Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or any other type of business in New Jersey begins with a crucial step: checking for and reserving your business name. This foundational task is essential for branding, ensuring legal compliance, and ensuring uniqueness in the marketplace.
Step 1: Name Selection
Choosing the right name for your LLC is the first and perhaps most important step in forming your business. In New Jersey, the name of your LLC must be distinguishable from other names already registered with the state and include the phrase "Limited Liability Company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC, L.L.C.).
● Relevance: Choose a name that reflects the nature of your business and is easy to remember.
● Compliance: Ensure the name adheres to New Jersey’s business naming rules, avoiding restricted terms unless you have the necessary licenses (e.g., "Bank," "Lawyer," "University").
● Future-Proof: Consider how the name will grow with your business and whether it’s broad enough to encompass potential future expansions.
Step 2: Conducting a Name Search
Before you can reserve a name, you must ensure it’s available. This involves thoroughly searching through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services or an NJ name search company. When using a business name search tool, enter your desired business name and review the results to ensure no existing business has the same or a similar name. If the name is already taken, you will need to use an alternative. If it’s available, you can move on to the next step.
Step 3: Reserving the Name
Once you’ve established that your chosen name is available, the next step is to reserve it officially. In New Jersey, business name reservations are handled through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Navigate to the New Jersey Division of Revenue's online services or utilize a third-party NJ LLC name search company to reserve a business name. Fill out the required forms, including basic information such as your name, address, and the name you reserve. Note that you’ll be required to pay a reservation fee for this service.
Step 4: Name Reservation Approval
The state will process your application after running an NJ name search and submitting your name reservation request. This usually takes a few business days. Once your name reservation is approved, you will receive a confirmation email or letter from the Division of Revenue. If there are issues with your name reservation (e.g., it’s too similar to another registered name), you may be asked to choose a different name.
Step 5: Planning Next Steps While Waiting for Approval
While waiting for your name reservation approval, you can use this time productively to advance other areas of your business setup. If you haven't already, begin drafting your business plan. Start researching potential markets, suppliers, and marketing strategies. Consider your financing options and start preparing to apply for loans or contact investors if necessary.
Step 6: Finalizing the Business Name
Once your name reservation is approved, you can form your LLC in New Jersey. Incorporate the reserved name into your LLC formation documents, including your Articles of Organization. Submit these documents and the necessary filing fees to the New Jersey Division of Revenue. Once your LLC is officially registered, ensure you renew your name reservation to maintain your claim to the name.
FAQ: How long does an LLC name reservation last in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, an LLC name reservation lasts 120 days from the filing date. The reservation can be extended by re-filing at the end of the 120 days. Alternatively, you can incorporate your business immediately and choose a date for the official formation to take effect.
Ways to Confirm Name Availability and Reserve Business Name
To ensure the availability of your desired business name and proceed with the reservation for your New Jersey LLC, you can perform a search through the New Jersey Division of Revenue’s online database. This platform provides direct access to current registrations and is a quick way to verify name uniqueness. Additionally, employing a public record search company for your NJ LLC name search can offer search services that go beyond basic checks, ensuring that all possible conflicts are identified.
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