Does a Comma Go in Front of LLC?

You might not think about it much, but how your company name appears on official contracts and documents matters. So once you choose a name for your LLC, it’s essential to make sure it’s written the same whenever and wherever it appears. 

If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a specific rule about comma use in an LLC name or any other punctuation and grammar issues, you’ve come to the right place. This guide lays out all the rules around LLC names and underscores the importance of staying consistent. 

Rules and Regulations

When placing a comma before LLC in your official business title, there are no state or federal rules that you must follow. It simply depends on your personal preference. For example, you could write your business name as “Star Roofing LLC” or “Star Roofing, LLC.”

Some argue that a comma should always precede LLC because it’s an acronym, not an entire word. But the Associated Press style guide recommends that a comma should not appear before acronyms. 

Be Consistent

Whatever you decide in terms of punctuation, the most important thing is to be consistent, especially when writing your company’s name on legally binding documents. When you officially register your LLC, the state will approve the name in the exact format you provide. Every little detail matters, even commas.

If you included a comma in your LLC name when you filed, not including the comma in a later contract could invalidate the deal. Omitting the comma is essentially changing the name of your business, which could be a huge problem. 

Whichever format you choose, stick with it and sign documents the same way every time. Please do so to avoid you needing to re-register your LLC or the nullification of legally binding contracts. 

Summary

Deciding whether or not to use a comma in your business name might sound silly, but it is a choice an LLC owner needs to make.

Consistency is critical, so ensure all legal documents and contracts use your LCC name in the exact format in which it was registered. Doing so will help you avoid legal issues.