How to Announce a Business Name Change
There are a number of reasons why a business would change its name: new ownership, change in business focus or relocation, among others. Once the decision has been made to change a business name, the next steps are to register the name change with the IRS and proper state, county and/or local authorities and to associate the new name with the business in the minds of its customers or clients.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Appropriate IRS registration form
- Appropriate state, county and/or local registration forms
- Letterhead, business cards and brochures reflecting business name change
- Domain name reflecting business name change
Instructions
-
Announcing a Business Name Change
-
1
Do a search of registered corporation names to determine if your desired business name is available if you plan to use an assumed name. An assumed name is a name which is assigned to a company other than the full name or family name of the owner. This is especially necessary for a business which is registered as a limited liability corporation (LLC) or is incorporated. (See References.)
-
2
Register the name change with the IRS using the appropriate form. The name change must be registered by the business owner(s) or authorized officer(s). It may also be necessary to file an application for a new employer identification number (EIN), depending on the nature of the change (See Resources).
-
-
3
Register the business name change with the appropriate state, county and/or local authorities. As with the IRS, the change must be registered by the business owner(s) or authorized officer(s) for the business. (See References.)
-
4
If necessary, obtain and register a new Internet domain name to coordinate with the business name change. Point the former domain to the new domain name so that clients and potential new customers are directed to the new domain. This will assist customers in making the transition from the former business name to the new business name.
-
5
Order new stationery, business cards and brochures reflecting the name change. Send announcements of the business name change to customers and clients using the new stationary and including the new business cards and brochures. (See Resources.)
-
6
Advertise the name change in traditional media as well as in online blogs and social and business networks. If you have a Twitter account, send out a "tweet" announcing your new business name.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your company bears your name or your family's name, it is not necessary to perform a corporate name search or to register an assumed name. It will still likely be necessary to register the business with the state or municipality, and definitely necessary to register with the IRS.
Depending on the nature of your business, it may be advisable to do a trademark search along with a corporate name search to check for possible infringement.
