![How to File a Texas DBA (Doing Business As) – DBA TX Guide [2022]](https://www.moneyaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/How-to-File-a-Texas-DBA-Doing-Business-As--DBA-TX-Guide-2022.png)
Looking for how to file a DBA in Texas without getting lost in unnecessary procedures? Don’t worry, we have the answers. Filing a DBA in Texas is easy with our 3 step guide. Read on to find out how…
Important! Please keep in mind that DBA is not a business structure, so it won’t protect you from liabilities, lawsuits, or any other unforeseen situations. DBA stands for Doing Business As. – often precedes the name under which a business operates, which is not the legal name of the business.
Therefore, before starting, make sure you understand the difference between informal business structures such as sole proprietorship and formal ones like corporations and LLCs.
To register or renew the trademark, trade name, or service mark for your company in Texas you need to file the application to the Secretary of State. Here is what you need to do:
Texas Business Entity Search
Your company’s trade name should be unique and have not been acquired by any other entity in Texas. Moreover, this name must also meet the business name requirements of Texas.
First, you have to search theTexas Comptroller of Public Accounts website or the DBA, Business, & Fictitious names. Check the portal thoroughly to know whether the name that you wish to have for your business has already been taken by someone or not. Make sure, this name isn’t already in use.
Note: You can also find a complete guide on business name search here.
Once you are done searching, the next step is to review the naming requirements of the state of Texas. In general, your DBA should not include:
- The words “lotto” or “lottery.”
- Any word or phrase that implies that yur business in established for unlawful purpose.
- Words that indicate that the business was established by or for the benefit of war veterans or their families. The following words are expressly prohibited: veteran, foreign, Spanish, legion, war, disabled, and world war.
- Term that confuse your business with government institutions such as state department, FBI, treasury, etc
- The word “bank, university, attorney” require additional paperwork and physician, lawyer, or other licensed professional must be a part of the business.
Register Your Texas DBA
Businesses That Register DBA With County’s Clerk
Texas sole proprietors and partnerships are required to file an assumed business name application with the county clerk’s office(s) where the business is conducted or business orders are transacted.
Texas Secretary of State’s website helps you find your county clerk’s contact information.
Businesses that Register DBA with the Secretary Of State ($25)
The following businesses need to register their trade names with the Texas Secretary of State:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- For-profit Corporations
- Nonprofit Corporations
- Any Foreign Filing Entities
- Limited Partnerships (LPs)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
File a Texas DBA by downloading the Assumed Name Application and sending it to:
DBA Filing Mail Address:
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, Texas 78711-3697
Fax:
(512) 463-5709
DBA Filing In-Person Address:
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos
Austin, Texas 78701
Top Tip:
Instead of doing it yourself, save some time by hiring a reliable formation service like ZenBusiness. You can see editors’ Review on ZenBusiness to decide if it’s the best choice for your company.
The following information must include in the Texas trade name form:
- Your business name and adress
- Owners/partners of the business and addresses
- Entity type (eg; LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
- Trade name’s description
Renew, Change or Withdraw Your Texas DBA
Renew Your Fictitious Name With the State ($25)
After every 10 years, the Certificate of Texas Assumed Business Name expires. So for the renewal of DBA in Texas, you need to file a new Assumed Name Certificate within six months of the expiration of the original DBA in TX.
Change Your Fictitious Name ($20)
If you wish to make changes in your Texas assumed business name, you need to file new Assumed Name Certificates.
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name ($20)
You can cancel your Texas assumed business name by filling Form 504 – Abandonment of Assumed Name Certificate to the Secretary of State.
