So You're Done Playing Dress-Up? How to Close Your DBA in New York
Ah, the DBA. Your "Doing Business As" name, the alter ego of your entrepreneurial spirit. Maybe it was "Brenda's Bread Basket" that took your sourdough to the masses, or perhaps "John's Joke Shop" brought laughter to your community (though hopefully not at the expense of your sanity). But alas, all good things must come to an end, and it's time to close the curtain on your DBA.
Fear not, weary thespian of commerce! Closing your DBA in New York is a breeze, easier than a whoopie cushion on a first date (although hopefully less smelly). Here's how to do it with minimal fuss and maximum flair (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Step 1: Accept You're Not Beyonce (But Still Fierce!)
First things first, you need to determine if you actually have a DBA to close. If you're a sole proprietor and never filed anything fancy, then congratulations! You don't need to file anything to close your DBA. You're a business ninja, disappearing into the night (or, you know, the world of non-DBA business).
However, if you did file a certificate to operate under a DBA name, then you'll need to file a Certificate of Discontinuance with the New York Department of State. This is important – not doing so might mean you're still legally responsible for things done under the DBA name. No one wants that kind of phantom business haunting them!
Step 2: Paper Trail? Pah! We Got Online Forms (Well, Mostly)
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
The good news is that New York offers a handy dandy online fillable form for your Certificate of Discontinuance Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name of Domestic and Foreign Business Corporations. Fill it out, feeling a surge of accomplishment that you didn't have to decipher legalese in a dusty law library.
Step 3: Show Me the Money (But Not Too Much!)
There is a filing fee of $20 – a small price to pay for saying goodbye to your DBA. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card (because who carries cash anymore?).
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| How To Close Dba In New York |
Step 4: Hit Send (or Maybe Hit Print)
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Once you've filled out the form and secured your payment method, submit it electronically or print it out and mail it to the New York Department of State. Be patient, grasshopper – it can take a few weeks for them to process your request.
Bonus Round: Because We Like You!
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- Can I fax my Certificate of Discontinuance? Yep! But you'll need to fill out a separate credit card authorization form.
- What if I need this done ASAP? The Department of State offers expedited service for an additional $25. Boom! Instant (well, almost instant) DBA closure.
How-To FAQ for the Discontinuance-Savvy
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to find the Certificate of Discontinuance form?
Search for "Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name of Domestic and Foreign Business Corporations" on the New York Department of State website [dos.ny.gov/certificate-discontinuance-assumed-name-of-domestic-and-foreign-business-corporations]
How much does it cost to close a DBA in New York?
The filing fee is $20, with an optional $25 for expedited service.
How long does it take to close a DBA?
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
Standard processing takes a few weeks, while expedited service can get it done quicker.
Do I need to close my DBA if I'm just changing the name?
No, you don't need to close it, but you will need to file a new DBA certificate under the new name.
Can I close my DBA online?
Yes, you can submit the Certificate of Discontinuance electronically.
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