How to Change Your Business Name

Your small business is your baby, and choosing the right name for it is a big deal. But what happens when you need to change your business name for whatever reason? Below, we walk you through how you can change your business name either by filing a DBA for a new trade name or by updating your legal name with your state and the IRS.

Here’s how to prepare and what to expect when you decide your business name needs an upgrade.

At a glance:

You can change an existing business name legally, or use a DBA (doing business as) for a trade name without a full legal change.

A legal name change usually does not require a new EIN if ownership and entity type stay the same.

For federal taxes, notify the IRS on your current return or with a signed letter to your filing address.

Partnerships use Form 1065; S corporations use Form 1120-S; C corporations use Form 1120 (check the name change box on page 1).

A DBA alone generally does not require IRS notification; you still file under your legal name and EIN.

Can you change the name of an existing business?

Yes, you can! Changing the name of your business isn’t always easy, but in some cases, it’s necessary. Here are a few good reasons why you might want to change your business name:

Rebranding – Whether you purchased a business from someone else or your business has naturally evolved beyond its original title, sometimes a name change is necessary to keep up with your business identity and brand goals. In this case, a DBA may be a good option for you (we’ll discuss this more in-depth below).

Upscaling – Are you a sole proprietor considering converting to an official corporation or LLC? If so, a name change might be in order. Depending on your circumstances, it could be as simple as adding “LLC” to your existing business title, or you could opt for a totally new name.

Trademark violation – Uh oh. There are countless businesses out there, and sometimes it can be tough to find a name that isn’t already trademarked. If you unwittingly choose the same business name as someone else, you might have to make some adjustments.

Just because – You don’t always need a complicated reason for wanting to change your business’s name. Maybe you’ve thought of something cleverer or received feedback from customers saying your business name is too confusing, generic, or even too hard to spell. Whatever the case, you’ve decided it’s time for a change.

Can you change the name of a business and keep the same EIN?

According to the IRS, changing your business name does not automatically require a new employer identification number (EIN). However, a new EIN may be required if you are changing your business’s ownership or legal structure — for example, adding or removing business owners or incorporating your sole proprietorship.

Tax tip: For more details on when a new EIN is required, see the IRS business name change page and Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN.

How much does it cost to rename your business?

Changing your business name inevitably comes with some hidden costs.

While we can’t tell you exactly how much money you can expect to spend when updating your business name, here are some things to think about and budget for:

Fees for filing name change paperwork with your state and local government

Hiring experts to assist with updates to any contracts, permits, or other legal documents

Checking availability for any trademarks, domain names, etc.

Costs for redesigning any marketing, promotional, or other business materials, such as business cards, signs, website, and more

Can I change my business name if I only operate as a sole proprietor or general partnership?

If you don’t have a formal business entity, you and your business are one and the same. But while your business might not be a separate legal entity, you aren’t limited to conducting business solely under your personal name.

Instead, you can register a fictitious business name, also known as a trade name or DBA (doing business as). Filing a DBA with your state allows you to operate your business under a different name without “officially” changing it. This is often a good option if you want to give your business a unique name, but you’re not quite ready to register as a corporation or LLC just yet.

Getting a DBA usually requires much less paperwork and fees than changing your legal business name. To file for a DBA, you’ll usually need to fill out a form through your local, state, or county agency and pay a filing fee (though the exact process depends on the state in which you conduct business).

Important: A DBA is a trade name, not a legal name change. You can use your DBA on invoices, signs, and marketing materials, but you’ll still file federal taxes under your legal business name and your existing employer identification number (EIN). The IRS generally doesn’t need separate notification just because you added a DBA.

Can I file for a DBA if I own a limited liability company or corporation?

Yes, you can file for a DBA when operating as an LLC or corporation. A DBA lets you conduct business under a different name than what is listed on your legal business paperwork.

Remember, a trade name doesn’t replace your legal business name for tax purposes. You’ll still file under your LLC or corporation name and EIN. If you change the legal name on your state paperwork, that’s when you need to notify the IRS (more on that below).

DBA vs. legal business name change

DBA (trade name)Legal name changeWhat changesPublic operating nameOfficial entity name on state recordsIRS notificationUsually not requiredRequiredTax filing nameLegal entity name + EINNew legal name + same EIN (in most cases)Typical useRebrand without restructuringPermanent official rename

What is the process for changing the legal name of a business?

When you decide to change the legal name of your business, there are three main hurdles you need to tackle before you do anything else.

1. Research your new business name.

Make sure you research your new business name to prevent trademark violations or other legal complications. You can do this by searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to ensure your desired business name isn’t already trademarked. Don’t forget to check your state’s database as well!

2. Notify your state and local government.

Once you have chosen your new business name, you’ll need to let your Secretary of State know about the change. Every state has its own form you will need to fill out, and you’ll likely be charged a fee. You should also contact any local government agencies and update any business licenses and permits you may have.

3. Notify the IRS.

Lastly, you need to notify the IRS about your business name change for federal tax purposes. How you do that depends on your business type:

Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs: Send a signed letter to the IRS at the address where you file your return. The letter should come from the business owner or an authorized representative.

Partnerships and multi-member LLCs: If you haven’t filed yet, check the name change box on Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income (Page 1, Line G, Box 3) and use your new name on the return. If you’ve already filed for the current year, send a signed letter from a partner to the same address where you file.

S corporations: If you haven’t filed yet, check the name change box on Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation (Page 1, Line H, Box 2). If you’ve already filed, send a signed letter from a corporate officer to your filing address.

C corporations: If you haven’t filed yet, check the name change box on Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return (Page 1, Line E, Box 3). If you’ve already filed, send a signed letter from a corporate officer. The IRS may also ask you to include a copy of your state’s Articles of Amendment showing the new legal name.

You can also ask the IRS to confirm they received your name change when you write to them. For the full breakdown by entity type, see the IRS business name change page.

Tax tip: Filing electronically? A legal name change can update your IRS name control (the short code the IRS uses to match your EIN). If your e-filed return is rejected due to a name/EIN mismatch and your EIN is correct, you may need to file again and check the name change box on the form.

4. Notify everyone else.

After your new company name has been approved and you’ve notified your state and the IRS, it’s time to notify everyone else about the change. This includes (but isn’t limited to) banks, creditors, vendors, suppliers, employees, and customers.

Remember to update any outdated branding and marketing materials you may have, such as stationery, signage, business cards, social media accounts, or your company website. You don’t want any discrepancies regarding your business name!

Business name change FAQs

Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name?

You generally do not need a new EIN when you change your business name but keep the same ownership and legal structure. A new EIN is typically required only when your entity type or ownership changes, such as incorporating a sole proprietorship or adding or removing partners.

How to notify the IRS of a business name change?

You notify the IRS of a legal business name change either on your current-year return or by sending a signed letter to the address where you file. Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs send a letter from the owner or authorized representative. Partnerships check the name change box on Form 1065 (Page 1, Line G, Box 3). S corporations use Form 1120-S (Page 1, Line H, Box 2), and C corporations use Form 1120 (Page 1, Line E, Box 3).

What is the difference between a DBA and a legal business name change?

A DBA (doing business as), also called a trade name, lets you operate under a different public name without changing your legal entity name on state formation documents. A legal name change updates your official business name with your state and requires IRS notification. You still file federal taxes under your legal name and EIN even when you use a DBA for day-to-day business.

Do I need to tell the IRS if I only add a DBA?

You generally do not need to notify the IRS just because you registered a DBA with your state or county. A DBA is a trade name, not a legal entity change, so you keep filing under your existing legal business name and EIN. You should still update banks, vendors, and other accounts to keep your records consistent.

Can I change my business name without forming a new LLC or corporation?

Yes, you can change how customers see your business without forming a new entity by filing a DBA, or you can change your legal name through your state’s amendment process if you already have an LLC or corporation. A DBA is usually faster and cheaper, while a legal name change requires state approval and IRS notification, but lets you update your official formation documents.

What happens if my business name on my tax return doesn’t match my EIN?

The IRS matches your business name to your EIN, so a mismatch can delay processing or cause an e-file rejection. If you changed your legal business name, notify the IRS before filing or check the name change box on your return. If you e-file and get a name/EIN mismatch error with a correct EIN, you will likely need to refile and confirm the name change box is checked.

The bottom line

Changing your business name comes down to two paths: a DBA for a new trade name, or a legal name change through your state, plus IRS notification. You can usually keep the same EIN if your ownership and entity type stay the same. When you’re ready to file, TaxAct® can walk you through business returns step by step, whether you’re a sole proprietor filing self-employment taxes or filing partnership or corporate forms. Explore business filing options on TaxAct.com.

This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.

All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

More to explore

Citations

Ponder, Meghen. “What is an EIN and Why Do I Need One?” TaxAct Blog, 2 Apr. 2026.Internal Revenue Service. “Business Name Change.” IRS, 22 Feb. 2026, www.irs.gov/businesses/business-name-change.Internal Revenue Service. Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN. IRS, Feb. 2014, www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1635.pdf.Ponder, Meghen. “Small Business Owner vs. Self-Employed: What’s the Difference?” TaxAct Blog, 10 Feb. 2026.Ponder, Meghen. “LLCs vs. Corporations: Which Is Best for Your Small Business?” TaxAct Blog, 22 July 2024.United States Patent and Trademark Office. “Trademark Search.” USPTO, tmsearch.uspto.gov.InCorp Services. “Secretary of State Information and Resource Directory.” e-SecretaryOfState.com, www.e-secretaryofstate.com.Ponder, Meghen. “IRS Form 1065: A Guide for Partnership Owners.” TaxAct Blog, 6 Jan. 2026.TaxAct. “Form 1120-S Instructions: How to File IRS 1120-S for S Corps.” TaxAct Blog, 11 Feb. 2026.TaxAct. “Form 1120 Filing Guide: Corporate Tax Return & Schedules Explained.” TaxAct Blog, 26 Jan. 2026.TaxAct. “File Self-Employment Taxes.” TaxAct, www.taxact.com/taxes-online/file-your-own-taxes/self-employed-tax-filing.TaxAct. “File Business Taxes Online.” TaxAct, www.taxact.com/business-returns.

Source link