| If you have been thinking about changing careers and | | | | Now that you have your new business name |
| have grown tired of applying for job after job, then | | | | registered as a DBA, and your new career is closer |
| perhaps starting your own business might be a great | | | | than ever, it's time to let your state know that you will |
| answer for you. It actually can be easier than you think, | | | | be in business. In many states this will require a trip or |
| and we are here to give you some guidance. From | | | | call to the State Comptroller Office. The comptroller |
| registering your name to making sure you have filled | | | | office will want to know what type of business you |
| out the correct government forms, here are the steps | | | | would like to be and those choices are usually; LLC |
| to getting your new career as a business owner off | | | | (Limited Liability Corporation), Limited Partnership, or |
| on the right foot. | | | | Corporation. Choosing which option is best for you |
| It used to be the thinking that your business name | | | | should be answered by your CPA, since all have |
| needed to describe exactly what you do - then along | | | | different advantages. You will also need to let the |
| came a little business named 'Google' and people | | | | comptroller office know what name you will be using |
| began to realize that might not be the case anymore. | | | | to register with their office. More times than not, the |
| Of course the name will represent who you are to | | | | name you chose for your DBA will have already been |
| your customers so making sure it is something you are | | | | chosen because many people can use a DBA, but the |
| comfortable with is important. Once you have chosen | | | | state only allows one to be a corporation. Your |
| the name, begin by registering that name locally as a | | | | corporate name will likely be different than your DBA. |
| DBA which stands for doing business as. What many | | | | Lastly if your new career involves selling actual items |
| people don't realize is that this name might actually be | | | | that you will be collecting sales tax on you will need to |
| in use currently anywhere around the country and that | | | | take one more step - getting a resale certificate. This |
| is ok. As long as it is not in use in your county, local | | | | is only if you are selling a product that requires sales |
| area, or in some cases your state, you are able to use | | | | tax to be collected and is not needed if you are selling |
| that name as well. There is usually a nominal fee of | | | | a service like consulting for example. |
| about $15 to register your DBA. | | | | |