How to Change the Name of Your Business

Making the decision to change your business name is a huge step for your company. After doing your market research to find a name that is appropriate for you and the image you want your business to reflect, you must contact your state's governing authorities about the name change to make it official. If you fail to follow the proper procedures of changing your business's name, it could get you into legal trouble with the your state attorney general as well as the IRS.

Instructions

1. Check with your state attorney general's office to see whether or not the name you desire has been registered by another company. If the desired name has been taken, you will have to think of another name.

2. Register your new business name with your state attorney general by completing the appropriate form at the nearest Circuit Court Clerk's Office. You might have to pay a fee when you file the paperwork to change your business name.

3. Notify the IRS in writing of your business's name change. Include your old business name, new name, address, telephone number, and Employer Identification Number (EIN). You do not have to obtain a new EIN number unless you are a sole proprietor, corporation or partnership. If you are a sole proprietor, the business owner must sign the IRS notification. If you are a corporation, a corporate officer must sign the notification. If you are a partnership, the partner must also sign the notification.

4. Mail the notification to the IRS address located on your tax return.

5. Notify your customers and clients of your business's name change. Update the name in other marketing outlets you are using, such as radio, yellow pages and television.