Where do I go to register my business?

[Disney Chick]

I've already got the website and quite a bit of work. I feel like I should really register and make sure I can keep the name, but I don't actually know how.

[AndrewCCM]

You can get a DBA at the courthouse and if you want to incorporate (LLC) you can do that through a state website.. can't recall it off the top of my head. There are also sites online that will help you incorporate and run a biz name search for a fee.

[Disney Chick]

Does it matter which courthouse I go to?

[AndrewCCM]

Not sure. I went to my county courthouse. In my case, the Tarrant Co. courthouse in downtown FTW.

Keep in mind that a DBA only gives you the right to "Do Business As" a particular name. It does not insure that someone in another county may not take the same name. You'll probably want to get a tax ID too if you plan on making any sales. That too can be setup through a government website. Search Google for the URLs.

[Disney Chick]

Thanks!

[WarrenG]

Rachel,

You need to register the DBA in the primary county the business resides in (the physical address). Once that is complete, I believe you can register it in another county if you wish.

[Disney Chick]

Okay, thanks! Is there anywhere online to check if business names already exist? Anyone have a link to one?

[limeybob]

The DBA is a detail which you'll have to take care of but there are bigger issues.
What kind of corporation and getting a tax ID. Assuming you incorporate in Texas you might find these 2 sites useful.

http://www.bizfilings.com/
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/related.shtml

You'll need the DBA, which took me 10 minutes in Austin when you want to open a company bank account. Start with Bizfilings. I did 2 years ago and I haven't been locked up yet
Good luck
Bob

[kamari]

Originally Posted by Disney Chick

Okay, thanks! Is there anywhere online to check if business names already exist? Anyone have a link to one?

you will be able to check at the courthouse when you're applying for the business name. By the way, It's very cheap. My DBA application in dallas was $15 and took less than 30 mins from when i walked in till i walked out. I then took that paperwork along with my tax id right on over to bank of america and had my business acct set up in a few minutes.

[Disney Chick]

What about to register as an LLC?

I really need to check online for names, because I want to have it ready before I go. I have a partner, and we have to agree on a name.

[Huck]

Do you need a DBA if your using your last name.

IE John Smith Photography?

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Huck

Do you need a DBA if your using your last name.

IE John Smith Photography?

To open a business bank account I believe so. You also have to setup a tax ID if you collect revenue. For me right now, I do not collect taxes as I am a hired contractor for another photographer. I am not selling directly to customers any longer.

[kamari]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

To open a business bank account I believe so. You also have to setup a tax ID if you collect revenue.

it was explained to me by the guy who processed my business paperwork -as well as the banker at bank of america- that if you're doing business under your own name that you don't need anything to open the business acct but the tax id.


Disney- I don't know how to search for the business at home other than googling or godaddying the usual website name that you want in .com, .net, .whatever else godaddy's come up with over the last few days

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by kamari

it was explained to me by the guy who processed my business paperwork -as well as the banker at bank of america- that if you're doing business under your own name that you don't need anything to open the business acct but the tax id.

Right.. I meant that you'll need either a tax ID or use your SS# if you're a sole proprietor... Taxes on revenue requires the Tax ID...but you can then use it to file for tax exemption. Running your biz as a sole proprietor (ie, not incorporated) has some advantages (tax right offs) as well as disadvantages (namely personal liability..lawsuits, etc)

I am just throwing out things as I understand them.. I am NOT an biz attorney.. LOL

[hhscr]

Rachel,

Call the County Corthouse in Kaufman and ask for the County Clerks office. Tell them the name you are wanting to use and they can check their database and tell you if it has already been used.

Just a note that to open a Business Checking Account you will need the DBA from the Courthouse, but I am not exactly sure how this works for a partnership. You will need to ask the clerks office about what is needed.

I just setup an LLC this last year and used an attorney and CPA in Forney and it cost me a little over $1300.00 to get it all setup. I would highly advise you to talk to an attorney and a CPA first and tell them what you are planning and they can direct you best. There are several ways to do the accounting in an LLC so if you go that route be sure and ask your options.

One more thing is that when you file for the DBA in Kaufman County the business will then receive a seperate Tax Bill from the county on your assets.