“I have decided to change my business name. What do I need to do?”
The firm's answer
A new brand name, the same registered business
“If this is only a rebranding, you can update the trading name in your systems and documents while retaining the required registered business details. If you also want to update the name registered for VAT and on the registration certificate, contact us and we will handle the application on your behalf.”
This case concerns a VAT-registered sole proprietor, with no change of ownership or legal identity. Changing the trading name alone does not create a new registered business or change its registration number.
Option one: update the branding
Update the trading name and logo in the invoicing software, on new document books, on the website and on social media. The new brand can appear alongside the registered business details so that the service provider and document issuer remain clear.
The business registration number alone is not enough: The registered business name, address and other mandatory details must also be retained according to the document type. A tax invoice must include, among other things, the heading “Tax Invoice”, the words “VAT-registered business” and the VAT registration number. Check the template before issuing documents under the new name.
Option two: update the VAT registration as well
If you want the change to appear in the business name registered for VAT and on the registration certificate, give the firm the requested name. Under the representation authorization, we contact the VAT office handling your file and request an update on your behalf.
After the authority processes the request, check that the update has been recorded and review the updated certificate details. This does not guarantee automatic approval or a particular processing time. The Israel Tax Authority's service page allows applications to update business details, including through a representative.
The name customers know can change. Documents must continue to identify correctly the registered business behind the brand.
What should you check before making the change?
- The new name: Make sure it is not misleading and does not infringe another party's rights in a name or trademark. Using a name does not, in itself, give you exclusive rights to it.
- The documents: Check invoice and receipt templates with the firm and software provider, and preserve the numbering sequence and documents already issued.
- An orderly update: Update customers, agreements and payment methods as needed. Do not retrospectively alter documents already issued simply because of the new branding.
A change of ownership, incorporation or a change in business activity requires a separate review; this answer addresses a name change only.
Sources and further reading
Regulation 7 of the Value Added Tax (Bookkeeping) Regulations, 1976 Adds section 9A to the bookkeeping provisions, setting out the mandatory details for a tax invoice. These include the VAT-registered business's name, address and VAT registration number.
Regulations on the National Insurance website: regulation 7, page 1 ↗Israel Tax Authority: application to update registered business details: Information on requesting an update to VAT records and applying through a representative. The service page is not a specific instruction granting advance approval to every name change.
Israel Tax Authority business details update service ↗This is general information and does not replace a review of the registered business details, documents and requested name. The case is presented without names or identifying details.