File DBA Paperwork in Wisconsin

Understanding the Process of Filing DBA Paperwork in Wisconsin

Filing for a Doing Business As (DBA) registration, also known as a fictitious business name, is a crucial step for many businesses operating in Wisconsin. This process allows sole proprietors, partnerships, and other entities to conduct business under a name that is different from their own personal name or the name of the business entity. The DBA registration process in Wisconsin involves several steps, including choosing a business name, conducting a name search, preparing and filing the necessary paperwork, and paying the required fees.

Choosing a Business Name

The first step in filing DBA paperwork in Wisconsin is to choose a business name. It is essential to select a name that is unique and not already in use by another business. The name should also comply with Wisconsin’s naming requirements, which include being distinguishable from other business names and not containing certain words that are prohibited by law. Additionally, the name should be easy to remember and reflect the type of business being conducted.

Conducting a Name Search

Once a business name has been chosen, it is necessary to conduct a name search to ensure that the name is available for use. This can be done by searching the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) database, which contains a list of all registered business names in the state. It is also a good idea to search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure that the name does not infringe on any existing trademarks.

Preparing and Filing the Necessary Paperwork

After conducting a name search and determining that the desired business name is available, the next step is to prepare and file the necessary paperwork. In Wisconsin, this involves filing a Registration of Fictitious Business Name form with the DFI. The form requires the following information: * The name and address of the business * The name and address of the owner(s) * A description of the business being conducted * The duration of the registration (which can be up to 10 years) The form must be signed by the owner(s) and notarized.

Paying the Required Fees

In addition to filing the necessary paperwork, it is also necessary to pay the required fees. The filing fee for a DBA registration in Wisconsin is currently $30, and the registration is valid for 10 years. It is also possible to file for a 24-hour expedited service, which costs an additional $25.

Publishing the DBA Notice

After filing the DBA paperwork, it is necessary to publish a notice of the fictitious business name in a local newspaper. This notice must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks and must include the following information: * The name and address of the business * The name and address of the owner(s) * A statement indicating that the business is being conducted under a fictitious business name The notice must be published in a newspaper that is circulated in the county where the business is located.

Step	Description	Fees
Choose a business name	Select a unique name that complies with Wisconsin's naming requirements	No fee
Conduct a name search	Search the Wisconsin DFI database and USPTO database to ensure the name is available	No fee
Prepare and file the necessary paperwork	File a Registration of Fictitious Business Name form with the DFI	$30 filing fee
Pay the required fees	Pay the $30 filing fee and optional $25 expedited service fee	$30-$55
Publish the DBA notice	Publish a notice of the fictitious business name in a local newspaper	Varies depending on newspaper

💡 Note: The fees and requirements for filing DBA paperwork in Wisconsin are subject to change, so it is essential to check with the DFI for the most up-to-date information.

To summarize the key points, filing DBA paperwork in Wisconsin involves choosing a unique business name, conducting a name search, preparing and filing the necessary paperwork, paying the required fees, and publishing a notice of the fictitious business name. By following these steps, businesses can ensure that they are in compliance with Wisconsin’s DBA registration requirements and can conduct business under a name that is different from their own personal name or the name of the business entity.