What is DBA?
DBA stands for “doing business as.” This term is commonly used in the business community, and appears frequently in discussions of business law. It is a particularly useful term in the context of sole proprietorships, though large businesses and major corporations may also use DBA for marketing and legal purposes. Understanding the concept of DBA is fundamental to operating a successful business.
If you own a business in Texas or you intend to start one, you may have many questions of a legal nature. At Texas Legal Entities, we offer information and guidance for owners of small, medium, and large businesses. Contact us at 512-472-2431 to schedule a consultation with a Texas business formation attorney today.
The Basics of DBA
What's in a name? For a business owner, this familiar question can be highly significant. A business name is more than just a simple word or phrase; it plays an important role in how your clients view and think about your business. Sometimes, the business name you wish to use publicly may be different from the legal name used to register the business and file taxes.
To create a DBA, you must generally file a DBA statement with local and state authorities. Your proposed DBA is checked against other businesses operating in the area to make sure the name is not already taken. If successful, your DBA statement will entitle you to operate your business under a fictitious name. For a sole proprietorship in particular, a DBA can make the difference between marketing your business under your own name, which you use for legal purposes, and an inventive, descriptive brand name that you use to market your product or service to consumers.
Contact an Attorney
Filing a DBA is just one of many legal hurdles on the path to business success. For help with this and other aspects of business ownership in Texas, contact the Texas business formation experts of Texas Legal Entities at 512-472-2431.
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