business?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA isn't a separate legal entity, it's a name that you register for your business. If a business owner hasn't formed a legal entity yet, like an LLC, they are considered a sole proprietor. If the business owner registers a DBA name for their sole proprietorship, then the business is a sole proprietorship with a DBA name. The business owner will be taxed as a sole proprietor on proceeds from the book. You can learn more about business structures and taxes here: howtostartanllc.com/choosing-a-business-structure?ref=ytdba

[@TECochran]

Does a LLC have to keep the LLC in the DBA name or can they use it to say go from “company LLC” to just “company” for a name?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question TECochran! A DBA name for an LLC does not have to include LLC (or any variation of LLC) in it. The rule is actually the opposite. A DBA name cannot include LLC unless the business it's naming is actually an LLC. A second example would be that a DBA name cannot include Inc. if it's not a corporation.

[@TECochran]

TRUiC thank you so much for the reply! I am starting a company that’s going to be hopefully in the retail space and I would like to make my name look better by registering a DBA to leave the LLC off for a clearer company name.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

@@TECochran Exciting! What will it be selling? Yeah, it is usually a good idea to clean up the name with a DBA for marketing purposes.

[@TECochran]

TRUiC I am working on making my own line of home made soaps and such that are all natural and surfactant free. To many soaps and washes have harsh chemicals that strip your hair and body of vital natural oils.

[@Sarah-cr9xy]

so, I wanna sell on US amazon, but I am not from the US. I need a UPC, and I should either enter a registered company name or a sole proprietorship DBA name, so am I obliged to check the different states' requirements? Also, do I have to pay for its registration somewhere? Thanks for the great video

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

If by “different states' requirements”, you mean sales tax, note that items sold on Amazon Marketplaces and shipped to locations both inside and outside the US are subject to sales taxes. If a seller is located outside the U.S., that seller should check this Amazon page: Countries accepted for seller registration. The seller also needs to comply with Registration requirements by marketplace. All sellers need to provide Amazon with a valid credit card, bank account, phone number, and tax information. Tax information can be provided by going through Amazon’s tax interview. Amazon says “your seller account must have a business address associated with it.”, so selling through a company or as a sole proprietor with a DBA name would satisfy that requirement. A non-US seller can operate through a business based in their home country or in the U.S. However, using Amazon FBA would require the business to be in the U.S. There will be state registration fees to set up a U.S. company or a DBA. Visit our How to Form an LLC guide to learn more about registering a company: howtostartanllc.com/form-an-llc?ref=cc. And, visit our How to File a DBA guide to learn more about registering a DBA: howtostartanllc.com/how-to-file-a-dba?ref=cc

[@Note-dy6yd]

Can one registered corporation respond to all my need if I want to do different businesses with different natures in future by using DBA? Basically can DBA handle all kinds of business from A to Z within one corporation? Thank you.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

"A registered corporation can have more than one DBA. It may have distinct and different DBAs for separate lines of business. Check out our Idaho DBA guide for help: howtostartanllc.com/dba/dba-idaho?ref=cc

[@IbbReacts]

do I need a dba in this example: my LLC name is TRIDENT LLC, but I refer to everything as Trident. Basically I don't have the LLC in it and its not uppercase

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

It should generally be possible to carry out certain activities, such as advertising, using your business name without any acronyms such as LLC, etc. Having said that, it's a good idea to include it in your formal business materials (e.g., your contracts, etc.). You should also check the specific naming requirements for LLCs in your state of registration. Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All content is exclusively provided for educational purposes. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney.

[@SEUnlimited4444]

My DBA in Mo cost $7

[@CassieJohnsonGardens]

Thank u for the video! Do u know how this works if u have a KZbin channel and u want to get monetized by Adsense, but your channel name isn’t your legal name?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Adsense will allow you to sign up as an individual or a business. If you'd like the payments to come in the channel name, you'll need a business bank account. The bank will require a DBA and EIN. Are you running the business as an LLC or sole proprietorship? Also, if you plan on making this a long term activity, you'll want to consider securing the name legally and as a URL. **Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@CassieJohnsonGardens]

Thank you for responding! i understand now. Im ok if the payments aren’t in the channel name, and i will be a sole proprietorship to start, so I’ll start without a DBA

[@Itssconnorr]

What is the pros and cons between an EIN and DBN for an LLC?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

An EIN is like a social security number for your business, you need this to form your LLC. A DBA is just a legal nickname for your business in case you want to rebrand your business. To learn about EIN in depth go here: howtostartanllc.com/what-is-an-ein?ref=ytdbacc To learn about DBA go here: howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a-dba?ref=ytdbacc

[@carlosruiz8081]

Sorry for ask! Sole proprietorship can be a LLC AND ALSO A DBA?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A sole proprietor can become a single member LLC, not be both. And both LLC and Sole Proprietorship can have DBAs registered under them. To learn more about the difference between an LLC and DBA watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6TXo2dnjaechpo

[@Chilled-FiBro]

Can I start doing business immediately after filing my DBA or do I have to wait until the name has been published on the local newspaper twice?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

State and county regulations vary. In California, for example, a business can start using a DBA before publication but must publish the DBA within 30 days of registering the DBA. In fact, a business can start using a DBA even before the DBA is registered but must register the DBA within 40 days after use. This gives a long window of over two months that a business can use a DBA without further formality. Contact your local county office for further guidance. Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All content is exclusively provided for educational purposes. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney.

[@michaelbacile8439]

I have an Scorp. I’ve installed floor covering for 13 years, the business name only supports installation of floors. I recently invest money into Demo equipment and my Scorp name doesn’t support my new line of service. If I opened a DBA for the demo service for strictly advertising and branding why can’t I run the money through my s corp so it’s protected and just use the dba for the name? I will not be opening a bank account for the dba, as all my equipment and assets belong to the s corp already. Does this make sense or am I missing something?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA name can be used for any type of business, including LLCs and corporations. Also, one business can have many different lines of activity each operating under a different DBA name This doesn’t change even if all the lines use the same bank account or the LLC or corporation elects S-Corp status. That is to say, that's right. It's just the name. All of the money, taxes, and legailities still go through the registered business entity. DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. All content is exclusively provided for educational purposes. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@MixedMartialJack]

i need to start a newspaper in order to have a dba??

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

No, you just need to publish notice of your new DBA in a newspaper. This article will provide more information on what a DBA name is and its purposes: howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a-dba

[@dranamarie]

So you can have multiple DBAs under one sole proprietorship?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

That's a great question, glad you asked! A sole proprietorship is essentially you and you can have as many DBAs as you'd like :) As long as your state offers DBAs (most do). LLCs can also have multiple DBAs.

[@RigelFilms]

So let's say John, Doe does a sole proprietor for his business as John's Carpentry. Would he need a DBA as he used his first name instead of his surname?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

The rules and requirements for DBAs can vary a bit from state to state, but generally a DBA would be required if a sole proprietor did not include their last name in the business name. Also, the addition of the "carpentry" would require a DBA. Thanks for the question! For step-by-step directions to start a DBA in your state, visit our site: howtostartanllc.com/how-to-file-a-dba?ref=ytdbacc

[@OnyxSupreme]

Hey, I have a business that I want to start but I want I know that I need to register my business in some way. I have never held a LLC or DBA or INC. What will be the next steps for me to take? Can I just purchase a DBA and launch my business? or should I just get a LLC?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Registering your business with the state you are operating in will be determined based on the type of business you have. To learn how you can start your business in 12 steps, check out our guide: howtostartanllc.com/start-a-business?ref=ytdba

[@TheSpatulaCity]

Can someone start conducting business using a DBA then later if the business starts becoming successful, form a LLC from the same name?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Most states allow business owners to use their DBA name for their LLC. We recommend calling your state's business division and asking. They are generally very helpful and knowledgeable.

[@karenriley8529]

Can one have an EIN# with a DBA alone ( w/o LLC)?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question! Yes, you can get an EIN for your DBA/sole proprietorship. In fact, you'll need one if you hire employees. Have you considered an LLC? In most states, it's so inexpensive and easy that it makes a lot of sense for just about any business type.

[@phoenixwinterrose]

I don't know if anyone is watching this in 2024, but here's a specific question. If I have my painting/flooring business, a lot of people will hire a cleaning company afterwards. Can I just file a DBA under my LLC that is something along the lines of XYZ Cleaning Services? That way I can use it for those specific instances, but I can also offer my cleaning services to clients that have nothing to do with my painting and flooring. Is that a thing?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Yes, that's a thing that lots of LLC owners do! Thanks for watching :) We will posting a new video on that subject soon! Subscribe and stay tuned...

[@mycell6820]

Great video as usual-- Question -- For a food labeling, can I use my state registered dba/assumed name/trade name (NOT the Trademark) as the 'Distributed by...', without the official company name? Or do I need to put both my official company name along with the dba name? For instance, I would like put "distributed by DBA NAME, and address." This would leave out my official company name on the package label. -OR- would I need to put "Official Company Name dba BRAND NAME, address". 21CFR101.5 (B) and (C) FDA guidance is not clear on this. We are hoping to distribute nationally so would like to get this right before investing in buying packaging inventory. Thanks in advance for any advice you could provide on this.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

We're working on an answer for you! Stay tuned and please like and subscribe :)

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

We did some research on the subject and we have some info for you. It's very important, though, to note that I am NOT an FDA expert, legal expert, or attorney. This information should be verified accordingly and is not intended to be legal advice. We've gone through the FDA’s food labeling guide and looked at the relevant part of the CFR; nothing we have seen expressly prohibits using a trading name, fictitious name, or DBA name. But just because it's not expressly prohibited doesn't mean it's ok. And I think you have already come to this point in your own research. Now, obviously, a major purpose of the labeling regulations is to identify who the manufacturer is and where it is located. A label that shows a DBA name in conjunction with a genuine street address-genuine meaning representatives of the company trading under the DBA name can be reached at that address-could potentially pass the FDA test. As well as a company name, the label must have an address. One way to resolve this question without spending a small fortune might be to see if other companies are doing it.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Here's an Inc. food company with a DBA: www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/regrained/ I didn't research labeling but thought I'd share that the info is searchable on Google. This was my first search phrase: large food corporations with DBAs And also, please take a moment to subscribe to our channel!

[@gonzalez-valdez8043]

Hi! So we have our business name and it’s registered as a LLC. It’s apparel and crafts items. We want to add a candle line and a men’s hair product line. We just want the names separate from the main business name. Example “the candle room” by “Main street drive” do we just pay to have it trade name without having to register it as a”DBA”? I also have insurance for the candle business and skin care products.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Hey, that's a great question and I'm really glad you asked it! Business owners use DBAs to extend their LLCs reach - it's a tried and true method of adding brands under an LLC. To answer your question about trade name vs DBA, I'd need to know which state you are in. Some states offer both trade names and DBAs, some states call DBAs trade names, and then there are at least a half-dozen variations of other options/names/processes. If you want to research on your own, take a look at this guide, choose your state, and come back with questions: howtostartanllc.com/how-to-file-a-dba Or, feel free to skip the guide and tell me your state. Thanks for watching and best of luck to you!

[@gonzalez-valdez8043]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial I'm in Colorado and thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I don't think I will create a separate website for them. I will use the main website just to keep everything together. The same with the bank account. Another question I have as far as filing taxes is it complicated or the process the same as the main business?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

In most cases, LLC owners with multiple DBAs under the LLC file taxes as they normally would (no special separation for the DBAs). A trade name in Colorado is the same as a DBA; the terminology is used interchangeably by the State of Colorado. Here's the guide to get started with that: howtostartanllc.com/dba/dba-colorado Note that there is one downfall to having one LLC with multiple DBAs: the liability of any of the DBA businesses becomes the liability of them all. That is to say, assets from every business will be at risk if one of the businesses faces a lawsuit, etc. And that's because it's really just one business, one LLC. As things develop (or if any of the DBA businesses carry significant risk), some LLC owners choose to create multiple LLCs. Thanks again for tuning in and best of luck with your businesses! DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@gonzalez-valdez8043]

Thank you so much 😊 you have answered all my questions I was wondering about. I thought that filing taxes was going to be complicated. I am relieve that we will file under the main business. As far as liability I have insurance for the candle business. I believe it is 1 M. and I will do the same with the men’s line so the two additional DBA’s will be insured. Have a wonderful weekend 😊

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

You're so welcome, happy to share information! And yes, sounds like you have a plan. To be super clear, just in case others read our thread, I'd like to add: If, for any reason, an event isn't covered (or fully covered) by insurance, the assets of the other businesses will be exposed. Best of luck!

[@famouszack]

The McDonald’s I work at is a DBA

[@MrMandrif]

What is a Certificate of Fact and is that basically a DBA?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A Certificate of Fact, usually termed a Certificate of Good Standing in most states, is a document that is used to show banks, lenders, insurance companies, and government entities that your business is in good standing. A Certificate of Fact is not a DBA. A DBA is a “doing business as name”. You can think of it as a nickname or brand name for your company. Check out our Certificate of Standing to learn how to get a Certificate of Fact in your state: howtostartanllc.com/certificate-of-good-standing?ref=ytdbacc

[@kattbrown4228]

I’m so confused🤦🏽‍♀️ what if I just use my last name? I’m trying to start an ice cream truck business just for summer .. just me and my husband. What permits do we need? How we get a business license? I’m lost now😭

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

For information on how to start and run an ice cream truck, use this guide: howtostartanllc.com/business-ideas/ice-cream-truck?ref=cc Step 6 goes over permits and licensing, pointing you towards the necessary resources you need for doing business in your state.

[@1337ofDiscreet1]

Can you write off your .... life? (real question) Is it technically ok by the IRS but just frowned upon? Can you write off investments in stocks? When filing, can all expenses be in one lump sum? A handful of questions.... Thank you in advance

[@foxxywayz]

What if I have a DBA but I want to switch over to LLC can I do that?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Yes. Having a DBA is a simply a way of naming your business for marketing or trade purposes, it does not affect how you can structure your business. You will, however, have to ensure that your current DBA name is available as an LLC name in your state. It will also need to be compliant with your state's LLC naming rules. See our DBA to LLC guide for more information: howtostartanllc.com/form-an-llc/from-dba-to-llc-a-step-by-step-guide?ref=cc

[@AlternateTimelord]

read this as dab

[@Harvey2x]

What if I create a dba can someone trade mark it?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA does not create a federal trademark, so yes, technically someone could still trademark the name. A business owner could fight the trademark, but this can be a very costly fight. In many states, a DBA will keep other business owner's from being able to use it within the state.

[@suanyyanes4998]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial can i get llc in the end of my Business name start the LLC process ? That way nobody steal my name.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Adding LLC to the end of your business name will not officially protect it. Some states allow business owners to reserve a name before forming an LLC. A DBA could also help protect against other people using the name in your state.

[@DeepakYadav-bx7mt]

Can we register DBA in India?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA is a nickname for your business. You will need to choose a business structure first before adding a DBA to it. To start a company in the USA read this guide: howtostartanllc.com/open-a-company-in-the-usa?ref=cc To learn more about DBAs and choosing a business structure watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/al7cdmiAmdqHf9Eref=cc

[@hadisharif4932]

I think its about time people should stop selling BS.

[@UrAshWhole]

Can you change/convert your current entity (LLC) into a DBA and form a new LLC (new name) and operate it under the new entity? Something like this. XYZ LLC => dba XYZ Then form a new LLC under name name, (ABC LLC) ABC LLC dba XYZ Hope I'm making sense.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA is only a registered name for a business, not a type of business structure. That means, no entities (like an LLC or corporation) can operate under a DBA. Some business owners choose to register multiple DBA names under a current LLC. That's an option.

[@cphouston713]

If I get a DBA does that mean I am licensed?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA is merely a legal nickname for your business. It is not a business license or business structure.

[@cphouston713]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial is it wrong to put licensed on my business cards?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

A DBA does not mean that a person is licensed, it just means that they have a name that is registered with the state.

[@nhungngo6690]

Hi.🙂gia.dinh.tam.nhe. Chua.va.phong.canh.dep.qua. Hy.vong.co.dip.ve.v.n.n.se.ghe. Tham.quang.ngoi.chua.nay.🙂 Chuc.ca.nha.vui.ve.va.manh.khoe.nhe.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Quen.nua.. Ut.bo.di.chua.cau.duyen.ha.🙂❤🤔khoi.cau.co.may.co.xep.hang. Cho.ut.bo.do.😁 Chuc.ut.tim.duoc.ban.gai.hien.de. Thuong.nhu.chi.hai.thao.nhe.🌝

[@AnonymousUser-in9yn]

It means a lie

[@specialk22tt]

Publish a newspaper???

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Sorry. That should be publish in a newspaper.

[@specialk22tt]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial Oh thank the Lord. lol