No DBA Registration in Kansas
Kansas does not register any DBAs, meaning you cannot register a "doing business as" name in the state. If you wish to operate under a different name, you need to establish a different business entity. Since there’s no DBA registration in Kansas, to establish a company name, you’ll need to set up a formal business structure like an LLC or a corporation.
Kansas law does not have a process for DBA registration, and fictitious names are treated the same as DBAs. For instance, if Susan Jones starts a music store and prefers not to use her personal name, despite the lack of a DBA process, she can still do business under a chosen name like "Susie’s Blues."
Conducting Business Under a DBA
Even without a formal registration process for DBAs in Kansas, businesses can still operate under a non-registered DBA. Though it’s not registered, a DBA allows a business to function under a non-legal name. To file a DBA locally, you should contact the county clerk where the business is located.
While setting up a DBA isn’t done at the state level in Kansas, the state provides a database for researching if a proposed DBA name is in use. Checking this database and potentially filing a DBA at the county level creates a public record that helps customers and agencies recognize the chosen business name.
DBA for Various Business Types
Any business, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, may operate using a DBA. Although Kansas doesn’t register DBAs, businesses still have the freedom to use a DBA. Here, we explain how you might adopt a DBA in Kansas.
Businesses can use a DBA to appear more professional and market their business with a name that resonates better with their customers.
DBA Cost and Processing in Kansas
The cost of filing a DBA varies across different counties in Kansas, typically ranging from $15 to $40, with additional fees possible for public notice requirements. It’s essential to check with the local county clerk’s office for specific fees and requirements.
The Kansas Secretary of State’s Office processes DBA filings, usually within 7-10 business days. In Kansas, a DBA does not expire and remains in effect indefinitely unless it is canceled or amended.
Final Notes
Remember, a DBA does not have to be registered with the IRS as it is done at the state or local level. If after registering a DBA your business requires an EIN (e.g., hires employees, operates as a corporation/partnership, or meets certain tax filing requirements), you can obtain one from the IRS.
Kansas is recognized for its favorable business climate, making it an attractive place for entrepreneurs. And while you can use a DBA in the state, keep in mind that registration of the DBA is typically handled by the local or county level rather than the state.