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Can a corporation operate under a fictitious name?

By Alexander Torres

Called a Doing Business As (DBA) filing, this action allows your company to legally operate under a trade name, also known as an “assumed” or “fictitious” name. By having a Doing Business As name, it’s possible for sole proprietors and general partners to do business using a name other than the owners’ personal name.

Does NJ require DBA?

Filing a DBA in New Jersey for Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships. General partnerships and sole proprietors are required to file their New Jersey DBA with the County Clerk in the county that their business is located. Estates and real estate investment companies are also required to file with the county.

What is the purpose of a fictitious name registration?

The Purpose of a Fictitious Name States require filing fictitious business names because they help inform the public about who actually owns the company. A fictitious name filing puts a business’s name and its owner’s identity on public record.

Why do I need a DBA in NJ?

Why Filing a DBA Is Important in NJ Making a DBA filing protects you and the consumer. Fictitious names more strategic grounds for public branding and a notable identity. Using a DBA is helpful for public advertising and when establishing a social persona. This persona has a legal standing in the state of New Jersey.

Is alternate name the same as DBA?

A company name is the actual name of the business, while a trade name or DBA is a way of doing business under a particular name filed in a state or county. A trade name can be registered by any type of business such as LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. A DBA is an alias and is not an actual business entity.

What is a fictitious name definition?

Legal Definition of fictitious name : a name (as John Doe) used in a complaint when the party’s name is unknown at the time of filing or when the party’s identity is being kept private.

Does NJ require a DBA?

Filing a DBA in New Jersey is necessary for fictitious business names. This filing applies to sole proprietorships as well as LLCs. Operating your business under a pseudonym requires to a “doing business as” or “DBA” filing. Such calls for a business name to differ from the name a business registered as.

Why would businesses be required to register fictitious names?

States require filing fictitious business names because they help inform the public about who actually owns the company.

Is registering your business the same as a DBA?

Registering and doing business under a DBA name is not the same as forming a business or a business entity. If you register a DBA without first forming as an LLC, corporation, or some other legal entity type, the state you’re doing business in recognizes your business as a sole proprietorship.

How do I register a DBA in NJ?

The entity seeking to register a DBA must file a C-150G form with the New Jersey Division of Revenue. The filing will be valid for up to five years, at which point it must be renewed so that the chosen trade name can be retained. The renewal can be carried out using the C-150R form.

What happens if you use the wrong business name in New Jersey?

Filing using the incorrect formation name would be rejected and authorization to do business in New Jersey delayed. When the business name selected for use is already taken and you are forming a New Jersey (domestic) business entity, you will need to select another name for your business.

Where to register an assumed name in New Jersey?

Registration requirements for New Jersey business entities Business entities that plan to use a name other than their legal business name may need to register an assumed name. Assumed name registration can take place at the state, local, or state and local levels of government.

How does a business name search work in NJ?

Any business found that matches the search criteria will be returned regardless of status or availability of the name for a new business registration. Searches for Available Names determines if a business name is available to be used in the Business Formations service to begin the process of forming and registering a new business.

How to register a business in New Jersey?

When submitting the registration document, you will indicate the business name exactly as it was established in the home state followed by the name to be used in New Jersey. Example: A. B. C. Incorporated, a Delaware business determined that its name was already taken in this state.