How to change your company name in Nevada

Introduction to Changing your Business Name

If you are planning to start a new business in Nevada then the name of your company is going to be one of the most valuable assets. You can start a business with any available name and can also change your business name in Nevada in the near future. The name of a business is crucial to the very goals of any business as the customers are going to remember the business with the name itself. A business name in order to create brand recognition and value needs to be highly effective in establishing a strong identity while describing the type or activity of the said business. You can initially create your own business name change checklist to choose a name that identifies your brand the best. We have created this step-by-step guide that will provide an insight into how you can go about changing your business name including business name restrictions in Nevada, where to apply and how to choose the right name.

Business Name Change

There can be several reasons for changing a business name and once changed you will be required to change the business name with IRS or update IRS regarding the name change. Whatever the reason for changing the name of your company, it is important to remember that the new name should be available with the office of the Secretary of State. You can check business names in Nevada by conducting a name search. This will help you identify whether you can relaunch or re-brand your business with the chosen new name.

Why do you want to change your business name?

A business is a brand in its own right and sometimes you may need to change business name in Nevada and there can be several reasons for doing so. The reasons for name change of a business can vary from organization to organization as some want to do it as a part of their marketing strategy and others do it post a merger. It is important to understand that once you have decided to change a name, it is important to send a business name change letter to the state authorities and IRS, so that it can be updated for tax purposes and for other business filings.

• Trademark issue: There is no hard and fast rule that two separate companies cannot have the same name. Sometimes, businesses also have similar names that may sound almost the same. When this happens, company A can send a “cease-and-desist” letter to company B requesting that they stop using the said name. A cease and desist letter is a type of notice that is sent to a business or an entrepreneur to stop a specific action like copying of a trademark. This type of letter is normally a warning of impending judicial enforcement. It is hence highly recommended to conduct a name search or check a business name in Nevada prior to filing for name reservation.
• Existing business names do not reflect your brand/goals: All types of businesses will experience growth over a period of time. This growth can lead to lateral expansion with introduction of several brands under the Umbrella Company or corporation. In such a scenario, if business owners or entrepreneurs feel that their business has outgrown the existing brand name then it’s time to change business name in Nevada. Some of the top and famous businesses in the world have gone through the process of name change like Quantum Computer Services became AOL, BackRub was changed to Google, Sound of Music changed to Best Buy, Research in Motion changed name to Blackberry, and Brad’s Drink became Pepsi-Cola.
• If the business name is not unique/creative: Sometimes business owners reserve a name to get their business registered only to realize later on that the name doesn’t go with the brand or their products or services. In such a scenario, it is better to first prepare a business name change checklist, so that you don’t have to change the name again.
• The name is confusing or hard to spell for customers: Sometimes, a business name can be confusing or hard to spell for a customer making it difficult for your consumers to find the office or find the business online. It is important to understand that a confusing or hard to spell business name will not be remembered. So, it is recommended that you check the business name in Nevada first and identify an easy name that also provides a clear picture of your brand.

How to change your business name in Nevada

If you are planning to change your business name in Nevada then there is a procedure in place that you will be required to follow. Whether you own a business corporation, a Limited-Liability Company, or any other business entity, you will have to submit the business name change letter or form with the office of the Nevada Secretary of State. Here is a step-by-step insight into changing business names in the state of Nevada.

Identify the new name

The first step is to identify a new name based on the company requirements or brand requirements. Once you have chosen a name you need to ensure the name is distinguishable from any other name on the records of the Nevada Secretary of State. This is made possible by conducting a check for business names in Nevada. One of the important aspects to consider is the “Restricted Word List”. This is a business name change checklist provided by the Nevada Secretary of State and is pursuant to Title 7 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. The restricted list is different for different types of businesses. For instance, a financial institution will not be able to use words like bank, banker, banking, banc, banco, banq, bancorp etc., in their names without prior approval from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

Get the approval of board of directors

Since the change of business name in Nevada requires you to file an amendment with the office of the Secretary of State, you will have to get the approval of the board of directors for corporations and members for an LLC.

Check business name availability

Once you have identified a new name for your business, the next step is to check the business name in Nevada for availability. There are several businesses that may have a similar name or even the same name as chosen by you. It is important to create a business name change checklist with multiple names so that you are able to reserve a name that is unique and is distinguishable from any name on the database of the Secretary of State. Let’s look at an example to understand this: If you want to change your existing business name to silver basin, silver city, or silver bay then upon conducting a Nevada business entity search, you will find that all names exist. So, you will need to ensure your name is unique.

Notify Nevada SOS

Once you check a business name in Nevada for availability and if your name is unique then you will be required to file a “Certificate of Amendment”. This amendment has to be filed with the office of the Secretary of State. The Nevada certificate of amendments to be filed will be different for different types of businesses like corporation and LLC.

Change licenses and permits

Once you change your business name in Nevada, you will have to ensure the change is visible on all your important business documents including business license and applicable local permits. If your business name change is due to the introduction of a new product or service then you may have to apply for new licenses and permits as well depending on the location of your business.

Notify the IRS

Once you have reserved your new business name with the Nevada SOS, it is important to change the business name with the IRS. The process of changing business names will vary according to the type of business. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you will not require a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) for change in business name in Nevada. IRS also states that if an EIN was recently assigned to a business and tax return has not been filed yet then you can send a “Business Name Change” request directly to IRS at Stop 6055, Kansas City, MO 64999.

Apply for a new EIN

If you change your business name in Nevada then the change needs to reflect on your EIN. Normally, you will not require a new EIN for business name change but may require one for special circumstances. If you are a single member LLC then according to the IRS, the business is considered as a disregarded entity and hence doesn’t require an EIN. If you change the type of business to a multi-member LLC then you will be required to send a business name change letter to the IRS and also have to apply for a new Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you don’t have an EIN tax ID and want to apply for one then we at IncParadise can help you obtain a new EIN.

Apply for a new EIN for your business in Nevada!

Update your business documents

Every business requires documents and these documents are critical to starting, operating, maintaining, and expanding a business. Once you change a business name in Nevada then you will have to ensure the new name is reflected in all important business documents. The important documents include company formation or incorporation documents like Articles of Incorporation or Organization, State Tax documents, annual report, compliance and regulatory documents, company bylaws for corporations, Non-disclosure agreement (NDA’s), employment agreement, and memorandum of understanding (MOU) among others. At IncParadise, you can benefit from free legal documents for your business like an operating agreement for a single member LLC or a partnership agreement or employer agreements.

Get a new company domain name

When you change your business name in Nevada, you will need to get a new domain name if you are hosting your business online. Domain name is basically the name of your website and you can conduct an availability search online prior to reserving your domain name. You don’t have to change the hosting of your website though.

Communicate with your customers

Once you change the name of your existing business, it is important to issue a business name change letter for all your customers, business clients, and vendors. This will ensure your customers are updated and at the same time informing them makes them feel valued.

How can IncParadise help you?

It is never an easy process to set up a business and then change business name in Nevada. The process of setting up a business itself is overwhelming and that is why IncParadise is there to help you through any challenge you may face while registering a new business or filing for reservation of a business name.