Planning to start a business in Pennsylvania? If so, you’ll need a business name.
In the Keystone State, no two businesses can have the same name. Even if you’ve had a name in mind for years, if it’s already in use, you can’t use the name.
To check on business name availability, most states – including Pennsylvania – have a search tool on their government website. You can use that tool to search for the name you want. If there’s already a business in the state with that given name, you’ll need to think of another business name.
We’ll explain how a business search works and provide some tidbits and tips to get your LLC off the ground in Pennsylvania.
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How to check business name availability in Pennsylvania
As mentioned, you can’t just pick any name for a Pennsylvania business. It must be unique and available. How do you find out if a certain name is available? Here’s how:
1. Go to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State website
There’s an easy-to-use search tool on the Pennsylvania Secretary of State website that you can use to check name availability.
2. Enter keywords
Next, just enter your desired name in the search bar.
You can refine the search terms by selecting from the drop-down menu to the right of the search bar. If you have a particular name in mind, select “exact” to see if there are businesses with that exact name.
Also, check the box to the right of the drop-down menu for “only active corporations.” This will prevent the search from bringing up names that were in use in the past but belonged to businesses that are no longer active. If your desired business name was once in use but is no longer, you will likely be able to use it.
3. Run the search
Next, just click ‘Search’ to see a list of matches. If there’s an exact match that is currently in use, the name is not available. If there’s no match, you’re in luck, you can use that name.
If you’ve entered a name that’s in use, you’ll need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new idea. Since no two businesses in the state can have the same name, you need to come up with something new.
Making a small change to the name won’t work either. Every business name must be 100% unique.
4. Consider reserving a name
After running a Pennsylvania business name search, you have two options: You can reserve a name or you can register the name. You should reserve the name if you aren’t planning to set up the business immediately.
Pennsylvania allows business owners to reserve a name for 120 days for $70.
To do so, you’ll fill out a quick form linked above and provide the payment.
Again, you don’t need to reserve a name if you plan to officially set up your business with the state of [Pennsylvania], but if you’re just doing some homework and plan to set up your business later, reserve the name now so it’s not taken when you’re ready.
5. Check domain name availability
We created a tool that makes it easy.
How to name your Pennsylvania business
Now that you know a little more about the business landscape in the state, it’s time to start generating a list of names for your business. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Write down basic details about your business
Start by creating a verbal picture of your business. Think about what your business will offer and who it will serve. Will you sell a specific product or service? Who’s going to buy it? Jot down a few details about your company as a starting point.
Next, start creating a list of adjectives that describe your business. Think in terms of keywords. What keywords would your customer use to find the product or service that you offer? Write them down.
2. Stay away from initials and hard-to-say words
There are plenty of businesses that include initials, like A&J Plumbing, but consider upping your game with something a bit more creative and descriptive.
The same goes for names that are hard to say. If your last name is Stackowaski, for example, it’s not conducive to a business name because it’s too hard to pronounce.
3. Don’t pigeon-hole your business
Be careful not to select a name that limits your company’s potential growth. Think about where your business will be in five, ten, even twenty years, and take that into consideration when creating a name.
A company named Bob’s Bargain Books, for example, is a good name, but what if they plan to sell vintage records and cassettes down the road? The name only refers to books, so when vintage music is added people won’t associate it with the store.
4. Consider using a name generator
At this point, you probably have a list of a few ideas. Rather than brainstorm a bunch of different combinations, why not try a name generator? You simply enter a few of the adjectives that you came up with into the search bar and you’ll get a list of possible names.
Name generators can take some of the hassles out of creating a name. Most name generators will only show you available names too, which is helpful.
Check out some of Namechk’s name generators below:
What kind of business structure is right for your Pennsylvania company?
As you research available business names in Pennsylvania, you’ll also want to think about what kind of business you want to establish. There are a handful of options to choose from, but some of the most common are Sole proprietorship and LLC.
- A sole proprietorship is ideal for small businesses with no employees that want to test their business out. There’s virtually no paperwork to set up this kind of business, which is a plus. However, a sole proprietorship is not a separate business entity, which means you’re financially and legally responsible for any problems that might arise.
- An LLC, or limited liability company, provides a certain amount of liability protection. Your personal assets and your business are separate with this business structure, which means if the business is sued or goes bankrupt, you will not be forced to use your personal cash reserves to bail the business out.
Steps to register your Pennsylvania business
Ready to set up your business in PA? Here’s what you do:
1. File your Articles of Organization
Visit the Pennsylvania Secretary of State website and fill out the Articles of Organization. To fill this out, you’ll need to have an available business name, address, and contact information.
2. Name a registered agent
You’ll also need to name a registered agent. A registered agent is the point-person for your company who will receive important documents like tax notices or legal documents.
A registered agent must be trustworthy and be available during regular business hours when documents are delivered. The business owner can serve as the registered agent in [Pennsylvania], or another person or company can be named.
You might decide to name your accountant or co-founder, for example. You can also hire a registered agent service to serve in this role. Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Bizee are a few examples. These companies will receive documents on your behalf and notify you of their arrival.
3. Pay the filing fee
Every state charges a filing fee to file LLC formation documents with the government. In Pennsylvania, the cost is $125.
4. Wait for approval
Pennsylvania will review your application and typically provides approvals within five business days. Once approved, your business is officially set up.
Our picks of the best registered agent services
Pennsylvania small business facts
Before you start considering business name availability in Pennsylvania, take a look at these small business statistics from the U.S. Business Administration:
- Pennsylvania small businesses employed 2.5 million people, or 46.2% of the private workforce, in 2017.
- The number of proprietors increased in 2018 by 3.1% relative to the previous year.
- Small businesses created 57,377 net jobs in 2019. Firms employing fewer than 20 employees experienced the largest gains, adding 34,585 net jobs. The smallest gains were in firms employing 100 to 499 employees, which added 9,417 net jobs.
- In the fourth quarter of 2019, Pennsylvania grew at an annual rate of 2.1%, which was the same as the overall US growth rate. Pennsylvania’s 2019 overall growth rate of 2.3% was down from the 2018 rate of 2.6%.
- Private-sector employment decreased 19.2% during the 12-month period ending in April 2020. This was below the increase of 1.1% during the prior 12-month period.
- In April 2020, the unemployment rate was 15.1%, up from 4.1% in April 2019. This was above the April 2020 national unemployment rate of 14.7%.
- Firms with 20 to 99 employees have the largest share of small business employment. Figure 1 provides further details on firms with employees.
- The median income for self–employed individuals at their own incorporated businesses was $52,181 in 2018. For self–employed individuals at their own unincorporated firms, median income was $26,744.
FAQs
To further help entrepreneurs, check out these frequently asked questions about starting a business in Pennsylvania:
Why is it so important to check on business name availability?
Pennsylvania will not allow two businesses in the state to have the same name. There are many reasons for this, but at its core, it’s to avoid any confusion. For example, if someone plans to sue Bob’s Fruit Stand and there are two of these companies in the state, things can get complicated quickly.
All businesses must have a unique name. And, you can’t just add a hyphen to a name to make it different. Each name must be “distinguishingly different.”
Does Pennsylvania require an annual LLC tax?
No. When it comes to income taxes, most LLCs are so-called pass-through tax entities. In other words, the responsibility for paying federal income taxes passes through the LLC itself and falls on the individual LLC members. In most states, LLCs themselves do not pay income taxes, only their members do.
Does Pennsylvania require an operating agreement?
No. The state of Pennsylvania does not require an operating agreement. However, it is recommended that you have one in place in the event of any legal issues. You will be better prepared to handle any legal difficulties and will present your business with a more professional appearance by already having an operating agreement in place.
How should you register for a sales tax number?
If you sell tangible personal property or provide certain fabrication, rental, or other particular services, you must obtain a sales tax identification number, also known as a seller’s certificate, from the State of Pennsylvania.
To obtain the appropriate forms you may visit the Pennsylvania Revenue Services website. You can also reach them by phone at (717) 787-1064.
If wholesalers and retailers are reselling your product(s), you would not charge sales tax but would provide them your sales tax number for a resale certificate.
How should you register as an employer?
If you will have employees, you must register as an employer. To do so, you need to obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). You must also register for state income tax withholding and for unemployment contributions by filing the Application for Tax Registration.
How can you get your Employee Identification Number (EIN)?
You will need to apply for this number through the IRS. They provide detailed instructions for the application process on their website.
Are there financial assistance programs for startups in PA?
Yes. There are a variety of options available for new businesses in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has an up-to-date list of assistance programs.
How can you dissolve a business in Pennsylvania?
While you’re focused on starting a business, it’s a good idea to know what to do in the event that something comes up and you need to close. To dissolve a business in Pennsylvania, fill out the Certificate of Dissolution form. You’ll also need to pay a processing fee of $70. If a business isn’t dissolved, the owner is still responsible for filing the annual report and paying the filing fee until it is dissolved.
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