Changing Your Business Name

A new chart on the IRS website explains the requirements for sole proprietors, corporations, and partnerships to submit a request to change their business name www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=148089,00.html. In some cases, a name change will require a new employer identification number (EIN) or a final return. Details are available in IRS Publication 1635, "Understanding Your EIN." The following is a brief summary of required actions when you want to change your business name:

Sole Proprietorship:  No amendment on your return is necessary, simply send notification signed by the proprietor or an authorized agent to the address you file your return.

Corporation:  Mark the appropriate name change box on your return when filing for the current year, or, if you have already filed, send notification signed by a corporate office to the address you file your return along with the Articles of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation from the state that authorized the corporation’s name change.

Partnership:  Mark the appropriate name change box on your return when filing for the current year, or, if you have already filed, send notification signed by a partner in the business to the address you file your return along with the Articles of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation from the state that authorized the corporation’s name change.