What is fbsm?
FBsm, or Fictitious Business Statement, is a public record filed with the county clerk in the state of California. It is used to publicly disclose the real name and address of the owner(s) of a business operating under a fictitious name. This is also commonly known as a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
Here's some key information about FBsm:
- Purpose: The primary purpose of an FBsm is to protect the public by making it easier to identify the true owner(s) behind a business operating under a name different from their own. This helps with transparency and accountability.
- Who Needs to File: Generally, anyone operating a business under a name that doesn't include their personal name (if it is an individual or sole proprietorship), or the exact registered name of their corporation or LLC needs to file an FBsm. For example, "John Smith Consulting" might not require an FBsm, but "Smith Consulting Group" would.
- Where to File: FBsm filings are done at the county level. You file in the county where your principal place of business is located.
- Filing Process: The filing process typically involves submitting a form to the county clerk, paying a filing fee, and then publishing the FBsm in a newspaper of general circulation within the county. The publication requirement is crucial and varies slightly from county to county.
- Duration and Renewal: An FBsm generally expires after a specific period (usually 5 years) and must be renewed if the business continues to operate under the same fictitious name.
- Enforcement: Failure to file an FBsm can result in penalties, including the inability to file lawsuits under the fictitious name.
Here are some important subjects related to FBsm with links: