Registering a business name...

[Evancie]

Hi,

I'm in the process of starting my own business (online shop, workshops). I've read a lot about registering a company name, but I'm no more the wiser. I want to do it properly so I don't have to worry about my company name in the future (that somebody else might register the name etc).

I'm registered as a sole trader as I do freelance work and use my actual name instead of a company name. I've not registered for VAT yet, but would like to do that as soon as possible.

Can somebody talk me through the process of registering a company name (and the costs involved), please? I checked the government website and other sources, but I feel like I'm going round in circles. I would like to register for VAT using my company name, but I'm not sure if the name has to be registered with Company house already or not.

Thank you.

[Owen]

Easy. If you're in the U.S., just file a DBA. For example, if your name is Billy Brown, if you file a DBA under Billy's Business, everything will be done under Billy's Business. However, taxes are filed on your personal tax return. If you want a separate tax entity, you have file for incorporation.