So You Wanna Be a Big Shot in LA: How Much Does it Cost to File a Fancy Fake Name?
Let's face it, in the land of glitter and glamour, even your business needs a little Hollywood hustle. But before you snag that billboard on Sunset Boulevard, there's a tiny hurdle called the DBA (Doing Business As). This fancy little phrase basically lets you operate under a cooler name than, well, your boring legal business moniker.
But how much does this name game cost in the City of Angels?
Well, fret not, aspiring mogul! Unlike the price of a decent latte on Rodeo Drive, filing a DBA in Los Angeles won't break the bank. Here's the breakdown, delivered with less drama than a reality TV show:
- The Big Reveal: The Base Price
Brace yourself for sticker shock...it's a whopping $26. That's right, the cost of filing a DBA in LA is less than a two-buck chuck at your local convenience store. Seriously, for that price, you can buy a name that sounds like it belongs on a million-dollar yacht (think "Poseidon's Plumbers" or "Diamond District Dog Walking").
- Hold Your Horses, There Might Be More!
Now, before you high-five your accountant and celebrate with a pool party, there are a couple of "buts" to consider:
- The "Extra, Extra" Fees: Want to add another owner or a super-long business name that would make a rapper jealous? There's a $5 fee for each extra registrant or name extension. So, keep it tight and save those extra bucks for, you know, actual business stuff.
- The Publish and Perish (Or Not) Option: In California, you technically need to publish your DBA in a newspaper for four weeks. This can add some serious dough to the bill. But fear not, there's a way out! If you're a good citizen and already have a business license, you can skip the whole newspaper fiasco. Just be sure to check with the Los Angeles County Clerk's office to confirm (because nobody likes surprises when it comes to money).
So, there you have it! Filing a DBA in Los Angeles is an affordable way to give your business that extra pizazz. Just remember, the real cost of success might be the countless hours you spend brainstorming that perfect name (but hey, at least it won't cost you an arm and a leg).
