Los Angeles Fictitious Business Name (5 Steps to File Yours in 2021)

If you’re looking to file a fictitious business name in Los Angeles, you’re on the right page…

In Los Angeles, every business owner using a fictitious business name also commonly known as a DBA (doing business as) needs to file a fictitious business name statement with the clerk of the county where the business is principally located.

Corporations and LLCs who register a fictitious business name in Los Angeles County are required by law to renew their paperwork every five years and should file the appropriate paperwork within 40 days of starting their company.

 

How to File Fictitious Business Name in Los Angeles County

Apply for Business Tax Registration Certificate: https://latax.lacity.org/oofweb/eappreg/eappreg_criteria.cfm

Application fee: Varies

Issuing Department: Los Angeles Office of Finance

All individuals or entities conducting business activities within the City of Los Angeles are required to apply for and obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate with the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. You may also have to register with other Federal, State, and Local government agencies depending on the structure and location of your business.

1. Social Security Number (if the business is a sole proprietorship) or Employer Identification Number (if the business is an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership)
2. Description of business activities
3. Legal Business Name
4. “Doing Business As” name (optional)
5. Business start date (If your start date is earlier than the current calendar year, you will receive a notice requesting gross receipts for each year your business has been in operations. Once received by Office of Finance you will receive a notice of any liability due for the prior years)
6. Business Type (such as Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, Corporation)
7. Primary business address
8. Primary business mailing address (if different from your primary business address)
9. Business contact information

Once you complete the online application, you will receive a confirmation email.

You will use your BTRC number to pay your business taxes with the City of Los Angeles each year. You should receive a notice in October of each year with instructions on how to calculate and pay your taxes.

Alternatively, you can fill out the form here: finance.lacity.org > forms > Business Tax Registration Application

and email it to finance.customerservice@lacity.org (it takes 4-6 weeks to get the certificate) or you can submit the form to the office to register on the same day.

If you need further assistance you can e-mail us at finance.customerservice@lacity.org or call 1-844-663-4411 during weekday business hours.

 

Detailed Steps of Filing Fictitious Business Name Los Angeles

Step 1

First things first, ensure that you have conducted a name availability search online using the Los Angeles County Registrar Website. This ensures that the fictitious business name can easily be distinguished from other registered fictitious business names registered with the Los Angeles County Registrar.

To complete a detailed search, mail a written name inquiry letter to the business filling and Registration Section, Rm. 2001, 12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650. A publication will cost you $5 per name to be able to complete the detailed search by mail.

You can also complete a detailed name availability search in person at the Los Angeles County Registrar LAX District Office. There is no search fee when you do this in person. The name search can be conducted Monday through to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Pacific Standard Time.

 

Step 2

The next step involves printing the fictitious business name statement from the Los Angeles County Registrar Website. You can call and have the fictitious business name statement sent by mail through the number 562-462-2177. You can pick up the fictitious business name application in person at the Los Angeles County LAX Office.

 

Step 3

With the help of an attorney, complete the application for the fictitious business name statement. Make sure that you have provided the fictitious name and location of the business.

You should also state the owner’s name, address and state of incorporation in case the business is incorporated. Ensure that you have indicated the nature of the structure of the business and sign the fictitious business name statement.

 

Step 4

Now, you can file the fictitious business name statement with the Los Angeles County Registrar. To do this, you will mail the completed application to Business filling and Registration, P.O Box 1208, Norwalk, CA 90651-1208.

Deliver the completed fictitious name statement personally to the LAX district office. File the fictitious name statement personally during normal business days between 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Pacific Standard Time. The publication costs are $26 in case you will want to apply a fictitious business name statement with the Los Angeles County Registrar.

 

Step 5

The final step will involve publishing the fictitious business name statement in a newspaper that operates in Los Angeles County.

Accepted newspaper publications include:

• The Argonaut
• The Los Angeles Times
• The Los Angeles Sentinel
• The Alhambra Post-Advocate

Lastly, a fictitious business name statement for a DBA expires after five years from the date that it is filed with the county clerk’s office. A renewal statement must be filed before the expiration. It is also very important to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer to ensure that you have properly gone through all the steps and processes involved to avoid any legal tussles in the future.

 

What To Do Next

Before you start filing a fictitious business name Los Angeles, you will need to start a business first.

If you’re looking to start your business in Los Angeles, email me at sam@mollaeilaw.com to get started.