Updated November 18, 2020:

Filing for a DBA in Utah

There may be a time when you want to operate a business with a name that differs from the original name you used to form the business. When this occurs, you will need to register the new name by filing for a DBA with the state of Utah. There are a number of reasons why a company may choose to apply for a DBA including:

  • Open a bank account in the new name
  • Entering into contracts using the new name with vendors or a government agency
  • To give customer and vendors confidence in the business's legitimacy

Filing for a DBA starts in the same way as starting any other business entity. The first step is determining the name you will use for your new DBA and see if it is already in use. You will need to make sure the name you choose is:

  • Different from other business names registered in the state
  • Is not fraudulent or deceptive
  • Does not misrepresent the activities the business is engaged in
  • Does not indicate it is an entity it is not

It is important to note that registering your name with the state of Utah does not necessarily mean you have a legal right to use it. If the name holds a federal trademark, even if you get registration in the state, you still could end up being sued.

Getting a DBA in Utah

There are three primary steps that you need to complete to form your DBA in the state of Utah.

  1. Register your new DBA. Go to the Utah Division of Corporations website if you have a tax identification number for Utah and you should be able to complete the process online. If you don't have a tax ID number or want to fill it out offline, you can print out the necessary forms from the site.
  2. Fill out the form. Include the name and address of the company and the applicant, and the purpose the business is being created for. Even if a business is a sole proprietorship, if you create a business using a DBA, you will need to have a registered agent.
  3. Submit your application. You can pay the registration fee online with a credit card, or make a check out to the "State of Utah."

Establishing a Sole Proprietorship in Utah

There are a few simple steps to establishing a sole proprietorship in the state of Utah. You will need to:

  1. Choose a business name - You can use either your own name or create a trade name for your sole proprietorship. If you choose a business name, it will need to be able to be distinguished from other business names in the state. To make sure that your name is available, you will need to run a search at the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
  2. File an assumed business name - If you choose to create a sole proprietorship with a name that is different from your legal name, you will need to register your new name as an assumed name under the Department of Commerce. You can file your application for a DBA using Utah's One Stop Business Registration along with the $22 filing fee.
  3. Obtain any necessary permits, licenses or zoning requirements - If your business requires professional licenses, you will need to obtain them, even for a sole proprietorship. You can obtain information on businesses that require certain licenses by going to the Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses website. You will also need to obtain any necessary business licenses, zoning clearance, or building permits. Check with your city and county for more information.
  4. Obtain your business's EIN - You can either use your own social security number for your sole proprietorship or obtain a nine-digit EIN for tax reporting purposes. If you plan to have employees, you will need to have an EIN to report wages to the IRS. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS website.

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