Follow this comprehensive guide and read all the information you need to register A business name.
Do I Have To Register A Business Name?
The registration of a business name is obligatory whenever an individual, partnership (composed of individuals or corporate bodies, or a combination of both), or any corporate body conducts business under a name other than their true legal names. The primary purpose of registration is to publicly disclose the identities of those individuals, partnerships, or corporate entities that stand behind the business name.
Specifically, the registration of a business name is required in the following situations:
- When an individual uses a business name that differs in any way from their true surname. This requirement applies regardless of whether the individual’s first name or initials are included. For instance, if Mr. Joe McCarthy trades as “McCarthy Builders,” registration is necessary. However, if he trades as “McCarthy” or “Joe McCarthy,” registration is not required.
- When a partnership uses a business name that differs in any way from the true names of all individual partners and the corporate names of all corporate partners.
- When a company uses a business name that differs in any way from its full corporate name.
- When a person with a place of business in the State engages in the business of publishing a newspaper.
Why Register A Business Name?
- Sole Traders typically opt for business names to avoid trading under their personal names. Establishing a brand with potential for expansion could be impeded without a distinct business name.
- Limited Companies commonly adopt business names when their desired company name is unavailable through the CRO (Companies Registration Office). Additionally, companies may register business names for separate divisions when they operate multiple businesses under one entity.
Who Needs To Register A Business Name?
- When it comes to registering business names, there are distinct processes for Sole Traders and Limited Companies. Here’s what you need to know:
Sole Trader:
Sole Traders, who prefer not to trade under their own legal name, can register a business name with the CRO (Companies Registration Office). have the flexibility to choose any business name, as long as it adheres to the CRO’s business name guidelines. It’s important to note that registering a business name does not equate to registering the entire business; these are separate processes.
Limited Company:
Limited Companies already possess a company name, but they can also register an additional business name or a “trading as (T/A)” name to operate under a different identity. If a Sole Trader switches to a Limited Company and already has a registered business name, the business name needs to be deregistered under the Sole Trader entity and registered again under the Limited Company.
Process of Registering The Name
Registering a business name is a simple and easy process but it is imperative it is done correctly to ensure accuracy and efficiency. This is why we always recommend using a professional agent to do so. This service is registered through the companies registration office. Forms RBN1 (Individual) , RBNA (partnership) OR RBN1B (body corporate) will have to be filled in and submitted. Here at Irish Formations we can handle all of the paperwork and filings needed to register a business name.
In order for us to do this we will require some information.
- Your chosen business name
- The nature of the business
- The intended place of business
- Date of business name registration
- Alternative business name
- It is important that all of this information given is in compliance with the CRO guidelines and that everything is done up to standard.
CRO Guidelines:
Important points to consider when submitting an application:
- Certain words are not allowed in a business name, including “limited,” “ltd,” “teoranta,” “teo,” “incorporated,” “inc.,” or “company.”
- Ownership of a business name cannot be transferred using form RBN2. The current owner must fill out an RBN3 to cease trading under that name. The new owner must complete an RBN1 to register the business name under their own name.
- Registering business names ending with domain name suffixes like “.ie,” “.com,” “.net,” or prefixes like “www” is considered undesirable under section 14(1) of the Registration of Business Names Act 1963. Proof of domain name ownership is required for such applications, and you can upload it along with the letter of no objection on the online form.
- The use of the words “Associates” or “Group” in a business name implies multiple individuals or a partnership. These words cannot be used in the name for an individual application (RBN1).
How Long Does It Take?
- The registration of a business name may take up to 4 weeks, and possibly longer during peak periods. The entire process is conducted online, and the business name holder must sign the necessary paperwork before submission to the CRO (Companies Registration Office).
- By outsourcing to a professional firm, such as Irish Formations, all the paperwork will be taken care of on your behalf. You only need to complete your client profile and sign the required documents.
Ready To Register Your Business Name?
If you have read everything above and understand the process of registering a business name then contact us now. If you still have some questions a member of our team would be happy to talk you through it. Here at Irish Formations we are experts on company formation and all that goes with it. Get in touch today to register your business name.
