Bookkeeping and Accounting Setup
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DBA and Assumed-Name Registration
Clarify dba and assumed-name registration as a first-time owner: what decision you are making, what must happen now, what can wait, and the next concrete action.
6 guided steps
Private in your browser
Official guidance links
Start the free checker
Your free guided checker
Answer a few quick questions below. It is private - nothing is submitted or stored - and takes about a minute.
General information only; not legal, tax, insurance, cybersecurity, or investment advice. Confirm formation decisions with qualified advisers in every applicable jurisdiction.
The questions this tool walks you through
Here is what the checker asks and why each step matters. Prefer to talk it through? Contact us and we will help directly.
Will every public-facing trade name be registered where required and linked consistently to the legal entity on contracts, invoices, bank records, tax accounts, and licenses?
Answer based on what you genuinely know today. A “No” identifies a question or task; it does not mean you made a mistake.
Continue to the next control. Note this item for your final action list, then continue.
Official guidance: SBA register your business
Will customers pay a name different from the legal owner shown on the formation document and tax account?
Answer based on what you genuinely know today. A “No” identifies a question or task; it does not mean you made a mistake.
Continue to the next control. Note this item for your final action list, then continue.
Official guidance: SBA register your business
Have you checked DBA filing, publication, renewal, and bank-document requirements in every county or state where the name is used?
Answer based on what you genuinely know today. A “No” identifies a question or task; it does not mean you made a mistake.
Continue to the next control. Note this item for your final action list, then continue.
Official guidance: SBA register your business
Have you listed every public name on ads, invoices, storefronts, and payment pages that differs from the legal entity name?
Answer based on what you genuinely know today. A “No” identifies a question or task; it does not mean you made a mistake.
Continue to the next control. Note this item for your final action list, then continue.
Official guidance: SBA register your business
Will bank resolutions, processors, and tax accounts show how the trade name links back to the legal owner?
Answer based on what you genuinely know today. A “No” identifies a question or task; it does not mean you made a mistake.
Continue to the next control. Note this item for your final action list, then continue.
Official guidance: SBA register your business
Will every required DBA be filed (and published if required) before you advertise or accept payment under that trade name?
Answer based on what you genuinely know today. A “No” identifies a question or task; it does not mean you made a mistake.
File required DBAs before advertising the trade name List every public name customers see
Official guidance: SBA register your business
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