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Doing Business As (DBA)
What is a DBA or “Doing Business As”?
An DBA or Doing Business As is a legal designation for an Alias(name) that is used by a company. It is also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name or Assumed Name. It Comes as an Official registration that allows an individual or company to conduct business under a name other than their Legal Registered name.
Who Typically uses a DBA?
- Sole Proprietors: To operate under a brand name instead of their personal name.
- Corporations & LLCs: To Launch new product lines or separate brands under one parent company without forming a new legal entity.
Considerations & Limitations
- No Personal Liability Protection: An DBA is only a name registration, not an actual business structure. Unlike an LLC or INC, it does not separate your personal assets from business liabilities.
- No Name exclusivity: In many States, an DBA registration does not prevent another business from using the same name. For Nationwide Brand protection, you must File a Trademark with USPTO.
- No Tax Changes: An DBA does not change how you are taxed. Your Income is reported through the owners personal or parent company tax return.