How to File a DBA in Montana
Registering aDBA, known in Montana as anassumed business name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register aMontana DBAbelow.
Or, you can save time and use a trusted DBA service.
Recommended:Register your DBA and establish your brand withLegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Register an Assumed Business Name in Montana
Registering a Montana assumed business name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1. Start with a Montana Assumed Business Name Search
Montana assumed business names must be unique and must also meet Montana’s business name requirements.
First, visit theMontana Secretary of State's Business Search Websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Montana naming requirements. In Montana, assumed business names shouldNOTinclude:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
- Any terms given to financial institutions, including: "bank," "banc," "banco," 'banque," "banker, ''trust company," "savings and loan association," "savings bank," "credit union" or other similar words.
- Words that imply that the company is organized for anon-permitted purpose.
Need Help Choosing a DBA Name?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. You can use this tool to generate both business names and domain names.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络维omain(URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with ourfree logo generator.
Step 2. Register Your Montana DBA
Your Montana assumed business name can be filed online with the Secretary of State‘sePass website.
The form includes the following information:
- Business description
- Applicant type (LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.)
- Mailing address and phone number
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
File a Montana Assumed Business Name
Manage Your Montana Assumed Business Name
General Questions
Call the Montana Secretary of State: 406-444-2034
Renew Your Assumed Business Name With the State
Your Montana DBA should be renewed every five years. The fee is$20, and you complete the renewal processonline.
Change Your Assumed Business Name
You can amend your assumed business name registrationonline. The fee is$20.
Withdraw Your Assumed Business Name
You can cancel your Montana assumed business nameonline. There is no cancellation fee.
After Filing Your Montana DBA
If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:
- Create your Business’s Website- Every business needs awebsite. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders likeGoDaddyandWixmake the job quick and easy. Check out ourBest Website Builderarticle to find the tool that’s best for you.
- Get your Business Finances in Order- You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening abusiness bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into abusiness credit card.
- Protect Your Business- While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the rightbusiness insurancewill ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start withgeneral liability insuranceas their base coverage.
DBA Montana FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you need one for your business, read ourWhat is an EINguide.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
No. An LLC is a businessentity, while a DBA is just anamefor a business.
Sole proprietorshipsare often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our金宝搏188是什么公司state guides.
Can a DBA have Inc. in the name?
A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
我如何设置一个DBA租赁财产吗?
Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.
When would it be good to get a DBA versus a legal name change?
Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.
是我的DBA免受被用于其他地方吗s?
Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible totrademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.