Okay, this may be a dumb question, but I'm going to throw it out there.

Do you all think it is a good idea to go ahead and register a business name now even though it's not ready to open at this time? I'm still working on my business plan, marketing plan, and so on, but I don't want to lose the name that I am wanting to use.

If you are sure that you have picked out the name you want to go with, then go ahead and do it. If the registration fees are high in your state and you want to wait then an alternative is to file a Name Reservation. That basically just puts the name on hold for you until you are ready to register it. In most states, the name reservation is good for one year, but is renewable.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Thanks Rebecka. I'm calling the county now to see if I can do this today!

Stacee

If you don't want to chance it, then register it. Also request an EIN number from the IRS. You should also request your domain name at the same time. Otherwise, someone else can take it from you.

I had no idea you could file a 'reservation' for a business name - that's great info to have!

As to the EIN, I'm not convinced that's an immediate necessity - especially if she's just going to reserve the name and not actually file the full-fledged business papers.

And the domain, I couldn't agree more...there are so few really good domains left to purchase, if you come up with a business name you like and the domain is available go fot it!

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You already have some great information. I will just add that when your ready to set up your business account and if your filing for LLC get your EIN process started.

However, if you don't mind spending a few dollars the web site I used for my EIN filing and my tax for 8832 I used http://www.tax9er.com/ you can get your EIN instantly.

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

If you go to www.irs.gov, it is free to get your EIN and you know that you are actually dealing with the IRS and not a third party. It also made me feel better security wise.

Thank you everyone.

I was able to contact the county and they said that I could reserve the name but I would have to do it through the state. I would have to pay a another fee if I decide to change the business organization. At first, I was planning to do sole, but I've noticed a lot of VA are LLCs. For protection, I now think I'm going to take the route of registering as an LLC.

I did check out the Legal Zoom website and I'm thinking about going that route. Has anyone ever used their services? I'm going to check out the cost of doing it on my own first.

You all are wonderful!!!

Stacee

Originally Posted by smcVirginiaVA

Thank you everyone. I was able to contact the county and they said that I could reserve the name but I would have to do it through the state. I would have to pay a another fee if I decide to change the business organization. At first, I was planning to do sole, but I've noticed a lot of VA are LLCs. For protection, I now think I'm going to take the route of registering as an LLC. I did check out the Legal Zoom website and I'm thinking about going that route. Has anyone ever used their services? I'm going to check out the cost of doing it on my own first. You all are wonderful!!! Stacee

I saw on another thread that Legal Zoom charges a $79 processing fee to get your EIN even though it's free and instant at irs.gov website.

Best of luck.