So You Wanna Be a Fancy Pants with a Fake Business Name in Texas, Eh? (Can You Do It Online?)
Let's face it, naming your business "Bob's Plumbing Emporium" isn't exactly setting the world on fire (unless Bob has some seriously impressive plumbing skills, of course). That's where DBAs come in, also known as "Doing Business As" names. They're like a cool nickname for your business, letting you operate under a name that's catchier than yesterday's tuna casserole.
But here's the thing, Texas – the land of Stetsons and two-steppin' – doesn't exactly make things easy when it comes to DBAs. (Or do they? Buckle up, partner)
The Great Online Filing Frontier: Myth or Reality?
Well, hold onto your ten-gallon hats, because there's actually good news! You can, in fact, file your Texas DBA online. That's right, you can ditch the dusty boots and head straight to your computer. The Texas Secretary of State offers a nifty little website called SOSDirect (because apparently, filing legal stuff shouldn't be a direct route to a headache). Through SOSDirect, you can fill out the fun and exciting Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) and pay the filing fee (a cool $25, unless you plan on using a money order carved from a longhorn steer horn, which is probably not recommended).
But Wait, There's More! (Because Texas Likes to Keep You on Your Toes)
Now, before you start celebrating like you just discovered the last kolache in the bakery, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this online filing business is only for sole proprietorships and partnerships. If you're a fancy LLC or corporation, you'll need to file a different form (sorry, gotta play by the rules).
Second, you'll still need to check for name availability. (No one wants a trademark tussle over "Supreme Supreme Pizza"). You can do this through a name availability search on the SOSDirect website.
Finally, be sure to file your DBA with the county clerk's office in the county where your business is located. (Texas likes things done local, see?) This might involve some old-fashioned paper filing, but hey, at least you got the online part out of the way!
So there you have it, folks! Filing a DBA in Texas can be done online, but there's still a bit of a Texas two-step involved. (Just remember, it's always faster with a good pair of boots)
