If you're starting a business in Riverside County, you're probably trying to figure out whether you need a Fictitious Business Name (FBN/DBA), a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or both. This guide breaks down the differences, costs, and when each is required.
What's the Difference?
- FBN (DBA) — A registered trade name. You (the owner) are still personally liable for the business. No separate legal entity is created. Required whenever you do business under a name other than your legal personal name.
- LLC — A separate legal entity. The LLC (not you) owns the business. Your personal assets are generally shielded from business debts and lawsuits. LLCs pay California's $800/year franchise tax.
- Corporation — Also a separate legal entity with liability protection. Best for businesses that plan to take on investors or issue stock.
Cost Comparison — FBN vs LLC (Riverside County, 2026)
FBN (DBA) — ~$92 total, no recurring fees
- County filing fee: ~$26
- Newspaper publication (NewFBN): $66 flat (4 weekly runs + Proof of Publication)
- Renewal every 5 years
LLC — ~$870 first year, $800/year ongoing
- California Secretary of State LLC filing fee: $70
- Annual franchise tax: $800 (waived first year for new LLCs through a current exemption, confirm with a CPA)
- Statement of Information filing: $20 every 2 years
- LLC operating agreement (recommended)
- Plus FBN publication ($66) if the LLC operates under a different name
When Do You Need an FBN?
Per California Business and Professions Code §17900, you need to file an FBN whenever:
- Your business name does not include the last name of every owner (e.g., "Smith & Sons" needs an FBN if the sons' last names aren't Smith)
- Your business name suggests there are additional owners (e.g., "Smith & Associates" when you're a sole proprietor)
- An LLC or corporation is doing business under a name other than its registered entity name
When Do You Need an LLC?
Consider forming an LLC if you want:
- Personal liability protection — keep your home, car, and savings separate from business risk
- Credibility — some clients and vendors prefer working with LLCs
- Tax flexibility — LLCs can elect to be taxed as sole proprietorships, partnerships, S-corps, or C-corps
- Continuity — the LLC survives the owner's death; a sole proprietorship does not
$66
Flat fee. No surprises.
Includes 4 consecutive weekly publications plus the Proof of Publication affidavit. Additional business names on the same filing just $5 each.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is an FBN the same as an LLC?
- No. An FBN is just a registered trade name — it does not create a separate legal entity and provides no liability protection. An LLC is a separate legal entity with liability protection between your personal assets and the business.
- Can an LLC also have an FBN?
- Yes. If your LLC does business under a name different from its registered LLC name, you must file an FBN for that name. Example: "Smith Holdings LLC" operating "Valley Green Landscaping" would file an FBN for "Valley Green Landscaping."
- Which is cheaper — FBN or LLC?
- An FBN is far cheaper. County filing fee ($26) plus NewFBN publication ($66) = about $92 all-in. An LLC is $70 filing fee plus $800/year California franchise tax, starting at about $870 in year one.
- Do I still need to publish a DBA if I have an LLC?
- Only if the LLC is operating under a different name than its registered name. If "Smith Holdings LLC" operates under "Smith Holdings LLC" on all invoices and signs, no FBN is needed.