The Tax Moves Blog

The name of your company should be distinctive and able to communicate the nature of your services or products to your customers. It should be easy to pronounce yet memorable, and above all, it must comply with legal regulations.

Before settling on a name, make sure it’s available in the state where you’ll register your company. This means there can’t be another registered company with the same or a similar name. You can check availability through the Secretary of State’s website or using online services like Business Entity Search for your state. Use the business entity search tool provided on the website to look up the availability of your desired company name. This tool allows you to see if there are any existing businesses with a similar name or if your preferred name is already registered.

While conducting the search, be mindful of name variations. Sometimes, small differences in spelling or punctuation can make a significant difference in name availability. Ensure that the name you choose is sufficiently distinct from existing business names to avoid confusion.

In addition to checking with the state, consider the availability of a corresponding domain name for your company’s website. A matching domain name can strengthen your brand identity and make it easier for customers to find you online. Use domain registration platforms like Hostinger or Namecheap to search for and secure your desired domain name.

If you plan to expand nationally or wish to protect your business name at a federal level, conduct a search in the database of the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). This will help you identify any similar registered trademarks that could potentially lead to legal conflicts.

When searching for a name for your LLC, it’s important to interpret the status of search results correctly to determine availability and potential implications. Here’s how to understand the common statuses returned by search engines:

Cancelled: This status indicates that the LLC has been officially terminated or cancelled by the state. Choosing a name marked as “Cancelled” is generally not recommended, as it suggests past use and potential legal issues associated with the previous entity.

Inactive: An “Inactive” status means that the LLC is not currently active but has not been officially terminated. This could indicate that the business is dormant or not actively operating.

Suspended: “Suspended” status implies that the LLC’s legal status has been temporarily suspended, often due to failure to comply with state requirements such as annual filings or tax obligations.

Dissolved: “Dissolved” status means that the LLC has been formally dissolved or ended. Similar to “Cancelled,” it’s advisable to avoid names with this status to prevent potential legal entanglements.

Surrendered: This status indicates that the LLC voluntarily surrendered its business status and ceased operations. Avoid selecting names categorized as “Surrendered” to minimize any association with prior businesses.

Merged Out: “Merged Out” suggests that the LLC merged with another entity and is no longer a separate legal entity. Names under this status may have legal implications related to the merging process.

When choosing a name for your company, it’s essential to be aware of prohibited words and special permissions required for certain terms, depending on the state. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this important aspect:

Certain words are restricted or prohibited from use in company names due to their implications or legal requirements. Commonly restricted words include terms like “bank,” “insurance,” “university,” “federal,” or “Olympic,” among others. These restrictions are in place to prevent confusion with regulated industries or entities and to comply with state laws. Before finalizing your company name, review the specific guidelines of your state’s Secretary of State or Department of State to ensure compliance.

Additionally, at the federal level, the IRS system does not process certain characters , so you need to avoid:

• Names that start with “The”.
• Names that contain special characters (except “&”, this one is accepted).

Words associated with regulated professions such as “engineer,” “architect,” “doctor,” or “lawyer” may require special permissions or licensing to be used in an company name. States typically have strict regulations regarding the use of professional titles or designations in business names to protect consumers and maintain professional standards.

Selecting a business name that effectively communicates and is memorable to potential customers is crucial for building brand recognition and establishing a strong market presence. Here’s an in-depth exploration of this important aspect:

Opt for a name that is straightforward and easy to pronounce. Avoid complex or ambiguous terms that may confuse customers or make it challenging for them to remember your brand. A clear and phonetically simple name enhances communication and ensures that customers can easily refer to your business.

Choose a name that aligns with the nature of your business and conveys its core essence or unique value proposition. Incorporate keywords or terms that hint at the products or services you offer. For example, if you’re in the technology industry, consider incorporating words related to innovation or digital solutions into your business name.

Aim for a name that stands out from competitors and leaves a lasting impression. Consider creative combinations of words, memorable phrases, or unique concepts that resonate with your target audience. A distinctive name can evoke curiosity and intrigue, drawing potential customers to explore your business further.

Steer clear of overly generic or common names that blend into the crowd. Conduct research to ensure that your chosen name hasn’t been overly used in your industry or market segment. Originality and uniqueness are key to capturing attention and fostering brand recall.

Every business needs a legal name, but have you ever considered having more than one name? It might sound unusual, but it’s actually possible to have a single legal name and multiple fictitious names or DBAs (Doing Business As).

These additional names can be an excellent way to differentiate your brand and expand its reach. But how does it work exactly? As we explore the topic of business names, we’ll uncover the various ways to identify a company.

One of these ways is through an official name registered with the government. However, there are also alternative names, known as DBAs (Doing Business As), that can be used to further identify and market the business.

In fact, if you plan to expand your business or make it more visible, you may need to register multiple DBAs. This will allow you to establish different brands for different products or services and also streamline billing and marketing processes.

1. Brand Differentiation: Using DBAs enables you to create distinct brands within your business, catering to different target markets or offering specialized products/services.
2. Market Expansion: With multiple DBAs, you can enter new markets or niches under unique brand identities, enhancing market reach and visibility.
3. Simplified Operations: Managing different aspects of your business becomes easier with separate DBAs, streamlining billing, customer communications, and marketing strategies.
4. Flexibility and Innovation: DBAs offer flexibility to adapt to changing market demands and innovate with new product lines or services under distinct brand names.