How to Change Your Business Name with the IRS

If you have recently changed the name of your LLC or corporation, you’ll need to know how to execute an IRS business name change, as well as an EIN name change. It’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone knows your company’s new name, including the IRS. 

Under most circumstances, changing your business name with the IRS will not require a new EIN—though it will require an EIN name change. To make this determination, see IRS Publication 1635.

Although it’s rare, sometimes changes to business names are made right after EINs are issued. If you recently received your EIN and have not made any tax filings with the IRS, then send your business name change request to: IRS, Stop 6055, Kansas City, MO 64999

If you've already filed a tax return for the entity, there are two ways to notify the IRS of your LLC’s business name change

1. When filing a current year tax return, you can change your business name with the IRS by checking the name change box on the entity’s respective form:

• Corporations – Form 1120, Page 1, Line E, Box 3
• S-Corporation – Form 1120S, Page, 1, Line H, Box 2
• LLC (sole member) – cannot update name by filing return; must use Option 2.
• LLC (multi member) - Form 1065, Page 1, Line G, Box 3

2. If you have already filed the return for the current year, you do not have to wait until next year to start an IRS name change for your LLC or corporation. Changing the name of an LLC or corporation typically requires a Certificate of Amendment to be filed with the state or country where the business entity was originally formed.
3. Deliver a filed copy of this Certificate of Amendment, along with a letter informing the IRS of the business name change, to the address where you filed your return. Corporations must have the letter signed by a corporate officer while LLCs must have the letter signed by a member.

When you’ve informed the IRS, business name changes need to be announced to other companies you do business with, too. 

It’s a good idea to make a list of all the other agencies and companies that you do business with on a regular basis; be sure to include all state and local tax authorities, vendors, suppliers, service companies and banks. 

This will help keep you organized during the transition and make sure your mail service is not interrupted. Remember, It’s your responsibility to make sure everyone is on the same page in this new chapter of your company, including the IRS.

We can help you file a Certificate of Amendment if you would like to change the name of your LLC or corporation. Call us at 1-800-345-CORP if you are thinking about changing your LLC or corporation name.