I've been operating as an LLC for just over two years and I want to change the business name. Nothing wrong with the current one legally, I just picked it too fast and it no longer fits what we actually sell. I'm in Ohio if that matters. What I'm unsure about is the order of operations: do I need to file an amendment first, then update the bank and EIN, or is it the other way around? And does changing the LLC name affect existing contracts or my registered agent? Any firsthand experience would help.
LLC
Changing my LLC name after two years in business
The Amendment with the state comes first. You can't update the bank until the state has the new name on record, because the bank will want the stamped amendment or the updated certificate. EIN usually sstays the same since it's tied to the entity, not the name, but you should still notify the IRS of the name change.
Did this in Michigan a few years back. Filed the amendment, got the new certificate, then went to the bank. They wanted a new operating agreement too, which I hadn't thought of. Not sure if Ohio is the same but I'd have your docs updated before you walk in.
Contracts are the part people forget. Existing contracts signed under the old name are still valid, but you'll want to note the name change when you renew or amend them. Some larger clients may ask for a doing-business-as filing or a signed statement that the entity is the same. I'd keep a copy of the amendment handy for that.
Registered agent shouldn't change unless you're also changing agents or addresses. The name change is separate from that.
One more thing, check the new name against the Ohio secretary of state business search before you file. You don't want to pay the amendment fee, and find out it's too close to another registered name.
Also update your sales tax permit and any local licenses. Those don't always follow the state automatically. I missed one and got a letter about six months later.
For the EIN, the IRS says you can just send them a letter with the old name, new name, and EIN. No new EIN needed. I did it for mine and it took a few weeks to get the confirmation back.
Salty_plum is right. And if you have a business bank account, expect them to ask for the amendment and possibly a new account resolution. Some banks make you open a whole new account instead of just renaming, which is annoying but not a legal problem.
One thing I'd add, if you have any domain names or online listings, those are a separate headache. Google Business Profile verification can be a pain after a name change. Start that early.
I'd still double check with an attorney if you have ongoing contracts that reference the old name, just to be safe. Not legal advice, obviously.