Assumed Name / DBA

As an important part of forming a business in Houston, most businesses will create an assumed name the business name operates under. The “doing business as” (DBA) name is separate from the company’s legal, which is typically the names of the partners or owners of the business. A DBA is helpful for businesses to identify themselves and create a brand name. The D.B.A. can be used for many purposes, such as:

• Opening business accounts,
• Opening credit accounts,
• Filing federal tax returns, and
• Marketing the business.

Creating a DBA is optimal for most business owners as they can operate under a brand name without using a formal name and without using their personal name.  Additionally, it allows a single legal entity, such as a corporation or LLC, operate many businesses under the same name without creating new legal entities for each business.

Houston DBA Attorney

If you want to operate your business structure under an assumed name in Houston, or any of the surrounding areas in Texas, including Spring, Humble, Tomball, Aldine, Atascocita, Klein, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Conroe or Oak Ridge North, contact the law offices of Wilhite & Lea, P.C. The attorneys at Wilhite & Lea are knowledgeable in all areas of Texas’ business laws and will help you file your DBA form and complete all necessary requirements for your business’ assumed name. Call Wilhite & Lea at (281) 537-2171 about your business DBA.

What is an Assumed Name in Houston

An assumed name, or DBA, is the name your company operates under. The assumed name is also frequently known as a fictitious name or trade name. The assumed name is separate from the name the business is registered under or the names of the partners, which is the legal name. The legal name of the company can be the name of the business owner if they are the only business owner. If the business is a partnership, it can be last names of the partners. If the business is an LLC or corporation, it is the name that was registered with the state. The legal name is generally required on all government forms and applications.

A business entity that is corporation is required to have the word corporation, incorporated, limited, Corp., Inc. or Ltd. somewhere in the legal name. However, the assumed name can be any name. An LLC is required to have L.C., LC, limited liability company, LLC, L.L.C or limited company somewhere in the legal business name, but the assumed name can be any name.

Creating a Houston D.B.A.

Depending on the business entity your company organized under will help determine what requirements you will need for a D.B.A. in Houston. Generally, Texas law requires all business to file an Assumed Name Certificate if they are operating under an assumed name. The form must be filed in the county clerk’s office where the business is primarily located.

In addition to filing an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk where the main office of the business is located, if your business entity is a corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or LLP, Texas law requires to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Texas Secretary of State.

When creating an assumed name, it is important to decide on the name of the business, search the assumed name records in the county to determine if the business name is available, and complete a form to be filed with the county clerk. This process can be complicated so it is important to hire an experienced business law attorney to assist you complete this process.

Wilhite & Lea, P.C. | Houston Doing Business As (DBA) Lawyer

Contact Wilhite & Lea, P.C. today for a consultation about creating an assumed name for your business in Harris County in Texas. Attorney C. Keith Lea of Wilhite & Lea is an experienced Houston business law attorney who will help you develop and file your business’ DBA. Contact Wilhite & Lea, P.C. at (281) 537-2171 for a consultation about your filing for an assumed name for your company throughout Harris County, and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County, Washington County, Grimes County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.