A Nevada doing business as (DBA) registration is required for companies that want to transact business in Nevada with a name other than their officially registered name. To obtain this trade name, the business must file for a DBA. For instance, the owners of a startup named “Tech Static” that wants to do business as “Crypto Den,” would need to file a DBA.

Filing a Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name

In accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes - Chapter 602, every individual, general partnership, company, and corporation that wants to conduct business in Nevada under a fictitious/assumed name or designation must file a Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name with the county clerk in each county where the entity intends to transact business.

DBAs in Nevada are filed at the county level rather than at the state level. As such, name and filing requirements could vary across counties. However, there are things that all businesses wishing to file a DBA should keep in mind. These considerations are applicable to most counties in the state.

Choosing a Fictitious Name

For instance, businesses must avoid using names that may be deemed fraudulent or deceptive, i.e. names that misrepresent the actual business transactions of the company. They should avoid using fictitious names that are very similar to existing businesses. One of the reasons for this rule is to prevent confusion.

A DBA filing can be used to instill confidence with customers or obtain bank accounts in the county where it was filed. A $20 filing fee is paid once the certificate has been filed with the county clerk. The filing fee covers two copies — if you require additional copies, an additional fee of $0.50 per extra copy is required. The county clerk retains the original certificate.

Filing for DBA

Before a DBA filing, you should research records of local businesses to determine the availability of your chosen name. If the name (or a name that is remarkably similar) has been registered, you will need to choose an alternative.

DBA filings done in counties and the databases of individual counties are not cross referenced with Nevada's Secretary of State, meaning that a name search in the state is more difficult than name searches in other states.

There is no single form that businesses interested in DBA can use to apply for trade name registration in the state. If you are interested in a DBA, you must visit the relevant websites or offices of the county clerk in each county to obtain the proper forms.

General Requirements

Although name and filing requirements vary from county to county, there's common information which all DBA filers must submit no matter the county. They include pertinent business information such as:

  • The trade name to be used as DBA.
  • The name of the individual or company filing the DBA.
  • The company's principal place of business.
  • The type of products/services the company produces.

DBA filers should be aware of any renewal requirements and their associated fees. These fees and requirements may vary from county to county. You should note that a DBA filing doesn't affect how your business is taxed.

The Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name must be signed by the individual intending to carry out such business or an officer of the corporation.Signatures will be acknowledged by the Deputy Clerk, Notary Public or other authorized officers.

If you want to cancel the DBA, you must complete a Certificate of Termination and submit it to the county clerk's office either in person or by mail.

Nevada Tax Registration

Individuals intending to set up businesses in the state of Nevada must register for the taxes required in their various industries. One of the most common forms of business taxation in Nevada is the sales and use tax. Businesses may need to register for additional taxes depending on the nature of their transactions.

You can visit the website of Nevada's Department of Taxation to view the Nevada Tax Center where you can register for the sales and use tax permit, check for other permits, manage your tax account and revise all information.

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