Where do I file a DBA when using a virtual address?
Using a virtual address in a different county leaves business owners uncertain whether to file with their home county clerk, the virtual address county clerk, or both. People who only wanted a mailing address run into unexpected hurdles, such as prohibitions on PO boxes and mandatory landlord signatures for Business Tax Receipts. These conflicting location rules and hidden requirements prevent owners from smoothly completing their local business registrations.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Using a parent's or relative's home address
- 2Getting a PO box, although this is often legally disallowed for LLC registration
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I didn't realize that to file for the Business Tax Receipt in my county, I must get the form signed by my landlord.”source ↗
“I just need it for a mailing address essentially. I don't want them to hate me for this but I didn't even think that this would be an issue.”source ↗
“Do I file with my county clerk, the virtual business address county clerk, or both?”source ↗
“You legally cannot use a PO box for your LLC address for sure, and I'm pretty sure its the same for the Business Tax Receipt.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2How to get a tax ID or business account without a permanent address?
- 3how to register a business as a teen
- 2Nonprofit can't afford annual PO Box fee
- 2How to open a business bank account for a home-based business
- 6How to file incorporation paperwork without using your home address
- 2Secure European email provider for custom domains