Changing Your Business Name in Arkansas | A Step-by-Step Guide

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Change Arkansas Business Name

In Arkansas, change is inevitable in today’s dynamic business environment. One such change that a business may undergo is a change in its name. A business owner might change their name for numerous reasons, even when starting an LLC in Arkansas. Whatever the reason, changing a business name in Arkansas can be a complicated process. Still, it’s essential to do it right to avoid potential legal issues and ensure a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to successfully Change a Business Name in Arkansas.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you change your business name when necessary. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

How to Change a Business Name in Arkansas

Before Changing Your Business Name in Arkansas

Before you embark on the process of changing your business name, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

  • Research: Ensure that your new business name in Arkansas is unique and not already in use by another company in Arkansas. To avoid potential trademark infringement, you can conduct a preliminary search using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
  • Notify Stakeholders: Inform your employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders about the upcoming name change to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition.
  • Update Marketing Materials: Revise your marketing materials, such as your website, business cards, signage, and social media profiles, to reflect the new Arkansas business name.
  • Consider the Impact on Existing Contracts and Agreements: Review your existing contracts and agreements to determine if they will be affected by the name change. You may need to renegotiate these contracts or obtain new ones under the new Arkansas business name.

You should also amend the Arkansas Certificate of Organization and the operating agreement once you have changed your business name. The information should be up to date so your Arkansas business won’t have any legal problems in the future. Check out the Best Trademark Services in Arkansas to know whether your desired business name is available.

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How to Change a Business Name in Arkansas

Depending on the kind of business entity you have, several processes may be involved in changing your business name in the Arkansas. Here is a detailed explanation of each business structure:

Changing your company name in Arkansas is relatively easy. Before we go into the steps, you should know that some rules must be followed when naming a business in Arkansas. The name conventions may change depending on the type of corporate structure. The business must adhere to the following rules while changing the company name:

  • It should be possible to utilize the name.
  • Any other businesses do not use the name.
  • If the new entity is a limited liability company, the name must include “LLC.“
  • The name should be distinct from any governmental agency or institution, including banks and treasuries.

If you decide to start an LLC, read about the Arkansas Business Name Search to check if your desired business name is available. Let’s now examine the procedures for changing the company name:

It is suggested that you speak with a legal professional before you begin changing your business name. They’ll understand what’s best for you and your company. To have an easy process for naming your LLC, you can alwasy hire the Best LLC Services for your business.

– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Step 1: Choose a New Name For Your Business

You must decide on a new name before officially changing your business name in Arkansas. Conduct thorough research to ensure the new name is unique, memorable, and represents your company’s values and services. You should also ensure that another business in Arkansas does not already use the new name to avoid legal issues and customer confusion.

Some tips for choosing a new business name include:

  • Brainstorm a list of potential names and ask for feedback from friends, family, employees, and customers.
  • Consider the potential impact of the new name on your existing customers, partners, and vendors.
  • Research the availability of relevant domain names and social media handles to ensure a consistent online presence.

Before proceeding with the name change process, ensuring your chosen name is available in Arkansas is essential. You must conduct a name search through the Arkansas Secretary of State Business Entity Search to do this.

If your desired name is already in use or too similar to an existing business name in Arkansas, you must choose another name and repeat the search process. However, you can register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available.  Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for a DBA (doing business as) in Arkansas. In this manner, you can choose any name you desire for your business. A DBA allows a company to operate under the name of the person or entity who owns it. If you have decided to file for a DBA, you can file it in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.

However, before filing a DBA, you should know that you need to renew your DBA for up to Indefinite, which costs $22.50 for filing online, $25 for filing by mail or in-person.

In Arkansas, if you do not wish to file your LLC right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 120 days. You must file a name reservation application with the Arkansas Secretary of State to keep the name. 

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Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Certificate of Amendment

After choosing a new business name in Arkansas, you must begin putting together the Certificate of Amendment as soon as you are prepared with the new Arkansas business name. You must send the following information with the name change form: 

  • Current company name
  • New company name
  • Members’ (LLC) or Shareholders’ signatures (Corporation)
  • Arkansas filing fee for amendments
  • The business’s entity number, as provided by the state of Arkansas
  • Board of Directors expression of approval (for corporations)
  • Details about shares (if applicable)

When registering a new business name with the Arkansas Secretary of State, you must provide the list of information indicated above. Ensure the information you offer for the Amendment corresponds to the initial filing materials. Please do so to avoid the registration being canceled.

Step 3: File the Certificate of Amendment

Once you’ve confirmed that your new business name is available, you must file the necessary paperwork with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office to change your business name officially. This process typically involves filing an amendment to your company’s Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or Certificate of Organization for an LLC, depending on your business structure.

To file the amendment, you’ll need to:

  1. Obtain the appropriate amendment form from the Arkansas Secretary of State.
  2. Fill out the form with the required information, including your current business name, new business name, and any other required details.
  3. Pay the filing fee, which may vary depending on your business structure and Arkansas regulations. In Arkansas, amendment cost is $22.50.
  4. Submit the completed form and payment to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office, either by mail or online, depending on your Arkansas’s filing options.

Once your amendment has been processed and approved, your business name will officially be changed in Arkansas.

Things to do After Filing the Certificate of Amendment

Additional considerations in filing the Certificate of Amendment in Arkansas.

After changing your business name, there are a few additional steps you may need to take:

  • Update your EIN: If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may need to notify the IRS of the name change. You can do this by writing a letter to the IRS or completing and submitting Form 8822-B.
  • Update your Business License: If your business operates with a business license, you must update the license with the new business name. You can do this by filing Arkansas business license and paying an application fee ranging from $50 – $300.
  • Notify the Arkansas Department of Labor and Workforce Development: If your business has employees, you will need to notify the Arkansas Department of Labor and Workforce Development of the name change.
  • Update your Local Tax and Business Registrations: Depending on your local jurisdiction, you may need to update your local tax and business registrations with the new business name.

Why Change Your Business Name?

There are various reasons why a  business owner might want to change their business name. These can include:

  • Rebranding: If your current Arkansas business name no longer reflects your products or services, rebranding can help revitalize your company’s image and attract new customers.
  • Expanding or Refocusing: Your business may have evolved over time, and the original name may no longer accurately represent the scope of your operations.
  • Merger or Acquisition: If your business merges with another company or is acquired, a name change might be necessary to reflect the new owner or combined services.
  • Legal Issues: If your business name infringes on a trademark or is too similar to another company’s name, you may need to change it to avoid legal disputes.
  • Improved Marketability: A new business name in Arkansas can be more memorable, easier to pronounce, or better suited to your target audience.

How Long Does Changing The Business Name Take?

The time it takes to change a business name can vary depending on factors such as the Arkansas’s processing times, the method of submission (online or by mail), and whether all necessary information and fees have been submitted correctly. Generally, once you have submitted the required paperwork and fees to the Arkansas Secretary of State, it can take a few days to several weeks for the name change to be processed and approved.

What Happens If I Don’t Update the Website or Stationery?

If you change your business name in Arkansas but do not update your website, stationery, or other marketing materials, you may face several potential issues:

  • Customer Confusion: Your customers may need clarification about the change in the business name and may not recognize that your company is the same one they have previously done business with. This confusion could lead to a loss of trust and potentially a loss of customers.
  • Inconsistency in Branding: When your business name is inconsistent across all platforms, including your website and stationery, it can negatively impact your brand image. Not updating your marketing materials may make your company appear unprofessional or disorganized, which could harm your reputation.
  • Legal Issues: Depending on Arkansas regulations, you may be legally required to update your marketing materials with your new business name. Failure to do so could result in penalties or fines. Additionally, if you use a trading name or DBA (Doing Business As) name, you may need to register that name separately with the appropriate government authority to avoid legal issues.
  • Communication Problems: Please update your website and stationery with your new Arkansas business name to avoid issues. Clients, vendors, and other partners may not recognize the new name and may not associate it with your company, leading to missed opportunities and potential misunderstandings.

To avoid these potential issues, updating your website, stationery, and all other marketing materials as soon as possible after changing your Arkansas business name is essential. This ensures that your customers know the change, maintains consistency in your branding, and helps prevent legal or communication.

If I Have a Foreign LLC, Can I Change the Name Aside from the Original Name?

Yes, if you have a foreign LLC in Arkansas (a limited liability company formed in one state but doing business in another state), you can change the name of the foreign LLC. 

FAQs

How do I change my business name in Arkansas?
You must file Articles of Amendment with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office to change your business name.
How much does it cost to change a business name in Arkansas?
This varies, but typically the fee is $25 to file Articles of Amendment to change your business name in Arkansas.
How long does it take to change a business name in Arkansas?
It can take up to 10 business days for your change of name to be processed and reflected in the state’s records.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC by filing Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State’s office in Arkansas.
Does changing my business name affect my tax identification number in Arkansas?
No, you will not be issued a new tax identification number if you change your business name in Arkansas.
Can I change my business name on my Arkansas business license using just a Doing Business As (DBA) name?
No, you have to file Articles of Amendment to officially change your business name with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
How do I find out if my proposed business name is available in Arkansas?
You can search the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website to see if your desired business name is already being used by another business in Arkansas.
Can I apply for an Arkansas LLC in a different name than my current business name?
Yes, it is possible to apply for an LLC in Arkansas using a different name for your business.
What is the name availability rule in Arkansas for LLCs?
In Arkansas, your LLC name must be unique and not deceptively similar to any existing business names so as not to cause confusion in the marketplace.
Can I change my business name with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration?
No, you will need to contact the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office to officially change your business name.
How many times can I change my business name in Arkansas?
There are no limits on the number of times you can change your business name in Arkansas, but frequent changes may cause confusion for customers.
Do I need to file new paperwork for any licenses or permits after changing my business name in Arkansas?
It is possible that some permits or licenses may need to be updated to reflect the new business name after filing Articles of Amendment with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Can I use an email address or social media name that’s different from my business name in Arkansas?
Yes, it’s possible to have a different email address or social media name that differs from your business name as long as it doesn’t cause confusion in the marketplace.
Can I change the name of my incorporated business in Arkansas to an already established business name in another state?
No, your business name must be unique to Arkansas in order to be approved by the Secretary of State’s office according to their name availability rule.
Are there any name restrictions for businesses in Arkansas?
Businesses in Arkansas cannot use offensive or inappropriate language in their name, as determined by the Secretary of State.
Can I change my business name to avoid paying debts or legal obligations in Arkansas?
No, changing your business name in Arkansas with that intent is considered fraud and may result in legal consequences.
Do I need to notify customers or vendors after changing my business name in Arkansas?
Yes, it’s good business practice to inform customers and suppliers of the change to avoid confusion or potential problems.
How do I notify the IRS when changing my business name in Arkansas?
You’ll need to update your business name with the IRS bank associated with your tax ID number after officially changing your business name with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Can I trademark my new business name after it’s changed in Arkansas?
Trademarking of your business name is a separate process. It’s advisable to work with a legal professional to determine whether application of trademark protection is possible for your new business name.
Can I include the word ‘Arkansas’ in my business name if I’m not incorporated in Arkansas?
No, businesses not incorporated in Arkansas are not permitted to use ‘Arkansas’ in their business name.
Do I need to provide documentation with the filing of my Articles of Amendment for changing my business name in Arkansas?
No, there is no additional documentation required when filing Articles of Amendment to change other aspects of your name.
Can I change my business name if my company is facing legal troubles in Arkansas?
It is permissible to change your business name in Arkansas if it is not to avoid legal obligations or debt, but it typically wouldn’t have a significant impact in a legal proceeding,
Will my EIN or Employer Identification Number change when I change my business name in Arkansas?
No, your EIN or Employer Identification Number will remain the same, even if you change your business name in Arkansas.
How long do I have to complete the filing process of changing my business name in Arkansas?
Once you start the filing process to change your business name in Arkansas, you cannot take any other corresponding action within 120 days of filing the initial amendment application.
Can another business use my previous business name in Arkansas?
After you have officially changed your business name in Arkansas, other businesses may be permitted to use your old business name provided they meet any state or federal trademark or branding regulations that may apply.
Are there online sites or apps where I can make a “one and done” change to most of my critical business listings, to include my new business name in Arkansas filings, etc.?
Yes, you can use online services to make changes to your business information that go beyond new name filings specifically within the state of Arkansas. Be sure to conduct thorough due diligence and investigation, reading the fine print to confirm the level of promised support.
Does changing my business name impact my sales tax identification number in Arkansas?
Your sales tax identification number remains largely unchanged after changing the name of your business in Arkansas, except for certain scenario stipulated in Article Number 2 of the Arkansas Sales and Use Tax Rules.
How do I ensure that my brand value is retained when I change my business name in Arkansas?
Whenever you change your business name in Arkansas, it’s essential to keep internal and external communication services open and clearly articulate the reasons for the change, resulting in a retention of your audience of customers.
Do I need to file a new business formation document to change my business name in Arkansas?
No, you don’t have to file a new business formation document to change your business name in Arkansas. Just file a Business Name/Adoption Form.
How long does it take the Arkansas Secretary of State to process a business name change?
Processing times vary, but it typically takes around 10 business days for the Arkansas Secretary of State to process a business name change.
Can I reserve a new business name before I change my current business name in Arkansas?
Yes, the Arkansas Secretary of State allows businesses to reserve a new business name before filing the Business Name/Adoption Form to change their current business name.
Will changing my business name affect my taxes in Arkansas?
No, changing your business name won’t affect your taxes in Arkansas.
Can I change my business name online in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your business name online in Arkansas through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
What do I need to include on the Business Name/Adoption Form when changing my business name in Arkansas?
You need to include your current business name, your new business name, the effective date of the name change, and the signature of an authorized representative of the business.
Can I change my business name after I’ve registered my DBA in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your business name after registering your DBA in Arkansas; you just need to follow the same process for changing your business name.
How do I notify the State of Arkansas of my new business name for tax purposes?
You can notify the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration of your new business name by filing a Business Tax Update Form.
Can I change my business name to anything in Arkansas?
No, there are some restrictions on business names in Arkansas. Your business name must not be too similar to an existing business name or violate any trademark or copyright laws.
Do I need to update my business license when I change my business name in Arkansas?
Yes, you need to update your business license with your new business name in Arkansas.
How do I update my business license when I change my business name in Arkansas?
You need to contact your county or city clerk’s office to update your business license when you change your business name in Arkansas.
Will I need a new EIN when I change my business name in Arkansas?
No, you don’t need a new EIN when you change your business name in Arkansas.
Can I change my business name to a name that is already in use in Arkansas?
No, you cannot change your business name to a name that is already in use in Arkansas.
Do I need to update my business bank account when I change my business name in Arkansas?
Yes, you need to update your business bank account with your new business name in Arkansas.
How do I update my business bank account when I change my business name in Arkansas?
You need to contact your bank and provide them with a copy of your Business Name/Adoption Form showing your new business name.
When does my new business name become effective in Arkansas?
Your new business name becomes effective in Arkansas on the date you specify on the Business Name/Adoption Form.
Can I change my business name and address at the same time in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your business name and address at the same time in Arkansas by filing a Business Name/Adoption Form and a Certificate of Address Change.
Can I change my LLC name in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your LLC name in Arkansas by filing a Business Name/Adoption Form with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Can I change my business name before I have officially registered my business in Arkansas?
No, you can’t change your business name before registering your business in Arkansas.
Can I change my business name to a name that no one else is using in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your business name to a name that no one else is using in Arkansas, as long as it meets all other requirements.
Do I need to publish my new business name in Arkansas?
No, you don’t need to publish your new business name in Arkansas.
Can I change my business name to something completely unrelated to my current business in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your business name to something completely unrelated to your current business in Arkansas, as long as it doesn’t violate any laws or regulations.
Do I need to file a new state tax registration when I change my business name in Arkansas?
No, you don’t need to file a new state tax registration when you change your business name in Arkansas.
Can I change my business name more than once in Arkansas?
Yes, you can change your business name more than once in Arkansas, but it will require filing a new Business Name/Adoption Form each time.
Will my business name appear on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website after I change it?
Yes, your new business name will appear on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website after you change it.
What is the penalty for not updating my business name in Arkansas?
Failure to update your business name in Arkansas can result in fines and penalties from the state government.

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Conclusion

Changing your business name in Arkansas can be a strategic decision that helps your company evolve and remain competitive. By following the steps outlined in this guide and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your business name change is completed legally and efficiently. Remember to notify all relevant stakeholders, update your marketing materials, and revise any contracts or agreements to reflect the new business name.

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