I have a business that is incorporated I would like to know if you can operate the business using a doing business as name.

Questioner,

I am unsure of where your business is, because your question lists you based as both in Philadelphia and Texas. I will answer your question based on Texas law. I am not licensed in Philadelphia, so the answer in regards to Philadelphia may be different.

If you are incorporated in Texas as "Bob's Store, LLC," you may legally operate as "Bob's Store, LLC" - your signs, paperwork, and other instruments should reflect that. Then you have no problems.

If you are incorporated in Texas as "Bob's Store, LLC" but want to operate as "Bob's Store" or "Bob's Deli," or something else, you must apply for and receive a trade name (DBA) from the state for such a name. Even dropping your "LLC" is enough to have a need for a DBA.

In essense, because your LLC is a seperate entity, it needs to DBA itself if it wants to operate under another name. For example, I'm sure that the "Randall's" grocery chain corporation actual corporate name is something to the effect of "Food Grocery Suppliers, Inc.," but they operate with a DBA of "Randall's." Got it?

Your DBA needs to be registered under your LLC's name with both the State of Texas and your local county, which will require two seperate applications.

Good luck.

Most states will allow you to have a 'fictitious name' or 'dba' name if you are going to use a name in commerce that is different from the name you initially registered with the state. One big reason to make sure you have the dba registered is to protect from potential liability. You probably won't be able to have two EIN's for the same business unless you have a compelling reason and even then you will want to consult with the IRS. This information is not legal advice b/c I am not licensed in PA and you should find a lawyer licensed in PA to get PA answers.

Good luck.

The answer posted by the Texas lawyer is the same in PA, except that you would file a "trading as" application