Legal Name
The legal name of a business is its official name, as registered with the IRS or the Secretary of State. This is the name that appears on legal documents, tax filings, and other formal registrations.
For individuals, the legal name is the name listed on official government-issued identification.
DBA (Doing Business As)
A DBA (short for “Doing Business As”) is an assumed or trade name used by a business to operate under a name different from its legal name.
- For Companies: A DBA can be a company’s nickname or branding name that differs from the legal name.
- For Individuals: Sole proprietors may use a DBA to operate their business without using their personal legal name.
Documents Associated with a DBA Name
A DBA name is typically recorded on the following types of documents:
- State or Local Registration Forms: Registration of a DBA is often required with your state’s Secretary of State office or a local government office.
- Fictitious Business Name Certificates: Some states or counties issue these certificates to validate DBA registration.
These documents ensure that a DBA name is legally recognized and allows the business to operate under that name.
Which Name to Use in PaymentWorks?
For TIN (Tax Identification Number) verification in PaymentWorks, you must use:
- Your legal name and:
- Your SSN (Social Security Number) if you’re an individual.
- Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) if you’re registering an entity.
DBA names are not accepted for TIN verification because the IRS requires the legal name associated with your TIN.
If you’re unsure of your legal name or how to register it, consult your state’s Secretary of State office or the IRS for clarification.