DBA Review
The purpose of filing for a DBA (Doing Business As) form with state and local governments is so you can conduct business under a company name rather than your own name.
Pros: When a new business is established it is necessary for the people who own the business to acquire a DBA (Doing Business As) form and file it with the correct government entities in order that they can legally conduct business under a business name (i.e. John’s Leaky Muffler Shop rather than just John Doe). Bank accounts can’t be established under a business name until a DBA is obtained and certain tax forms need to be filed for a business which does not apply to an individual tax payer.
When establishing a new business there are several legal forms that need to be completed and filed. Legal Zoom can help with all of the forms that are required and supply the forms and the service at a much, much lower cost than would be charged by an attorney. For an attorney to file a DBA for you, the usual cost is about $684. You can use Legal Zoom and do the very same thing for only $99 and state fees. The state fees are usually very low. In Texas for example the state fee is $20 and in New York the fee is $120.
Cons: A DBA can be obtained by individuals at county courthouses for less money.
Guarantee: The 100% guarantee of satisfaction as stated in part on the website says, “We strive to be the best legal documentation service on the web. If you are not satisfied with our services for any reason, please contact us immediately and we will either correct the situation or provide a refund, your choice.”
Value for money: Legal services at Legal Zoom are an excellent value.