"How do I find out if my business name is available?"

Today Deej Frankli-Gamble asked, "How do I find out if my business name exists already?"

ANSWER: If you are starting your business as a sole proprietor, all you need to do is check with you State and see if the name is available. Then you file for a DBA otherwise known as a fictitious name with your state. Each state has a filing fee, these are usually minimal. You can find out more about filing a DBA here:

Click here for info on filing a DBA

You can find out more information about your specific state requirements here:

http://www.namingtoolbox.com/incorporate_state.htm

You will probably need to get a state sales tax permit too. You'll need to get that from your state comptroller's office.

Once you have an official DBA name with your state, getting your website name is easy. You're able to do that at one of these places:

DSC Web Domains - 1 year for $14.95
Network Solutions - 1 year for $34.99
Register.com - 1 year for $35

If you're interested in setting up a corporation, you can find info about that here:

http://www.incorporateinfo.com

We wish you great success in your new venture!