How Do I Look Up a DBA in Texas?

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Checking Business Name Availability in Texas

  • Texas Taxpayer Number vs. EIN

  • A Texas Tax ID number is assigned by the state’s comptroller or franchise tax board. The federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued to a business or company by the IRS.

  • DBA Filing in Texas

  • Every business in Texas or any other state in the USA requires a legal name or a true name to become operational. If an individual or company decides to conduct their business under another name, then this name is considered to be a DBA (Doing Business As) or assumed name and for such a business filing a DBA in Texas becomes necessary. Sole proprietors and partnerships are required to file an Assumed Name Registration with the appropriate county clerk’s office(s) in order to operate under a DBA.

  • Renewal of DBA in Texas

  • Doing Business As names are filed with the Texas Secretary of State or County Clerk and are valid for 10 years, after which time they can be renewed.

  • Effectiveness and Renewal of a DBA in Texas

  • The maximum length of time a Texas assumed name certificate will be effective for is 10 years from the date of filing. The DBA may be abandoned at any time before the expiration date by filing a Certificate of Abandonment or similar document.

  • Assumed Name in Illinois

  • An assumed name is issued to any business entity that uses a name other than the name(s) of the individual(s) who own or operate the business.

  • Filing for a DBA in Texas

  • Filing for a DBA in Texas involves finding a name, filing for a DBA, and submitting a certificate, all usually done at the county level. Having a DBA won’t give you any trademark protections or alter your tax status.

  • Renewal of Texas DBA

  • When and if your DBA expires, the state will allow you to renew the DBA application online for a fee, plus a small renewal form.

  • DBA for Sole Proprietorship

  • A sole proprietorship is only required to register a DBA when the business operates, or intends to operate, under an assumed name. The proprietor must complete the registration application and pay the applicable fee to the office of the county clerk within the county in which the sole proprietorship will operate.

  • Legal Aspects of DBA for Sole Proprietorship

  • Using a DBA as a sole proprietor in Texas does not change the structure of your business. Coming up with a name for your business rather than just using your personal name gives potential customers and clients a better idea of what your business values and what it has to offer.

  • Filing a Texas DBA

  • Filing a Texas DBA is a simple process. You will file the DBA at the county or state level, depending on the type of legal business structure you created for your business. A DBA can help or hurt you.

Note:

  • The Filing fee for registering a DBA or Fictitious name (Assumed Name Certificate) in Texas varies from county to county but averages around $15 per DBA for sole proprietors and partnerships and $25 for Corporations and LLCs.
  • To obtain an EIN for your Texas business, you must file a Form SS-4. There is no fee for applying for an EIN.

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