Not only naming your company comes with certain rules. It is also important to mention your full company name in some cases.
Sometimes this is even required by law. Sometimes it's just to make sure the person seeing it knows it's a registered business he can trust.
Writing LLC on business cards is mostly recommended, but obviously, “LLC” doesn’t need to be written everywhere. It is, for instance, quite common not to have an LLC in the logo.
Do I need to mention LLC on my business card?
Yes, a business name is recommended to include “limited liability company,” “Company,” or “Limited” on the business card. If you don’t include the word “LLC” or “Inc.” on the business card, it can be problematic. For example, a business card with only the company name might trigger unintended repercussions for the company.
LLC Business Card Examples:
- Location of LLC: Most attorneys recommend including the full legal name indicating the business is a registered legal entity. From a legal perspective, when you use the full business name, it indicates that the company is an LLC.
- LLC and Logos: Some attorneys claim that including the LLC as a designator is being used on everything, especially the logo. But that is *not* a requirement, naysayers may claim including the LLC designation with the logo may be purely aesthetic or marketing strategy.
What is a DBA?
DBA means “doing business as” by definition. DBA can be your business’s assumed, trade, or fictitious name. Using an LLC and DBA name means they can be different or the same. Both DBA and LLC names permit you to do business under a specific name as well. But it is important to realize that an LLC is a business structure, and a DBA is merely a registered nickname for an established business.
An LLC is a separate legal entity with or without a DBA business name. A DBA is not a separate legal entity but can be if registered. In conclusion, a company can operate with another name than the one listed.
DBA vs. LLC
A DBA does not replace an LLC. Also, when a business owner uses an LLC then a DBA is not required. The reasons to use a DBA or LLC are different.
You can use a DBA over LLC for various reasons depending on your need. For example, it could be tax reasons or based on how many people your business employs, or if a company wants to be able to trade on the open market.
In summary, using a DBA compared to an LLC may not be a replacement. Using a DBA may be better from a marketing standpoint. If you need to use an LLC and a DBA, it is possible to operate numerous DBAs under a sole LLC. In the end, you need to use an LLC.
What are the allowed forms to write LLC?
LLC forms can include the different ways you can set up your LLC. Every LLC is different depending on your business needs. Each LLC can be listed according to each business and state law as well.
In general, a company’s name and words for designation like “limited liability company,” as well as abbreviations like
- LLC
- LLC Limited
- L.L.C.
- Ltd.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
In what other cases do I need to mention LLC in my company name
Whether you are doing a contract, invoice, contract, legal record, tax return, or other documents, you need to include “LLC.” In general, every state has its own requirements. Usually, most LLC requirements are similar and vary minimally. However, LLC needs to be stated and included in the following:
- invoices
- contracts
- leases
- legal records
- tax returns
- letterhead
- official documents
In what cases do I not have to use LLC?
A logo card is not a requirement for using LLC within the name. Using an LLC is recommended in many places for your business's trustworthiness and merit. However, here are the exceptions that show how effective an LLC can be.
When a business name is not so memorable than an LLC helps. Because it makes it easier for customers to remember it. A logo and LLC are best when they need your services or products.
- Logo on Product
- Banner on Your Store
- Logo on Your Website
- Business Cards
- Correspondence
It is best to include the LLC in your forward-facing customer or client correspondence. Thus, logos and more are strongly recommended for an LLC. Deciding not to use your logo makes things more problematic. Therefore, it is best to include an LLC instead of your full legal name.
Additional requirements when writing your LLC name
When listing an LLC, there is no legal rule for showing it. However, consider punctuation when naming your business.
You need to use the letters “L” and “L” and “C” after your company’s name. Other versions of including LLC in a logo include a comma after the company name and then “LLC”.
Comma before LLC: There is no rule, so you can add a comma before LLC. up to you. So, a comma between the title of your business and the corporation or LLC designator is fine.
Period after LLC: In regards to period or any punctuation placement, there is no firm rule. So, when it comes to placing a period after the letters LLC you have options.
Consistency with LLC: Consistency when using a company name is key. For example, if you decide to include a comma, then it needs to be used in everything going forward. In summary, everything listed with this LLC, like filings, paperwork, and documents, needs to be consistent.
You can put a period after each letter, after the last letter, or you can decide to include or leave out the period. In terms of what is accepted, each option is grammatically correct.
Advantages of Showing LLC in a Business
Using the "LLC" or LLC designator for your business name is greatly beneficial. Why? This means that future clients and the public have seen that a business has taken the steps to register an LLC.
Using an LLC in a business ensures and alerts people that a company is a distinct legal entity. In conclusion, legally, the LLC makes clear that anyone is dealing with a business entity and not with you personally.