I do decorated cookies and I am just going to be very small compared to most of you, but I am trying to get legal. I understand that if I am an LLC, that will help protect our family finances should someone claim my cookies cause bodily harm or whatever this issue might be. If I am an LLC, do I need to write "Tracy's Cookies LLC" everytime I use my business name (i.e. - have the LLC on tags on my cookies, on a website, on business cards, when I register my business, etc.). I was just wondering if someone knew if I have to consider 'LLC' a solid part of my business name? Thanks for any help you can provide!

I think that technically you're supposed to, since the name of the business would include LLC in the entire name. I don't think that everyone does, though. You could always put LLC in smaller letters so that the name of your business was more prominent. I think that if you're an LLC you SHOULD use it, people tend to take you more seriously when they see that.

Oh, thankyou so much! I like your idea to write it smaller. I was pondering that if I had to use it in my logo, etc., so that gives me back-up on that thought. Much appreciated!

I guess then that I have to use the LLC part when I register for an EIN, all of the taxes. permits, tradename, etc. I just liked how it looks without it , but I completely see your case for giving it crediblity. Thanks for taking the time to help me! You always are so nice to give advice! Now I just have to figure out the insurance part (which might be the nail in the coffin on doing this). I just posted a question on that one.

Thanks again for your valued input! It was very kind!

I'm also an LLC and find this annoying, but do it just incase.

A photographer friend of mind puts at the bottom of her site, etc.
[ "business name" is owned by "business name, LLC". ]

Her business name is long to begin with though.

Thanks, K2cakes - Thanks for your advice to just put it on and the thought to put it on the bottom. The name I will be using is long as well.

Much appreciated!

You have to use it, unless you file for a dba (doing business as). Then you can omit it.

Thanks, Didavista! I haven't heard of a dba. So much to learn!

just wanted to say your cookies are absolutely flawlwess!!!! i am very much impressed

My business name is brim management, LLC but I do business as (dba) cater it simple. Licensing, tax filing, utilities, etc., are in the LLC name, but advertising, etal is Cater it simple.

Tracy, I didn't want the LLC to muck up my pretty logo and name either, but I have the main part of the name in say a 14 pt font and then the LLC in maybe a 5-6. It is still on there but not as obnoxious as it could be. I will post it if I can figure it out.

Thanks, Yamber! Your cakes are very cute! Love the bubbles on the baby's head!

Indydebi - Oh, I was hoping you would see this too. I always look to you as a source of great information and a mentor to those of us 'trying to find our way'. So I could be "Tracy's Cookies LLC" for all paperwork, but "Tracy's Cookies" as the dba. Where/how/who do I talk to to set that up? Thanks for your help!

Heidi - If I don't do the dba, I am right on board with what you are doing. I would love to see your logo, if you can post it. Thanks for your thoughts! Love the pics of the bakery!

I know many people do their LLC and DBA paperwork themselves, but I have an attorney handle all of that so I know it's done right.

Very good point, Indydebi! I guess at this point, I am just wondering if this is feasible. Too bad I don't know a business attorney that I could trade his time for cookies!

I just put this on another thread, but contact your local SBA. They are an AWESOME source of business info with lots of good workshop, seminars and classes on this stuff. I went to see them recently and the guy sat with me for about 2.5 hours, one-on-one.

Perfect idea! I will do that and call my insurance agent tomorrow! As always, you are a wealth of information, Indydebi!

Tracy~ you probably don't need an amature like me telling you this, but you (and your cookies) are right up there with my "cookie heros":

Yankeegal & Antonia74...

I really admire all you cookie artists. I do enjoy decorating them but my kitchen becomes a battleground of splattered royal icing and explitives when I'm doing cookies...good thing I bake when the kid's asleep.

(Seriously, you must all be very "zen" with patience.)

K2Cakes - Don't be silly! You are no amature! You know what you are doing! That Elvis cookie (among others) is really unique and cute and I don't even attempt cakes!! Oh, and trust me, I have my share of mess in the kitchen! My DH always teases that no matter how much counter space I may have, I always manage to take it up when cookie-ing.

I don't know about being 'zen' with patience, just a bit Type A on this end (well, at least with my cookies!)

You crack me up! I have no idea what I'm doing half the time... anyway.

I think I have a crush on my "Doctor Who?" cookie though. David Tennant is something else! Along with my lovely avatar, who's also from the show... (shakes head disoriented and dizzy... now what were we talking about???) Oh yeah... cookies.

Let us know the progress of your new business. It's very exciting!

I shoudl be making my final decision in a few weeks once I weigh all of the factors. Thanks again for everyone's help!!

The company I work for is an LLC and does not put LLC on their business cards or letter head, only in legal documents like your contract

Thanks, cupcakemkr! Much appreciated!

I'm a legal assistant and we help clients form corporations (and LLCs). We tell them if they do not want to use the LLC or INC then to file a DBA or Assumed Name (its the same thing). You can file either at the county level or at the State level, like you do when filing for the LLC. It's relatively inexpensive. In TX its something like $25. You would basically be "Tracy's Cookies DBA Tracy's Cookies" (DBA = doing business as). This way you can use the name Tracy's Cookies to your heart's content, legally and still be covered by the umbrella of the LLC.

Thanks, Mmgiles!!! I will most definitely look into this! Much, much appreciated!

Your state probably has the information on their website. Just look up the Virgina Secretary of State. Then look up Assumed Name Certificate.

Thankyou! Thankyou!