Family LLC

by LQ
(Atlanta)

We have created a family LLC to operate several businesses from and wonder if we need to file DBA's for each separate business?

Answer

If all the businesses are owned by the single LLC, but each want to operate under different names, then yes, you'll have to file DBAs for each business.

A DBA must be used anytime a business uses a different name with the public than its official, registered name. So if you have the Smith Family Enterprises, LLC, and it owns Smith Plumbing and Smith Roofing and Smith Insurance, then you'll need a DBA for each of the Smith Plumbing, Roofing and Insurance companies.

Unless you want to stop using the name Smith Plumbing, and instead go by your new official LLC name, Smith Family Enterprises. However, there are the obvious marketing downsides to using such a name, so you'll probably want to file your DBAs.