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Step By Step Guide

How to File DBA in Arizona : Step-by-Step Guide

Filing a DBA (also known as Doing Business As) allows you to operate and receive payments under a name that is different from your legal business name. This helps you create an identity for your business that presents it in a professional light to customers and vendors, while allowing customers to write you checks and make payments directly to the business name you have chosen. Follow our step by step guide or let us handle the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring your business is filed quickly and accurately.

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Why start and file a DBA in Arizona?

There's a lot to love about starting a small businesses in Alabama. Alabama receives an A- in overall business friendliness. The Heart of Dixie receives high grades for its ease of starting a business, regulations, and tax code that apply to small businesses and startups created across the state. With a flat corporate rate of 6.5%, Alabama is also one of the most tax friendly states to form a business.

Two Ways to Register Your Business

MyCorporation® can help you file all of the necessary documents to file your DBA in Arizona.

File and submit the formation paperwork yourself

Our free guide provides you with all of the information you'll need to file your DBA in Arizona. Bookmark this page as a reference so you can return easily as you complete each step of the process.

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Let MyCorporation handle the formation process for you.

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How to File a DBA in Arizona

For those unfamiliar with the acronym, DBA stands for "doing business as." In most Arizona counties, it is referred to as a fictitious business name, or FBN. No matter which type of business structure you have incorporated as (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC), if you plan to operate your business under a name different than your real name or an existing corporate name, then you need to file a DBA. In Arizona, you must register your DBA within 40 days of the commencement of the business.

What else can you do with a DBA? Here are a few additional benefits you'll receive by registering a fictitious name in Arizona:

  • The ability to open a business bank account. You are unable to use your personal bank account to issue or receive checks under your business name. Filing for a DBA allows you to open a bank account under your startup's name, as most banks will require a certified copy of your DBA before you can open an account. Once you have a business bank account, you may collect checks and payments under your company's name.
  • Public advertising. Now that you have registered your official business name, you may begin publicly advertising and marketing under the DBA. This will help increase the visibility of your business
  • Create a separate business identity. Small businesses look much more professional once they file for a DBA. The assumed name allows them to establish a separate business identity for customers and vendors. This allows you to present your business in a professional light.
  • Discourage others from usage. You'll be able to protect your brand and discourage others from registering your name by officially registering your DBA.

The first step is determining if a DBA is right for you. There are a few common situations where registering a DBA makes the most sense:

  • Sole Proprietors: Let's suppose Jane Smith is a graphic designer doing work as a sole proprietorship (no LLC or corporation formed). She may wish to conduct business with her clients as "Designs by Jane," as well as open a bank account and accept checks under that name. Filing a DBA for the name Designs by Jane would allow her to do so.
  • LLC/Corporations: In the case that you have already filed an LLC or Corporation for your business, you may register another name for your business with the state. Let's say you filed an LLC for your auto repair business under the name "Arizona Auto Repair" but have decided to expand your business into auto detailing. You could file a DBA for "Arizona Auto Detailing" as a second name for your business. Doing this ensures you keep these two separate business activities distinct.
  • LLC/Corporations:
    In Arizona, your corporation or LLC's full legal name may include an indicator (such as Inc or L.L.C). If your company's full name is "Doggie Day Care, INC," but you wish to operate your business as "Doggie Day Care," you would file for a DBA without the indicator.
Tip: In Arizona, if you operate a sole proprietorship that contains your surname (e.g., "Smith Lawncare Services"), then you do not need to register a DBA.

The next important step seems obvious: you'll need to decide on a name to register. In Arizona, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind as you come up with a name.

  1. No two fictitious names in Arizona can be similar or the exact same. In other words, a DBA cannot mislead the public by being deceptively similar to any other business name.
  2. A DBA name cannot include a corporate indicator, like Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type, unless the business has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation. This is to prevent a sole proprietor from posing as an incorporated business.

How do you find out if a DBA name is available in Arizona?

There are a few approaches you can take once yoYou can find out if a name is available by using the Arizona Corporation Commission's entity search tool. Search for business names that start with or contain certain words. You may also search by statutory agent name and entity ID.

Another, more reliable approach is to conduct a Arizona DBA Name search. MyCorporation may complete a thorough business name search on your behalf, and report back the findings to help you avoid unnecessary rejections.

Tip: Even when the DBA name has been checked, you should avoid ordering business cards and advertising signage until you receive notification of filing from the Secretary of State.

Now that you have determined the name is available for registration, it's time to complete the filing with the forms provided by your county. It is important that you file your DBA in the county where you plan on operating your business. Most counties in Arizona require similar, basic information:

  1. Name of the business, its street address, city, state, and telephone number
  2. Type of business entity the business is incorporated as
  3. List names and addresses of partners (if applicable)
  4. Description of trade name to be registered
  5. Description of goods, services, or business provided under the trade name
  6. How the trade name will be used in commerce
  7. Classification number and classification type
  8. Mark type (pick trade name)
  9. Date trade name was first used and state
  10. Date on which trade name was first used in Alabama
  11. Email address of applicant
  12. Name, title, signature, and date

Once you have completed the application, you must submit the completed filing and filing fee of $30 to the Office of Secretary of State.

Tip: Most counties in Arizona will allow you to register multiple fictitious names at a time if desired.

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We hope you find this detailed list of steps makes the process of registering a doing business as name (DBA) a bit more simplified for you. However, we understand that filing a DBA for your business can be confusing and time-consuming process. That's why MyCorporation offers DBA filing services for businesses in all 58 counties across Arizona.

Our experts will complete the forms for your county, check its registration status, and even publish the DBA notice where required. All you need do is sign and return a few documents in our prelabeled envelope. You'll receive the approval and publication certificate for your records without any heavy lifting.

We make filing a DBA in Arizona easy.

Operate your business under your business name, open a bank account for your business, and build credibility without all of the hassle. MyCorporation will handle the paperwork for you, so you can focus on building your business.

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Arizona DBA Frequently Asked Questions

No. A business license is required of all businesses, whereas a DBA is required only if the business is operating under a name different from the name of the owner.

In Arizona, all businesses are required to file for a general business license (sometimes referred to as a business tax certificate). Business licenses are issued by cities and municipalities, and every city in Arizona differs in their requirements. If you plan on operating your business in multiple cities, you will need to apply for a business license in each location. Some additional permits may be required in addition to a general business license, which may need to be filed with the county or the state. You can find out about the specific licenses applicable to your business by checking with the city offices where you will conduct business, or by using MyCorporation's business license compliance package. Our team of skilled professionals will identify the licenses required by your business and provide you with all the information you need to file.

All businesses are required to file for a general business license (sometimes referred to as a business tax certificate). Business licenses are issued by cities and municipalities, and every city in Alabama differs in their requirements. If you plan on operating your business in multiple cities, you will need to apply for a business license in each location. Some additional permits may be required in addition to a general business license, which may need to be filed with the county or the state. You can find out about the specific licenses applicable to your business by checking with the city offices where you will conduct business, or by using MyCorporation's business license compliance package. Our team of skilled professionals will identify the licenses required by your business and provide you with all the information you need to file.

A DBA does not grant exclusivity for the use of a business name. DBAs identify the business and claim the business's name, but they only claim the name itself. Once you file for a DBA, the name cannot be used by another business on the state level. However, if a business in a different state wanted to register the same DBA as your business, they could so long as no other business in their state had already claimed that name. It is also possible to trademark a DBA. This would offer nationwide protection against infringement.

Arizona DBAs do not require renewal.

Filing a DBA in Arizona will not impact your taxes, as it does not alter your tax status. Only the name you conduct business as will change. The structure of your business is what determines how you will be taxed (sole proprietor, corporation, LLC, etc.), so you will continue to pay taxes as usual after filing a DBA.

If you are not planning to continue using your DBA, you can file a statement of abandonment with the county clerk where you registered. Most counties will provide you with the required forms you need to complete this filing.

When selecting a name for your DBA, there are specific restrictions to keep in mind:

  • The name cannot imply that your business is a corporation if it is not.
  • It should not include terms like "bank" or "insurance" unless authorized.
  • The name must be distinguishable from existing registered names.

Filing a DBA in Arizona requires completing specific forms:

  • The Trade Name Application Form.
  • An Affidavit of Publication after the DBA is published in a local newspaper.

Ensure all forms are accurately filled out for successful Arizona DBA registration.

Filing a DBA in Arizona involves several costs. The initial filing fee is typically around $10 to $30, depending on the county. Additional costs may include publication fees for the Affidavit of Publication. Knowing the costs helps you budget for your DBA in Arizona and understand how to get a DBA in Arizona efficiently.

DBAs do not offer separate legal status, so taxes are filed under your personal or business tax returns. Ensure you comply with local, state, and federal tax laws.

DBA renewals in Arizona must be done every five years. You will need to submit a renewal application and pay the associated fees. Keeping track of your renewal date is crucial for maintaining your DBA registration.

Helpful Arizona Resources

Secretary Of State Details

Arizona Secretary of State
PO Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616

Phone:602-542-4285
Website: azsos.gov

See Our How To Startup Guides for Arizona

Are you looking for another entity type? We offer several other guides to help you start your business in the state of Arizona.

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