How to Change Your Business Name with the IRS
If you’re planning to change your business name, you’ll need to work with the IRS to complete the process. This process will involve an IRS business name change as well as an EIN name change, which involves updating the name on your existing EIN. Keep in mind that when you decide to go through with this process, it’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone knows your company’s new name, including the IRS.
Why Change Your Business Name?
Technically, you can change the name of your LLC or corporation for just about any reason, but a common driver is rebranding. There are a lot of benefits to a strong business name, and a shift in your products or services may call for such a change. You’ll want your customers to know who you are and what you do, so to better reflect the company’s current mission, a new name may be warranted. Another common reason is legal issues, such as a trademark conflict with another company, which often necessitates a name change to avoid a lawsuit. Mergers or acquisitions may also lead to a new name to represent the combined entity. Finally, a business might simply need a more memorable or modern name to stand out from competitors or to attract a wider audience.
Changing Your Business Name
This next section will walk you through the steps to officially change your business name with the IRS. We'll go over the documents you need and the exact forms and addresses to use, helping you ensure a smooth transition and maintain a clear, compliant record with the government. If you've already filed at least one tax return for the entity, there may be a few different ways to notify the IRS of your business name change. Here are a couple of options for each entity type:
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LLCs
On your tax return: If you’ve changed your LLC’s name, report the new name on your next annual tax return (Form 1065 for multi-member, Form 1120 for LLCs taxed as corporations, or Form 1040 Schedule C for single-member LLCs).
Written notice: If your LLC files Form 1065 or Form 1040 Schedule C, you can also send a written notice of the name change to the IRS office where you file. Include your old business name, new business name, EIN, and the signature of an authorized member.
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Corporations
File Form 1120: Report the new name on your next corporate income tax return.
Written notification: Send a letter to the IRS office where you file, including the old and new names, EIN, and an authorized signature.
Articles of amendment: Depending on your state, you may need to file the Articles of Amendment, as the IRS generally requires state confirmation of the change.
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Partnerships
File Form 1065: Report the business name change on Form 1065.
Written notification: Send written notice to the IRS if needed, with the old and new names, EIN, and authorized signature.
Remember, if you have already filed the return for the current year, you do not have to wait until next year to start an IRS business 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.
While filing the appropriate forms is the most common method, you can also 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.
Although it’s rare, changes to business names are sometimes made right after EINs are issued. If you recently received your EIN and have not yet made any tax filings with the IRS, then send your business name change request to: IRS, Stop 6055, Kansas City, MO 64999
Updating the Name on Your Existing EIN
When you change your business name, the IRS keeps your Employer Identification Number (EIN) the same. Instead of issuing a new EIN, the IRS updates the name linked to your EIN in its system. This ensures continuity for tax reporting, payroll, and other federal purposes. While corporations may need to send a letter to the IRS office, most other types of entities will only need to report the new name on their federal tax forms. For more information about this process, please see IRS Publication 1635. Just remember, a new EIN is not required for a name change.
After Changing Your Business Name
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.
At Harvard Business Services, Inc., 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. If you’re unsure about your new company name, you can also use our free Delaware company name search to see what’s available.
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*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 15 comments left for Change Your Business Name with the IRS
Richard Jackson said: Wednesday, September 9, 2020I have a LLC, and PLLC. I want to have the PLLC use the EIN that is for the LLC. How can I do this?
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, September 10, 2020Unfortunately, we do not work with PLLCs and can't advise on them. We recommend contacting a tax professional to assist with this.
Zaha said: Wednesday, August 19, 2020How can I fix my LLC name in IRS. First time I was applying EIN I made spelling mistake. How can I make right?
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, August 19, 2020Please contact our Filings team at filings@delawareinc.com and they can discuss the process of making this correction.
Tynesha Matthews said: Monday, November 11, 2019I need the address and fax number for the entity department for Virginia. I am trying to notify the IRS about a recent LLC name change. Thank you
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, November 12, 2019Here is the page for the Virginia State Corporate Commission: https://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/index.aspx. However, please refer to the article above as far as notifying the IRS.
Suzanne B Pasley said: Tuesday, July 30, 2019
I am the treasurer for a County Joint [2] Candidates Committee for a county seat in the general Election in November We have an EIN. If the name of the Joint Candidates Committee changes [cause one member vacates and another takes his place] does the name change of the Joint Candidates Committee necessitate getting a new EIN number. If not, what is mechanism for reporting the name change. Note this is political organization non-profit.. And typically no federal returns are required. Our bank says if no EIN number is necessary, they need some confirmation of IRS notification or amendment to the EIN information Thank you,.
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, August 6, 2019An exempt organization that has changed its name must report the change on its next annual return (such as Form 990 or 990-EZ). An organization that does not file an annual return (for example, an organization that instead files Form 990-N, the e-Postcard), or an organization that is required to e-File its return, may report the change of name by letter or fax (not by phone) to:
Fax: 855-241-7520
Certified Mail: Internal Revenue Service
91973 North Rulon White Blvd.
Attn: EO Entity
Postal Mail Stop: 6273
Ogden, Utah, 84404
The letter or fax reporting the change of name must include your organization’s
- full name (both the prior name and the new name)
- Employer Identification Number and
- authorized signature (an officer or trustee)
The individual signing the letter must state the capacity in which he or she is signing (for example, “John Smith, President”).
Cheng Han Tan said: Wednesday, July 24, 2019We are UK Company and have registered as [removed] with IRS. Our Company Name has changed to [removed]. I was wondering how do I change our company name in IRS System?
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, July 24, 2019Cheng, here are the details from the article above on your oprtions for changing your business name with the IRS. Please contact us by phone, email or live chat if you have additional questions.
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.
2. If you have already filed the return for the current year, you do not have to wait until next year to change your LLC or corporation name with the IRS. 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.
Deliver a filed copy of this Certificate of Amendment, along with a letter informing the IRS of the company 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.