Need some advice please

smw1974 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008

Hi everyone. This probably sounds goofy but since you all are so willing to help I thought I'd ask.
A couple of years ago I had another business in my name, I registered it, got my dba, ein, bank acct etc....since then the company has mostly dissolved and I'm wondering....can I still use the same business name and ein and everything with this company or will I have to do it all again?

Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Sara

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008

That is a great question - I honestly have no idea!
I believe businesses need to be re-registered each year with your secretary of state - if that wasn't done then the business likely doesn't exist any longer on paper, etc.

You may have to re-register...check with your local gov't offices to find out for sure.

smw1974 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008

Okay...I am just hoping to not have to jump through hoops again. Know what I mean? I guess I'll do the inevitable and call

Thanks for responding. Hopefully others will be able to lend some insight on this as well.

Sara

Rebecka Melson · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008

You do not need to re-register, you can use the same business. You may need to check with your secretary of state to make sure you are still in good standing, if not, you will have to pay any fees or submit any reports to get back in good standing.

If you have continued to pay your annual renewal and submit any required reports then you should still be in good standing.

Tess · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008

Sorry, wrong choice of words....I just knew there was an 'annual' something or other...
Thanks for clarifying Rebecka!

TerryG · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008

So much depends on where you live. I live in Ohio. I had a 4 year period when I didn't really do much with my business and let the name lapse. When I started back up full force again, I re-registered the name, and the lady on the telephone shook her virtual finger at me and told me that "technically," I had been operating illegally since I'd been working with a name that had expired. Then she helped me get it taken care of again since there was almost a problem because someone else started using a name that was similar. Fortunately, it wasn't similar enough; because I'd been using the name since 1991 and I didn't really want to change it.

On the other hand, I also incorporated my company back in 1994; then dissolved the corporation in 1996 when I got a divorce and wasn't sure I'd continue. (Dumb idea). When I incorporated again in 2006, I found out that even though it was my name and nobody else was using it, it was against the laws of the State of Ohio to use the same name again - even if used by the same person. Dumb law!