Registering a Business Entity
Register a business name. File necessary documents. Report essential taxes. If operating under a different name, file for a DBA. Maintain documents and licenses.
Using a DBA Name
With a DBA, companies informally use a name distinct from the owner’s. Take Jacky Johnson’s "Jacky’s Pet Supplies".
Tax-Friendly States
Alabama has low taxes and no extra LLC levies, attracting businesses. Tennessee lacks personal income tax, benefiting LLC owners. The states are tax-friendly for LLCs.
To formally make a business, file paperwork like incorporation documents. Appoint a registered agent and pay fees.
Filing a Fictitious Business Name in Alabama
How do I register a fictitious business name in Alabama?
To file the Alabama DBA Name, apply to the Alabama Secretary of State or the county office. File the DBA name using various methods – online, by mail, or in person. The cost is $30.
Registering a DBA name in Alabama provides branding, marketing, and legal benefits while preventing others from using the same or similar name. For example, John Smith owns a bakery business and wants to operate it under "Jacky’s Pet Supplies" rather than his name. Legal Business Name: John Smith (sole proprietor). DBA Name: Jacky’s Pet Supplies
Once the name is available, complete the county or Secretary of State forms. Register the DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. Information like the company’s name, organization type, and products/services is required. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
If your business is an LLC, corporation, or other structure registered with the state, fees up to $220 apply. Alabama requires proof you’ve used the trade name before registering it. Provide marketing materials, which cost money to produce. Since you must be operational, you’ll also pay fees for licenses first.