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 involves an official business name update with the IRS as well as an EIN record update, which ensures the name linked to your existing Employer Identification Number is current. 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 rebra
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 n
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 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 are two primary ways to notify the IRS of your business name change:
1. On Your Next Tax Return
If you are filing a current year return, you can report the change by marking the "Name Change" box on the appropriate form:
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LLCs (Multi-Member) & Partnerships: Mark the box on Form 1065 (Page 1, Line G, Box 3).
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Corporations (C-Corp): Mark the box on Form 1120 (Page 1, Line E, Box 3).
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S-Corporations: Mark the box on Form 1120-S (Page 1, Line H, Box 2).
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LLCs (Single-Member): Since single-member LLCs are typically "disregarded entities" for tax purposes, there is no "name change" box on the Schedule C (Form 1040). You must use the written notice method described below.
2. Written Notification
If you have already filed your return for the current year and don't want to wait until next year, you can send a written notice to the IRS office where you file your returns.
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LLCs and Partnerships: The notice must be signed by a member or partner.
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Corporations: The notice must be signed by a corporate officer.
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Content: Include your old business name, the new business name, your EIN, and a copy of the state-stamped Certificate of Amendment to prove the change is legally effective.
If You Just Received Your EIN
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, 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
Remember: A new EIN is typically not required for a simple name change. You generally only need a new EIN if you change your business structure (e.g., converting from a Sole Proprietorship to a Corporation). For more information about this process, please see
After Changing Your Business Name
When you’ve informed the IRS, business name changes need to be announced to other parties you do business with. It’s a good idea to make a list of all agencies and companies you interact with regularly. Be sure to include:
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State and local tax authorities (including Sales Tax and Unemployment Insurance)
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Banks and financial institutions
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Vendors, suppliers, and service providers
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Insurance companies
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The USPS (to ensure mail service is not interrupted)
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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
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Dorin P said: Tuesday, January 19, 2021Hi! I am writing on behalf of an LLC that recently changed their name and filed the income tax return with the new name. We also got a letter 147C confirming the new name is matched with the EIN. Since we are an online business, I applied for a Stripe payment processor account and their verification process with the IRS database still shows a match between the old company name and the EIN. Is it possible that the IRS database is in fact not updated although we received Letter 147C? Should I inform other partners of the name change in this situation, or wait until it's sorted out? Thank you!
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, January 21, 2021The IRS has been quite delayed in a number of different areas for the past 10 months. We would recommend you call them directly to confirm the change was recorded properly. We can't advise on when to inform your partners, but generally, the IRS can give you a quick response once you're able to get through to them.
Carli S. said: Monday, September 14, 2020I received my EIN from the IRS before checking if the name was available with my state. When filling out the documents, that legal name was not available. I now have two different LLC names, one with the IRS and one with the state of PA - They share the same EIN. How can I update my LLC name with the IRS to match the one approved by the state?
HBS Staff replied: Monday, September 14, 2020In this situation, you will likely only have to inform the IRS of the name change via a mailed letter, but it is best to check with them first. You can find more info and contact details here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/business-name-change.