- 1). Determine the type of business. The first step is to determine whether your organization is operating as a sole proprietorship, corporation or partnership. This is important since organization name changes require legal confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service.
- 2). Contact the IRS with the updated name change information. If operating as a sole proprietorship, send the new organization name to the IRS address identified on your tax return. If a corporation, complete form 1120 or 1120S when filing your current tax return or mail the name change request (signed by the corporate officer) to the Internal Revenue Service if changing after tax season. If operating as a partnership, complete form 1065 when filing your tax return or mail the Internal Revenue Service the name change signed by a business partner.
- 3). Purchase a new domain name reflecting the new organization name change. This step ensures continuity in branding. Redirect the original website to the new site.
- 4). Update all logos and documents with the new name. It is important to verify the change is reflected on all business-related materials. This should include online publications, products, directory listings, address labels and business cards.
- 5). Notify staff of the new organization name. Make certain employees are aware of the name change to ensure consistency when answering phones or speaking with customers. It also helps to contact customers to announce the name change to eliminate any potential confusion in future communications.
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