A. There's no difference between a fictitious business name and a DBA. A fictitious business name is often referred to as a DBA, an assumed business name or a trade name. To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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A. No. DBA filings are only required if you are operating a corporation or LLC under a name other than its legal name as filed with the state. The articles of incorporation or organization are enough for official name registration and business name transactions with financial institutions provided the entity uses its legal name. A DBA is simply a name statement registered with the state and not an official business formation like a corporation or an LLC. To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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A. No. DBA filings are only required if you are operating a sole proprietorship or partnership under a name other than your personal legal name. For example, if your name is John Smith and you are operating a sole proprietorship as "John Smith Plumbing Services," or a partnership as "Smith & Associates Plumbing," you would need to file a DBA to conduct business. And if you are a sole proprietorship, you would also file a DBA to legally be called "Smith's Plumbing." To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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A. In most states, DBAs (unlike corporations or LLCs) do not guarantee exclusive use of a name. In most cases, the state or county will file any correctly prepared fictitious business name statement, regardless of name conflict. To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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A. State law differs regarding DBA publication. Generally speaking, when publication is required, the DBA statement must be published once a week, in a specific newspaper that posts legal notices, for four consecutive weeks. Publication is included in the Chapter Group filing process. Chapter Group will publish your statement for the required length of time, in the appropriate newspaper, and advise you of any final steps to take. To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

A. You should not be conducting business under your fictitious business name until you have filed a DBA statement. In addition, most banks will not allow you to open a business bank account until they see proof of the filed DBA. When you are doing business under a company name, you need a company bank account to accept payments. Banks typically restrict cashing company checks with your personal account. Every bank is different. Most banks have policies regarding DBA statements. If you experience a bank employee who will not accept your DBA statement, you may want to try a different branch or bank. Make sure to keep the original copy for your records in case you need it for future transactions. To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

A. When you start a business, you will need to identify it with either your Social Security number or a tax identification number (also known as an EIN or Federal Tax ID number). Most people obtain a tax identification number because it simplifies separating business and personal affairs. To learn more and speak with a representative, please call us at (866) 595-6915. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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A. Some states do require a name check before filing a DBA. Chapter Group will conduct a name check at no extra charge if your state requires one. We will advise you if your proposed name is currently being used. You may then decide whether you wish to proceed with the filing or try a different name.

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