Do I file a DBA, or?

[Node]

I'm soon to file some sort of documentation for a company I plan on starting, and for now I'll be the sole individual running it so would a DBA be fine? or is there something else?

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

It depends on where you are located and if you are calling it something other than your name. We file with the county here.

 

[oldtech]

You need to discuss this with your accountant and or lawyer. You should maybe consider LLC or Corp to limit your personal liability if for no other reason.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Depends on where you are.

You will likely need a DBA if you have a business name. You'll probably need a sales tax license/permit. You may need a business license(s) in your State, County, or City. You should get an EIN number from the IRS. And you should get a business checking account in the name of the business. I get other bank accounts like money market accounts to save your earnings. You should have insurance for your business.

 

[Your PCMD]

If you are a home based business, you only are required to have a DBA (generally obtained at your local court house) and you will need a sales & use tax permit - which is free from your states comptroller (google sales & use tax <state>). Also, I would highly advise insurance. This is what I use. It's really affordable. And you should consider at minimum an LLC once your able to which stops any judgements against your personal property.

 

[Markverhyden]

In MA you only need to file a DBA if you are operating your business in a name other than your personal name. I'd guess it's probably the same elsewhere. I did get a separate checking account to use.