Q: I have a question about naming an S-corp and whether I will need to do a DBA.
I have been operating a small business as a sole proprietor and I'm at the point of needing to form an S-corp. My chosen name is too similar to another name, so the company helping me to complete the filing has asked me to find an alternative. Should I go with something COMPLETELY different, and if so, will I need to create a DBA for my business? Or if I modify it enough to qualify as "unique," would I still need to file a DBA?
A: As you might imagine, the answer is "it depends" ... the first question is ... have you engaged or requested the "name research" and/or achieved the "name reservation" on your first choice for the corporation's name? The second question is how will your name interact with various online search engines ... and I would recommend that you schedule at least two video calls with different attorneys of your choice for that free initial consultation ... there are at least seven "fulcrums of decision" on a business name.
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