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Are you interested in learning about having a DBA (Doing Business As) in New Hampshire and the process for registering one? You’ve come to the right place.
In New Hampshire, a DBA is a way for entrepreneurs to use an alternative business name for marketing, sales, and legal purposes. It’s also commonly referred to as a fictitious name, assumed name, trade name, or similar terms depending on the state.
Note that unlike forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), registering a DBA doesn’t establish a formal business structure and doesn’t provide comparable benefits. Registering an LLC in New Hampshire can often be more helpful due to the tax advantages and legal protections it offers.
What Is a New Hampshire DBA?
In New Hampshire, businesses can use a DBA (Doing Business As) or trade name instead of their legal business name. This applies to many businesses, whether it’s a sole proprietorship operating from a home office, an expanding LLC, or even a large corporation.
With a New Hampshire trade name, businesses enjoy the same benefits and flexibility as their legal business name. They can use it for various purposes, just like any other business name.
- Establish websites and social media profiles
- Promote through billboards, print media, radio, television, etc
- Interact with customers using business cards, company letterhead, etc
- Start a business bank account for organized sales tracking and issuing checks to vendors
- Implement a point-of-sale system
Remember that your DBA serves as a mere alias for your business rather than representing it. In the unfortunate event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy, a DBA doesn’t provide any form of asset protection. To file taxes for your business, you will use its legal name and existing EIN (or SSN if you’re a sole proprietor).
Is Registering a DBA Required in New Hampshire?
Indeed, according to New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 349:1, it’s mandatory for businesses to register a trade name with the state if they intend to use it in lieu of their legal business name.
Why Register a New Hampshire DBA?
Business owners opt for DBAs (Doing Business As) for several reasons.
You’re a New Hampshire Sole Proprietor
As a business owner operating as a sole proprietor, there’s no legal differentiation between yourself and your business entity. In terms of legal identification, your business will be recognized by your full name (for example, John Dobry).
However, if you prefer to operate under a more formal or descriptive name, you must obtain a “Doing Business As” (DBA) registration. This registration allows you to conduct business using an alternative name while still maintaining the simplicity and flexibility of being a sole proprietor.
You Want a Different Name for Your Business
DBAs can be used by various businesses to acquire an alternative business name. Where an LLC or corporation has a legal business name that no longer accurately reflects the services or products it provides, a DBA enables the company to obtain a new name without registering an entirely new business entity or going through the process of amending its official business name with state authorities.
You Use Your Domain Name as Your Business Name
Typically, a business domain name serves as an online address for customers to locate a business. However, if you use your domain name as the official name for various purposes such as advertising, social media marketing, and accepting customer payments, it becomes necessary to obtain a DBA (Doing Business As) registration.
Why Hire a Professional Service to File a DBA in New Hampshire?
The process of registering a DBA in New Hampshire involves multiple crucial steps, each vital to ensure a seamless and successful registration. Any misstep in these procedures could cause a rejected application or more severe consequences.
State authorities in New Hampshire can impose fines or even shut down your business for improper use of a name in legal or business contexts.
Professional services can help ease concerns and uncertainties associated with the entire DBA process. They possess a deep understanding of New Hampshire’s specific requirements and can assist you in selecting an ideal name before initiating the paperwork. These companies offer various services, including LLC filing, which can be valuable as your business expands.
After conducting thorough research, we’ve identified the top professional services tailored to meet your DBA needs in New Hampshire:
How to Register a DBA in New Hampshire
To register a trade name in New Hampshire, submit an Application for Registration of Trade Name to the Department of State in New Hampshire. However, before proceeding with the application, confirm that the desired trade name hasn’t been taken. Here’s an explanation of the process:
1. Make Sure Your Trade Name is Available
To begin, thoroughly search New Hampshire’s Corporate Name Database to confirm that the desired DBA name isn’t already in use. It’s also advisable to perform a federal trademark search for the DBA name to ensure it hasn’t been registered nationally.
2. Comply With New Hampshire Naming Rules
Before registering your DBA, ensure that your chosen name adheres to the naming regulations set by the state. Note that certain restrictions apply when selecting a DBA name.
- Avoid incorporating corporate identifiers such as “LLC” or “Inc.” unless they align with your business entity type.
- Steer clear of names that closely resemble or are identical to another business name in New Hampshire.
- Refrain from misleading the public by employing words like “police,” “fire department,” or any other terms that falsely imply your business provides a service it does not.
- Exercise caution in using the term “farmer’s market” unless your business conforms to New Hampshire’s legal definition of a farmer’s market (refer to RSA 21:34-a).
3. Complete an Application for Registration of Trade Name
To register your trade name, you will be required to fill out the Application for Registration of Trade Name form. This application should include the following details:
- Trade name
- Business address and mailing address (if different)
- Description of business activity (you can also list an NAICS code if you know it)
- For legal business entities (LLCs, corporations, etc.), entity name, address, and name and title of the person signing
- For individual applicants (sole proprietors and general partnerships), the name, address, and signature of each individual
- Business email and phone number
4. Submit the Application and Pay Filing Fee
You can submit your trade name application through online platforms, mail, or in person. Regardless of the method chosen, a processing fee of $50 is required. If you opt for the online filing process and don’t possess an existing NH QuickStart account, you must create one beforehand.
Online:
NH QuickStart
Mail:
Corporation Division
NH Dept. of State
107 N Main St, Rm 204
Concord, NH 03301-4989
In person:
State House Annex
3rd Floor, Rm 317
25 Capitol St
Concord, NH 03301
5. Manage Your New Hampshire Fictitious Name
Renew Your Trade Name With the State
To maintain your trade name in New Hampshire, renew it every five years. You will receive a renewal notice and form from the Secretary of State at least six months before the expiration date. Alternatively, you can also complete the renewal process online.
Change Your Trade Name
To implement modifications other than altering member ownership, register a fresh trade name. To include additional members, a Certificate of Addition must be filed, while for removing members, a Certificate of Withdrawal should be submitted. The cost for each certificate is $10 and can also be completed via online channels.
Withdraw Your Trade Name
To terminate your trade name, you will need to submit the Certificate of Discontinuance of Use of
Trade Name. There’s a $10 fee associated with this process, which can be completed online as well.
Best DBA Filing Services to Register Fictitious Name in New Hampshire – NH DBA
Discover the exceptional offerings available for registering a fictitious name in the state of New Hampshire.
Bizee simplifies the process of registering a DBA in New Hampshire, which is also referred to as an assumed business name. You supply your business information, receive a price estimate, and establish your new fictitious name. Bizee manages all paperwork and registration duties.
Bizee offers additional services besides assisting with DBA registrations. These services encompass forming LLCs and Corporations, obtaining Employer Identification Numbers, and choosing a registered agent.
If you’re seeking to establish a Doing Business As (DBA) in New Hampshire, BusinessRocket is the ideal solution for you. This platform has been specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs and business owners in New Hampshire with a straightforward and user-friendly procedure.
BusinessRocket simplifies the often intricate paperwork involved in DBA registration within the state, offering intuitive online tools and step-by-step guidance.
The primary goal of BusinessRocket is to streamline the entire process by guiding individuals through the legal requirements and ensuring that their chosen business name is unique while complying with New Hampshire regulations.
With features like document preparation and filing help, BusinessRocket guarantees a seamless DBA registration experience, helping individuals confidently establish their presence in New Hampshire.
Northwest Registered Agent is a trusted provider of various legal services specializing in DBA filings in New Hampshire. As a registered agent service, they offer businesses a physical address that meets the state’s requirements for operating under an alternate name.
Besides DBA filings, Northwest Registered Agent also provides comprehensive compliance services, including annual report submissions and mail forwarding. Offering these services, they help businesses maintain their good standing with the state and alleviate administrative burdens. This allows business owners to focus on growing their enterprises with peace of mind.
ZenBusiness offers a specialized and complimentary DBA name search feature designed specifically for businesses in New Hampshire. This intuitive tool allows anyone to narrow down their options by inputting relevant keywords, resulting in a variety of suggested names to choose from or draw inspiration from. Once the perfect name is selected, ZenBusiness streamlines the filing process by requesting the required information in just ten minutes.
One of ZenBusiness’s standout features is its commitment to transparency regarding startup costs. Unlike other platforms, it doesn’t leave you hanging after submitting your DBA application.
Besides facilitating the filing process, ZenBusiness provides a comprehensive suite of tools aimed at helping your business maintain compliance. It offers help with managing all necessary financial aspects during tax time each year.
DBA vs. LLC in New Hampshire
While registering a DBA (Doing Business As) and forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) involve state registration, note that only an LLC offers asset protection for business owners in legal disputes or bankruptcy. A DBA merely serves as a business name and doesn’t establish a separate legal entity.
Selecting an LLC in New Hampshire creates a legitimate and distinct legal business entity that establishes a clear separation between the business and its owners. This division safeguards the personal assets of the LLC’s members.
Ultimately, choosing between a DBA and an LLC depends on the specific needs of each individual business owner. For sole proprietors who simply desire to operate under a different name, registering for a DBA is sufficient. However, for those seeking both asset protection and a unique business name, forming an LLC proves to be the optimal choice.
Northwest is fully prepared to assist you with obtaining the LLC you desire for your business venture. We understand how crucial it is to have proper guidance throughout this process to ensure your peace of mind and protect your investments effectively.
File a DBA in New Hampshire – Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still uncertain about the process of filing a DBA in New Hampshire, please continue reading to discover the information you need.
Conclusion – File a DBA in New Hampshire
Follow our comprehensive 5-step guide to navigate the DBA filing process in New Hampshire smoothly. For a more efficient experience, we suggest using Bizee’s specialized services. As a trusted partner, they simplify the DBA filing process. By relying on Bizee for your business identity needs, you save time and ensure accuracy in every registration step.
