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Does registering a domain name = registering an official business name?

by ShiningHero
13 replies
Wondering, what exactly makes a business name legit so you could use it instead of your actual name or heck, even be able to legitimately say:

I'm the president and CEO of (whatever the heck you want your online business to be named)

#business #domain #official #registering
  • Profile picture of the author Tracy411
    Hi,

    Registering a domain name is not the same as registering a business name.

    You typically have to go through a state agency to do that, if you live in the US. The specifics vary from state to state and also by what exactly you want to do. For example, in NY state, from what I have researched, you can legally name a business without submitting paperwork if you use both your first and last name in the title of the business. Otherwise, if you want a more creative name, you have to file paperwork/potentially a fee for what is called DBA ('doing business as') and you have to first check to make sure that no one else is operating under that name. That is as far as naming.

    If you want to set-up the actual business structure, that is also something that typically is a matter of paperwork with the respective state, as well as paying a fee.

    I am by no means an expert on this, so obviously do some research of your own. I would suggest you start with the website for your state government, or just enter something along the lines of 'XX (replace with your state abbreviation) business name' into a Google search. I can't vouch for 100% accuracy, but this website might give you an idea of what I mean/a starting point:

    Establishing a Business Name

    I hope this helps
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    • Profile picture of the author ajwilliams
      Registering a domain name is exactly that and no more. That gives you the right to use that name for a website giving you a presence on the internet.

      As the previous post stated, to actually start a business, you would want to get a business license in your city or other jurisdiction. You would put your business name on that license and it could be the domain name that you registered or another name even if you are going to use the domain name for your website.

      Registering a business name with the State you are in would require a search to make sure that the name is available just like a domain name. So, it is entirely possible that while you have successfully registered a domain name, that same name might not be available as a registered business.

      You will definitely want to do some homework on this and perhaps talk to someone you know that has an established business and ask them for some advice. Or do a search on "how to start a business". There is plenty of information out there to handle what you are looking for.

      A J
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
      Originally Posted by Tracy411 View Post

      Hi,

      Registering a domain name is not the same as registering a business name.

      You typically have to go through a state agency to do that, if you live in the US. The specifics vary from state to state and also by what exactly you want to do. For example, in NY state, from what I have researched, you can legally name a business without submitting paperwork if you use both your first and last name in the title of the business. Otherwise, if you want a more creative name, you have to file paperwork/potentially a fee for what is called DBA ('doing business as') and you have to first check to make sure that no one else is operating under that name. That is as far as naming.

      If you want to set-up the actual business structure, that is also something that typically is a matter of paperwork with the respective state, as well as paying a fee.

      I am by no means an expert on this, so obviously do some research of your own. I would suggest you start with the website for your state government, or just enter something along the lines of 'XX (replace with your state abbreviation) business name' into a Google search. I can't vouch for 100% accuracy, but this website might give you an idea of what I mean/a starting point:

      Establishing a Business Name

      I hope this helps
      That is exactly it.

      By no means does registering a domain name= having a legal business name. I mean you could technically call it your business but in reality it is just a name to identify where your website is at on the internet. For legal/tax purposes, you will have to register a legit biz name within your state legislature.
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    I know in Canada is different from province to province (at least the small details of the bureaucracy), so I assume it can be the same in US and any other federal state.

    Best thing: google for "registering a business ....<your state>" and READ!
    Forums are the worst places to ask for legal (and tax) solutions :p
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    • Profile picture of the author Dialady
      Just a little different thought on this . . .while registering your domain is by no means the same as registering an official business name, it is a good idea to research (and even purchase) a domain name before DECIDING on a business name. Yes, using your name it does help, but there are so many .coms already taken, it's worth the few extra minutes to make sure the domain name is available first.

      I went through this recently when I established a new consulting LLC. I checked out the domain names first and found my first few ideas were already taken. Fortunately, I'm in a small town, so I didn't have any challenge registering my new business name with the local government.

      Hope that helps, too.

      Theresa 8-)
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      • Profile picture of the author ShiningHero
        hmm, well to sell your products online should you register the product name as a business name?

        As one person selling a product through clickbank, does it matter if your Single LLC or Sole Proprietorship ?

        Lastly, if you register a DBA as a sole proprietor, your business is considered another entity besides you, right?
        Or would that have to be Single LLC?
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        • Profile picture of the author HankTheCowDog
          I agree with the other info on the dba. If it's anything other than your own name, it's a dba.

          I'll add that a dba filing will be required if you want to open a bank account in a business name (unless you file a LLC or corporation).

          The fact you file a dba only gives public notice you are conducting business under a name different than your own. It does not necessarily mean you are a "business".

          The IRS will only issue you ONE tax id number per social security number. You can file a 100 dba's, but you would still use the one tax id, or social security number. Dba's are not issued separate tax id numbers. Individual states may vary on that portion of it, but not the IRS.

          Remember this too; corporations are perpetual - they exist forever until properly dissolved with tax clearance by your state of incorporation. Each state has a minimum franchise tax due every year; and quarterly filing requirements for corporations. If anybody is considering filing a corporation - be prepared for the filing requirements and minimum tax amounts. If you don't file those items and pay the tax, then your corporation will be suspended and the feel will accrue each year - forever. So if you have a great name, make sure your ducks are in a row and it's a for-sure thing before filing the corporation.
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          • Profile picture of the author ShiningHero
            Here's something I'm wondering.

            If you're in an MLM program, how could you legally have one account as your name and then another account in your business name, and be paid at the same address?
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            • Profile picture of the author HankTheCowDog
              Originally Posted by warhero View Post

              Here's something I'm wondering.

              If you're in an MLM program, how could you legally have one account as your name and then another account in your business name, and be paid at the same address?
              I'm not familiar with any MLM programs, but I'll take a stab at it.

              Why would there be any problem with the way it's being reported? It's the tax payers responsibility to report the income, either via their social security number, sole proprietor tax id number, or if a corpration, under their tax id number/FEIn number. I've had income reported under my ss number AND tax id number, but it's all reported on my 1040; both types.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aubaine
    No, they are quite different actually. In order to file a legitimate business, you have to legally file the business name with the state that you live in (or whatever state you want the business to be 'headquartered' - certain states are most certainly better to be based in, such as Rhode Island.) I would simply file an LLC with your local state, but be warned, it will cost you money. When I filed my first company in NYS, it cost me about $275.

    Hope that helps
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    Actually, to sell anything you don't really need to register a business. You can sell it as a person, too.

    On the other hand, being a sole proprietor or a LLC means different tax rules, different paperwork requirements. You should REALLY talk to an accountant or a business lawyer and get a better understanding of these issues.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
    The answer to your question is a '' NO '' i think but make a wise choice on choosing your domain because it will be an important aspect to your business. Domain name does matter.
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  • Profile picture of the author royljestr
    If you want to protect yourself go with LLC. If you don't care what happens should you get sued then Sole Proprietor is fine. LegalZoom is a good place to register your LLC if you have never done it before.
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