I decided to file a DBA in my courthouse instead of starting straight off with an LLC... and I figured it would be pretty straightforward paperwork.. it's NOT! I'm filing in the State of Texas. If anyone can give me any direction I would appreciate it.. because I am absolutely stumped

Thanks,
Shannon

Hi Shannon, I've spent a lot of time learning about LLC and LLP but nothing about DBA - sorry I can't be of any assistance on this one.

Have you tried posting a question to one of the free counselors at SCORE - you can search for the right person to ask your questions to by topic and location. I have asked questions there twice now - the first time I didn't really get the help I needed but I went back and found another counselor to ask and got GREAT advice and feedback within about 24 hours.

When we did finally file our LLP we used LegalZoom - they also file DBAs in every state and it's fast and really not as expensive to have someone else take care of it for you. When all else fails - delegate!

According to my quick search on Google for DBA in Texas, you need both a DBA and a business license. I'm sure your county clerk can help guide you in the process for each.

Best of luck! The paperwork can be daunting, but there's really nothng silly about it - and once you've got it all done you'll be *official*!!

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You can file it online at TXSOS. You need to file an "Assumed Name" registration (TX equivalent of a DBA). I had to file several business registrations in Texas for my last job. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

This link to TXSOS should help answer your questions too.

Note: An Assumed Name does not protect you from someone else registering your name as it would if you actually registered your business (as an LLC or Corp), so you might want to file a Name Reservation too until you get ready to register your business. You'll find all the info you need on the above link.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Thank you both so much for your help. I am going to look at legal zoom and I signed up for account access with TXSOS too. For some reason though they are off about my zip code... They have two digits swapped around. I hope that doesn't effect anything. I want to be "official" so it is time to get this thing going!

Thanks,

Shannon

Usually you have to go to your state's Secretary of State to file your assumed name or DBA. I think that is going to be the same in most states. Look at your state's website - a great place to start.

I am in the process of registering my name with the Secretary of State in Ohio. I filled out the paperwork wrong the first time and they sent it back to me. I mailed if off again today.

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-Amanda
www.virtualsolutionsmadesimple.com

I just got my DBA earlier this wee here in texas and it only took a trip to the county clerks office here in houston. In and Out in a matter of 15-20 minutes including the wait in line. (During lunch hours).

Most states will let you file online now. It usually takes a few days to get your certificate emailed back to you. The only time I go into the Secretary of State's office to file is if I need it the same day, some States charge extra for same-day in-person filing, some don't.

I used to work for a real estate investor who bought properties in different States... sometimes I wished they didn't make it so easy for you to file everything online so I would get to take a free trip once in a while.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Originally Posted by ReAnn

Usually you have to go to your state's Secretary of State to file your assumed name or DBA. I think that is going to be the same in most states. Look at your state's website - a great place to start.

I did not mean that you had to physically go to the Sec of States office - I knw it sounded that way...sorry!!! I meant just that you had to usually go thru them. (Rebecka: thanks for your clarification & for making me look at my wording better!! MY BAD!!)