Filing services
Dappr provides a range of business filing and compliance services, starting with the formation service that is included in all subscriptions.
DBA (Doing-Business-As)
A DBA (Doing Business As) is a trade name that a business uses to conduct operations under a name other than its legal name. It is also known as an "assumed name," "fictitious name," or "trade name." A DBA allows a business to operate under a name that is different from its registered, legal name for branding or marketing purposes, while still being accountable for legal and tax obligations under its legal name. In most cases, registering a DBA is a requirement of the state government.
A DBA is typically used by sole proprietors, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) that want to operate under a name different from their legal name. It may also be useful for individuals who want to start a side business using a different name. In general, anyone who wants to conduct business under a name other than their personal or legal name may consider obtaining a DBA.
However, it is important to note that the specific rules and requirements for obtaining a DBA can vary by jurisdiction, and it is advisable to consult with a legal professional or the relevant government agency to determine if a DBA is necessary or appropriate in a particular case.
Dappr is only providing DBA filing services to businesses on our platform, and does not file DBAs for sole proprietors.
Risk of operating without a DBA
If a DBA (Doing Business As) is required to be filed and is not, the consequences can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but some common consequences include:
Monetary fines: Some jurisdictions impose fines for failing to file a DBA, which can range from a small amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Legal action: If a third party is harmed as a result of a failure to file a DBA, they may take legal action against the business.
Inability to conduct business: Some jurisdictions may prevent the business from operating under the unregistered DBA.
Loss of personal liability protection: Failing to file a DBA can also put the owner's personal assets at risk in the event of a lawsuit.
Overall, not filing a required DBA can have significant legal and financial consequences, so it's important to make sure to comply with the relevant regulations.
Costs and processing
The costs for filing a DBA varies by jurisdiction. Dappr provides filing in all 50 states. Most states charge a filing fee. Processing can also vary by jurisdiction.
Foreign Qualification
Foreign Qualification is a legal process a company goes through to do business in a state different from where it was originally formed. This process gives your business the legal permission it needs to operate outside its home state.
Why get a foreign qualification?
When your business plans to have a significant presence in another state, such as setting up an office or store, hiring employees, or frequently doing business, it will need a Foreign Qualification. This ensures your business complies with the new state's laws, can legally enforce contracts, and meets any requirements for local business licenses or opening a business bank account.
How to get a foreign qualification
At Dappr, we make Foreign Qualification simpler for you. When our platform indicates that your business activities might require a Foreign Qualification, we will notify you. If you decide to proceed, we manage the filing process for you. This service is available for a fee of $149, plus any state-specific filing fees. By letting Dappr handle the filing process, you can focus on your business expansion with less worry about the paperwork.
Entity Type Conversion
Conversion is a legal process that allows a business to change its entity type. For instance, if your business initially started as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you might decide to convert it into a C-corporation. This process involves adjusting the legal and operational structure of your business to align with the requirements of the new entity type.
Why you might need to convert
There are various reasons why a business might need to convert its entity type. Perhaps your business's needs have evolved, and a different business structure could provide better benefits, like enhanced fundraising capabilities or tax advantages. For example, some businesses convert from an LLC to a C-corporation when they plan to raise venture capital or go public, as these activities are typically easier for corporations. However, it's important to understand that each business structure has its own pros and cons, and the decision to convert should be made in consultation with legal and financial advisors.
How conversion works
The conversion process varies depending on the original and new business entity types and the specific state laws. Generally, it involves preparing and filing certain documents, such as a Plan of Conversion and Articles of Conversion, with the state's Secretary of State office. It may also require the approval of the business's owners or shareholders.
At Dappr, we can assist you in managing the conversion process, helping you to prepare the necessary documents, and ensuring you meet all the legal requirements. By taking advantage of our conversion service, you can confidently transition to a new business entity type and position your business for its next stage of growth.
Amendment to Articles
An Amendment to Articles of Organization or Incorporation is a formal change made to the initial documents filed when you created your LLC or Corporation. These are important documents that detail key aspects of your business, like its name, purpose, and information about its shares, if it's a corporation.
Why you might need an amendment
There are many reasons you might need to amend these Articles. You might want to change your company's name, alter its purpose, change the number of authorized shares, or update the address of your registered office. Any significant change to the information originally filed in the Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a Corporation) typically needs to be reported to the state through an Amendment.
How to file an amendment
To make an amendment, you generally need to file a document—often called a Certificate of Amendment or Articles of Amendment—with the state where your business is registered. This document will list the changes you're making. Depending on the type of change and the state laws, you might also need approval from your company's members or shareholders.
At Dappr, we can help with this process. We make it easier for you to prepare and file the amendment, ensuring your business records stay up-to-date and your company remains in good standing with the state.
Business Dissolution
Business dissolution is the official process of closing down a business. It involves more than just ceasing operations or closing the doors of your shop. It's a legal procedure that includes notifying the state where your business is registered that you're ending the business.
Why you might need to dissolve your business
If your business is no longer operating or if you've decided to stop doing business for any reason, it's important to officially dissolve the business. Failing to properly dissolve a business could lead to ongoing responsibilities, such as annual report filings or taxes. Dissolution helps to eliminate these future obligations and potential liabilities.
How to dissolve a business
The dissolution process involves various steps such as settling any remaining business debts, handling remaining business assets, and filing a dissolution document (often called Articles of Dissolution) with the state. These steps are necessary to ensure your business is closed properly and all obligations are fulfilled.
At Dappr, we help you navigate this process by guiding you through the necessary steps and helping you prepare and file the dissolution document with the state. Our aim is to make this process as straightforward as possible, ensuring your business ends on a clear and compliant note.
Business Merger
A business merger is a process in which two or more businesses combine to form a single, new business entity. Mergers are strategic tools businesses use to achieve various objectives like expanding their market reach, diversifying product offerings, or increasing operational efficiency.
Why you might need a merger
Mergers can bring several advantages. For instance, combining resources with another business can help your company grow more quickly, gain access to new markets or customers, or acquire new capabilities or technologies. However, the decision to merge should be made after careful consideration and consultation with business advisors, as mergers involve significant changes and potential challenges.
How to merge businesses
The merger process involves numerous steps, including due diligence, negotiation of terms, preparation of a Plan of Merger, and approval by the owners or shareholders of each business. The Plan of Merger, along with other documents, is filed with the state, which, upon approval, results in the creation of the new, merged entity.
Dappr can assist you through this complex process. We offer services to help you manage the paperwork and ensure compliance with all the legal requirements associated with a merger. This support can help streamline the merger process, allowing you to focus on the strategic aspects of your business combination.
Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status, is a document provided by the state where your business is registered. It certifies that your business is legally registered, has met all its state-required obligations, and is authorized to do business.
When you might need a Certificate of Good Standing
There are many situations where you might need a Certificate of Good Standing. It's often required when you're applying for business loans, seeking investors, renewing certain licenses or permits, or registering your business in a new state. It provides proof that your business is legitimate, compliant with state laws, and in good financial standing.
How to get a Certificate of Good Standing
Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing involves requesting it from the state where your business is registered, typically the Secretary of State's office. The state will then verify that your business is up-to-date with its requirements, such as filed annual reports and paid taxes, before issuing the certificate.
At Dappr, we can handle this process for you, saving you time and effort. We request and obtain your Certificate of Good Standing, ensuring you have this important document when you need it.
Formation Documents
A certified copy of formation documents is an official copy of the original documents you filed to create your business entity. These documents include the Articles of Organization for LLCs or Articles of Incorporation for Corporations. The copy is certified as true and accurate by the Secretary of State or the equivalent state agency where your business was formed.
When you might need a certified copy of formation documents
Certified copies of formation documents are often required in business transactions to prove that your business is legally formed and recognized by the state. You might need them when opening a business bank account, seeking business financing, buying insurance, or entering into contracts or agreements. These documents can also be useful for your own records to confirm the information initially filed with the state.
How to get a certified copy of formation documents
To get a certified copy of your formation documents, you must request it from the state agency where your business was formed. They will provide an official copy that bears a state seal or some form of certification to indicate its authenticity.
Dappr can help you with this process. We facilitate the request for certified copies of your formation documents, ensuring that you have this critical documentation when you need it. By taking care of this task, we allow you to focus more on your core business activities.
Business License Report
A Business License Report is a comprehensive document that details all the licenses, permits, and tax registrations your business needs to operate legally. These requirements can vary greatly based on your business type, location, and industry. The report is customized to your specific business and provides detailed information about each requirement.
Why you should get a business license report
Understanding the licenses and permits your business needs is crucial to maintaining legal compliance. Operating without the necessary licenses could result in penalties, fines, or even closure of your business. A Business License Report provides you with a clear picture of what's required for your business, helping you to avoid these issues.
How to get a business license report
At Dappr, we can generate a custom Business License Report for your business. We research and compile all the license, permit, and tax registration requirements applicable to your business. The resulting report includes detailed information about each requirement, including associated costs, filing instructions, and renewal information. This helps you navigate the often complex world of business licensing and maintain compliance with ease.
The Business License Report is available as an add-on purchase during the business formation process. You can also purchase a report after forming the company from your Business Records page in your Dappr account.
FinCEN BOI Filing
Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), certain U.S. and foreign entities are now required to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This initiative aims to enhance transparency and combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing. The BOI filing mandates the disclosure of information about individuals who own, control, or significantly influence the reporting entity.
Who Needs to File?
The BOI filing requirement applies to corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities registered or doing business in the United States, unless they qualify for specific exemptions. The key information required includes the names, addresses, dates of birth, and identification numbers (e.g., passport or driver's license number) of the beneficial owners.
Our Filing Service
Understanding the complexity and the importance of compliance with these new regulations, we offer a streamlined service to assist business owners in fulfilling their BOI filing obligations. For a one-time fee of $59, our dedicated team will manage the entire filing process on your behalf.
Annual Report
Navigating the intricacies of business compliance can be challenging, but with Dappr’s Annual Report Filing service, maintaining good standing with your state of formation has never been easier. This service is designed to help businesses meet their annual reporting requirements efficiently and accurately, ensuring they remain compliant with state regulations and avoid potential penalties or legal complications.
What is an Annual Report?
An annual report is a mandatory submission to state authorities that summarizes a company’s activities, financial performance, and compliance status over the previous year. This report serves several purposes: it keeps the state updated on the company’s current business activities and management structure, and ensures that the company’s public record contains up-to-date information. Filing an annual report is crucial as it helps maintain the company’s good standing in the state of formation—a key factor that can influence its ability to conduct business, secure financing, and expand.
What details are included in the report varies from state to state. With our service, Dappr will ensure that the report is filed accurately and on time.
Who Needs to File?
Generally, all registered business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), nonprofits, and partnerships are required to file annual reports in the states where they are registered to do business. The requirement to file an annual report applies whether the business is actively engaged in commerce or not. Failing to file an annual report can lead to penalties, including fines and the possible administrative dissolution of the business. It’s essential for business owners to understand their filing obligations to ensure uninterrupted operation and legal compliance.
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