[thelist] Re: Sole Proprietor

[Kevin Martin]

> From: Johnny Lam <jlam at popcast.com>
> 
> To those running a sole proprietor,
> 
> Are you running in your own name or as a "company" name? If you are running
> as a name other than your own, what is the process in doing so?

Depends on the (U.S.) state; search for "Fictitious Names" (Dept. or 
Bureau of) and find your state within the results.

In NY, for example, it basically boils down to printing out a pretty
form and having it notarized, then filing it with the County Clerk in
your (business's) home county.

Oh yeah - I Am Not A Lawyer.  Touching base with one might be a good
idea; if you can't afford to drop $200 or so on a single consultation,
better think twice about starting a business.  ;-)

Matt replied:

> Really the only
> benefit is reserving that name you choose so competing companies can't use
> it.

It also allows you to open a business checking account in that name -- 
depending on your bank, it can be tricky to deposit checks made out to 
your company name, if you only have a personal account.  And while you
can start a business most places simply by declaring yourself to be
in business, it may reassure clients who wonder why Whizzo Web Design
insists on having all its checks made out to "Cash" or "Joe Blow".

-- 
Kevin Martin d/b/a/ Brass Cannon Consulting.  :-)