Changing the name of a Florida business requires a couple steps, including reaching out to the Secretary of State and the IRS. Here’s what you need to know:
Can I change the name of my business in Florida?
Yes. To change the name of your business, you must amend your articles of organization, or articles of incorporation. The process is the same, whether you’re a corporation or an LLC; however, the forms used by corporations and LLCs are different.
How do I file articles of amendment in Florida?
To file an amendment for a Florida Corporation, you’ll need to fill-out Florida’s Articles of Amendment – Profit Corporation form. (If your corporation is a nonprofit, use Florida’s Articles of Amendment – Not for Profit Corporation form.) The fee for both profit and nonprofit corporations is $35.
To file an amendment for a Florida LLC, you’ll need to fill-out Florida’s Articles of Amendment – LLC form, and pay the associated $25 filing fee.
Where do I submit FL articles of amendment?
Though Florida processes many filings online, Florida articles of amendment can only be submitted via mail or in person:
Mailing Address:
Amendment Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Street Address:
Amendment Section
Division of Corporations
The Centre of Tallahassee
2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Do I have to alert the IRS of my name change?
Yes. While you won’t need to file for a new EIN for your company, you will need to let the IRS know that the name of the business they have on file with your EIN has changed. According to the IRS, you can make this change when filing your tax return:
- Corporations: Mark the appropriate name change box on Form 1120 (Page 1, Line E, Box 3), or Form 1120-S (Page 1, Line H, Box 2).
- LLCs: If you file Form 1065, include your new name in the name change box (Page 1, Line G, Box 3)
If you’ve already filed taxes for the year (or are a sole proprietor who files for your business on your personal tax return), you must write to the IRS to inform them of your name change using the address where you filed your return.