The name of your LLC is an integral part of your company and has many things associated with it. It might be the name of your LLC that distinguishes your company from others, or it may provide information about the services your company provides. The name of your LLC is the first thing that investors and customers will notice. However, circumstances may occur where you might need to change the name of your LLC. 

Changing the name of your LLC could be a strategic move to grow your business, but it could also be a tricky process. Because there are different guidelines for different states you may find that changing the name of your LLC to be quite difficult. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry, as you have come to the right place for information on this subject. This guide is the best source of information that you will find concerning all the steps needed to change the name of your LLC. 

Common Reasons to Change the Name of an LLC

There could be many reasons why someone might want to change the name of their LLC, but the most common reasons for changing the name of their LLC include:

Circumvent Brand Confusion

One of the major reasons why someone changes the name of their LLC is to avoid any confusion. If the name of your LLC is somewhat similar to your competitors or any other company, then it might create confusion among the customers. So, to circumvent any such confusion, LLC owners will change the name of their LLC if necessary.

Align with Company Expansion

If your business has expanded and now provides many new products and services that it did not provide initially, you might want to change the name of your LLC to have a name that reflects the services you deliver. 

Adapt to the Heritage 

Another reason for you to change the name of an LLC is when a founding member of the company has died, and you want to pay tribute and show honor to that person. If a founding member has left the company, then you might also want to change the legal name to remove that person’s name from the company’s name.

Steps to Change an LLC Name

If you want to change the name of your LLC without any confusion or mistakes, then here is a step-by-step guide to help you.

Understand Your State’s Requirements and Guidelines

It is imperative to understand your state’s requirements and guidelines, as each state has different procedures and policies for LLCs. You will have to make sure that you are following the right approach to make a smooth transition for your LLC. You can find all the required information about changing the name of your LLC on your Secretary of State’s website and other comparable government websites. Most websites have a devoted section for business information which includes LLCs, where you can find all the information to change the name of your LLC.

Check LLC Name Availability 

It’s your responsibility to ensure that the name you are planning to give to your company is unique and not actively being used by any other company in your state. You can conduct a search for the name in your state’s business registry and check the availability of the name before filing a request to change the name. You will need to make sure that you are following all of your state’s guidelines to change the name of your LLC.

File the Amendment Form

All states have an amendment form that you will need to file to change the name of your LLC. The form requires some basic information including the current name of your LLC, the effective date of the LLC, the new name of the LLC, and the name and title of the person who is going to sign the form. Some states provide the means of filing the amendment through an online portal, while some states require you to file the original amendment form by mail. Once it’s filed, if your application is approved, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of approval, if you originally filed it online. Otherwise, you will receive a stamped paper copy of the filing back if you filed by mail.

Update the LLC name with the IRS

The next step after your name is approved by the Secretary of State, is to update the LLC name with the Internal Revenue Service(IRS). It’s essential to update it with the Internal Revenue Services because this will update the name affiliated with your LLC’s Employer Identification Number. 

Update the LLC name with the State’s Department of Revenue

After you obtain your approved amendment from the Secretary of State, you will have to update the name with the State’s Department of Revenue. Commonly, the name of your LLC can be updated by three methods: online, by mail, or by phone. It would be wise of you to contact the State’s Department of Revenue to confirm the method and process required to update the name of your LLC, as the process varies from one state to another. 

Update your LLC name with Financial Institutions

Updating the name of your LLC with the Internal Revenue Service and the State’s Department of Revenue doesn’t complete the list of steps you need to take to finalize the change. It’s equally important to update your LLC’s name with the following Financial Institutions. 

1. LLC Business Bank Account 
2. Business Debit Card 
3. Business Credit Cards
4. Business Checks 
5. Business Loans or Lines of Credit 
6. PayPal or other Banking Solutions 
7. Bookkeeping Softwares 
8. Brokerage Accounts

Update/Get a Business License

After updating the name of your LLC with all the required departments and institutions, you will have to update the name of your LLC on your state business license. If you don’t have a state business license, then you will be required to obtain one. Depending on the state you are registered in, you may need to apply for a completely new license, or you may be able to change your LLC’s name on your existing license. You can contact your state’s licensing agency or licensing board for complete information on how to update your state business license. If you have a local business permit, then you can contact the local government for information about the process of updating the name of your LLC on your local business permit.

Update your Website, Contact Information,/ Other Marketing Materials

Finally, you need to update the name of your LLC to include your website, hosting company, domain, online stores, invoices, letterhead, contracts, logo, important documents, and social media account. Other places where you may need to update the name of your LLC are other government agencies which include utility companies, sales tax permits, local tax offices, and the Department of Labour if your company has employees. You may feel as though there is a lot of work to do, and you’re probably wondering how you will accomplish all of it, but there is no need to worry. You can take a few days or even weeks to update the name of your LLC with each necessary department and agency. Till then, your old LLC name can still work for you and your company. 

Need any help changing your LLC name?

Changing the name of your LLC might not be easy, but to streamline the work, you can completely trust IncParadise to get the job done right. IncParadise can help you change the name of your LLC with ease. IncParadise can also help you check the name availability in your state and file your amendment. IncParadise provides services that are second to none and can help you change the name of your LLC at a highly affordable price. 

Incparadise will file your articles with the state and send them to you, which will reduce your workload, and allow you to focus on growing your business. IncParadise provides many free services which include opening a business account, sending and receiving money, getting your VISA card, and reminders about annual renewals. We can also help you with setting up a corporation or an LLC in the easiest way possible. 

While the procedure for changing the name of an LLC isn’t very difficult, to avoid any mishaps, you must check the guidelines for changing the name of your LLC in your state as the policies vary from one state to another. For this reason, it’s important to understand all the required steps before beginning the process of changing the name of your LLC. It is equally important to update the name of your LLC with the essential government agencies and boards to run the business without any difficulty. If you have any confusion regarding the process and are not sure about how to change the name of your LLC, then IncParadise is here to help you. You don’t need to worry about the process and guidelines, as IncParadise will help you complete all the procedures the easiest way possible, and at a highly affordable fee.