PMI Coaching

Business Name / DBA

Overview

What are a DBA & a Federal/Tax ID number?

DBA stands for "Doing Business As." A DBA is also known as a Fictitious Business Name. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own given name you will want to register it as a DBA.
In addition to registering a business name, you may also decide to apply for a Federal Tax ID number for your business. Some states allow you to use your Social Security number for your Tax ID number.

Why establish a business name

Having a registered business name allows you to take advantage of many tax deductions associated with a home-based business. Many of those tax deductions are mentioned in the Accounting & Taxes Curriculum section.
Most manufacturing or dropship companies will require you to be a registered business with a Tax ID # before they will work with you.

Choosing a business name

When selecting a business name, consider choosing one that is non-specific (e.g, "Jones Marketing"). A general name will allow you to operate multiple online businesses under that one "umbrella" name. Keep in mind that your registered business name does not have to be your domain name. Your individual sites will have their own specific domain names that don't necessarily match your business name.
Before you register your DBA, check to see if the name is available. Check with your local county clerk's office, state department of commerce, or the state tax commission office.
Remember, as part of registering your business, you'll need to have chosen a legal structure for your business, see Business Structure Curriculum.

Where to register

Generally, you can register your business name and get your Federal Tax ID number at your local county clerk's office or the state tax commission.
For a state by state list of web sites where you can register a tax ID number, click here.
At www.sba.gov, you can find where to register your business for your individual state. Go directly there by clicking here.

Assignments