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Trade Name Certificate

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Getting a Trade Name Certificate (DBA)

Sometimes sole proprietors and some other types of business owners choose to operate their business under a different name. That's where the "doing business as" option comes in.

Under Connecticut law, anyone who does business under an assumed name (DBA) must file a Trade Name Certificate in the town clerk’s office in the town where their business is being conducted.

Are you interested in a DBA? Some points to remember:

- All people who are authorized to sign on behalf of the business must sign their name on the Trade Name Certificate
- You must get the forms notarized
- You must include a filing fee (currently $10)

If your business is a corporation or an LLC, you must file with the Connecticut Secretary of the State before filing your DBA. The Secretary of the State’s Office offers various information on their website, helpful to anyone considering opening a new business. You must obtain State and Federal Tax Identification Numbers. To contact the Internal Revenue Service for a federal ID Number and to get necessary forms, call (800) 829-1040. For the Connecticut ID number, go to the CT Department of Revenue Services.