Company owners often find that they need to know how to change a company name
during the course of owning a business. While it is commonplace, it is a
serious decision to make. Businesses thrive on branding for
distinguishing themselves from competition and establishing themselves
as an entity, so take changing the name very seriously.
Research a New Name
Conduct
market research to find a new name that adequately identifies your
business. Consider the image that you want the business to project and
its purpose. If you plan on having a website, go to a domain name
service to find out which names are available.
State Department
Check
with your local state's attorney or department of state's office to
find out if the name you have chosen is available. If not, you will need
to choose another name to legally register. Then complete the proper
forms with the appropriate state attorney general or the closest Circuit
Court Clerk's Office. Arrange to pay any fees that are required.
File with the IRS
Submit
the name change information to the IRS. If an EIN has already been
assigned, you may send Business Name Change requests to the following
address: IRS-Stop 343G, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Check with the IRS to
verify that you may do this in your situation. If you are the sole
proprietor, partnership or corporation, you will need to sign the IRS
notification. If the business is a corporation, an officer needs to sign
it. If it's a partnership, both partners must sign the form. Send the
notification by mail to the IRS address that was on your last tax
return.
Notify Customers
Be sure to notify all of
your customers about the business name change. Change and update the
company name in any of the other marketing services and directories you
use, such as the yellow pages, radio and television. Send out mailers
and fliers to customers and business neighbors announcing the new
business name.
How to Change Your Company Name
