Business Name

[Christopher Richards]

I have a DBA that no longer refelects what I do. I am a writer, web video
producer and web designer. As a sole proprietor, I am wondering if I could
just use my own name so I can open up a second personal checking account for
free at another bank. I would use the second account for my business
activities without having to keep $3K to avoid business bank charges.

Or maybe I should be My Name & Associates so I don't have to go through the
fictitious business stuff again. Do you think I could get a personal
account at a bank with this title. Any thoughts?

[Mike Turco]

Post by Christopher Richards
I have a DBA that no longer refelects what I do. I am a writer, web video
producer and web designer. As a sole proprietor, I am wondering if I could
just use my own name so I can open up a second personal checking account for
free at another bank. I would use the second account for my business
activities without having to keep $3K to avoid business bank charges.
Or maybe I should be My Name & Associates so I don't have to go through the
fictitious business stuff again. Do you think I could get a personal
account at a bank with this title. Any thoughts?

You're in the US? Schedule C? As a sole prop. this really shouldn't be a
problem. It is a good idea to contact the local authority, City Hall or
whatever, and ask about the local rules. There may be licensing or
disclosure requirements beyond just the DBA. -- Mike

[Christopher Richards]

Post by Mike Turco

Post by Christopher Richards
I have a DBA that no longer refelects what I do. I am a writer, web video
producer and web designer. As a sole proprietor, I am wondering if I could
just use my own name so I can open up a second personal checking account for
free at another bank. I would use the second account for my business
activities without having to keep $3K to avoid business bank charges.
Or maybe I should be My Name & Associates so I don't have to go through the
fictitious business stuff again. Do you think I could get a personal
account at a bank with this title. Any thoughts?

You're in the US? Schedule C? As a sole prop. this really shouldn't be a
problem. It is a good idea to contact the local authority, City Hall or
whatever, and ask about the local rules. There may be licensing or
disclosure requirements beyond just the DBA. -- Mike

Yes, I am in California and a Schedule C type. I'll check. Thanks.

[Mike Turco]

Post by Christopher Richards

Post by Mike Turco

Post by Christopher Richards
I have a DBA that no longer refelects what I do. I am a writer, web video
producer and web designer. As a sole proprietor, I am wondering if I could
just use my own name so I can open up a second personal checking account for
free at another bank. I would use the second account for my business
activities without having to keep $3K to avoid business bank charges.
Or maybe I should be My Name & Associates so I don't have to go through the
fictitious business stuff again. Do you think I could get a personal
account at a bank with this title. Any thoughts?

You're in the US? Schedule C? As a sole prop. this really shouldn't be a
problem. It is a good idea to contact the local authority, City Hall or
whatever, and ask about the local rules. There may be licensing or
disclosure requirements beyond just the DBA. -- Mike

Yes, I am in California and a Schedule C type. I'll check. Thanks.

I'm also in CA. The unincorporated cities in Los Angeles only require a
business license if you are in a regulated business such as nursing. Rancho
PV requires a license no matter what. Hermosa Beach requires that you get
permission from your neighbors if you are to get a license. Things are
really different from city to city out here. As far as disclosure is
concerned, if you don't have a fictitious name then you don't have to file a
DBA. To the best of my knowledge, anyway. -- Mike

[John A. Weeks III]

Post by Christopher Richards
I have a DBA that no longer refelects what I do. I am a writer, web video
producer and web designer. As a sole proprietor, I am wondering if I could
just use my own name so I can open up a second personal checking account for
free at another bank. I would use the second account for my business
activities without having to keep $3K to avoid business bank charges.
Or maybe I should be My Name & Associates so I don't have to go through the
fictitious business stuff again. Do you think I could get a personal
account at a bank with this title. Any thoughts?

Check your state law. Here in Minnesota, you do not have to
register a name if it contains your entire full name. Using
your name & associates is also nice--it covers you in the event
that you ever hire extra help, or if your wife is involved in
the business.

-john-

[Joe E.]

Post by Christopher Richards
I have a DBA that no longer refelects what I do. I am a writer, web video
producer and web designer. As a sole proprietor, I am wondering if I could
just use my own name so I can open up a second personal checking account for
free at another bank. I would use the second account for my business
activities without having to keep $3K to avoid business bank charges.
Or maybe I should be My Name & Associates so I don't have to go through the
fictitious business stuff again. Do you think I could get a personal
account at a bank with this title. Any thoughts?

Hi, Christopher,

In California, you can use anything other than the protected terms/words in
your business name, without having to file a DBA, as long as your surname is
part of the name you use.

So:

- Anderson Web Design
- Anderson Web Video Productions
- Anderson Writing and Publishing

might very well be acceptable in your area, on all three levels (State,
County, City), as well as all three SIC industry classifications (depending
on what you classify yourself as).

There are two good books at http://www.nolo.com, specifically for your
situation:

- Working for Yourself
- The Business Startup Guide, California Edition


And the official stuff from the state is here:
a.. Business Permits Made Simple (CalGOLD) - California Environmental
Protection Agency
Get help identifying what business permits you need for your location and
occupation; link to the appropriate local government agency.
b.. Permits and Licenses - California Commerce and Economic Development
Program
Start here to find out which permits and licenses you may need for doing
business in California.
c.. Small Business Assistance - California Commerce and Economic
Development Program
Read about starting or expanding your small business. Connect with others
in your same business and explore programs designed to help your business
succeed.

Hope this helps..!

Sincerely,

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Joe E.
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