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**Copper Head** · 01-10-2012, 09:51 AM

So now I see that Doing Business As - DBA is a legal requirement in any state you work in , I was told it's a one time filing fee

**freonjoe** · 01-10-2012, 09:56 AM

Only if you're using a ficticous name. Blue sky recycling would need one. John Smith recycling wouldn't, at least in Idaho.

**KzScrapper** · 01-10-2012, 10:16 AM

Varies by state, annual renewal in CO but that's mostly because they want your $$.

**NoMoreScrapLeft** · 01-10-2012, 10:36 AM

As far as I know if you use your full legal name in front of say recycling(Tony James Recycling) a DBA is not needed, but if you use TJ Recycling or anyother name other than your legal name one is needed

**Mick** · 01-10-2012, 11:20 AM

I was told that if I used any part of my name, I wouldn't need a dba designation. Even a letter. Hence, I use "Mick's Metal & Battery Recycling", but also "M&S Transport" (M&S stands for Mick & Sheryl). The bank deposits checks made to either and I've filed taxes using both.

But I would check your State laws.

**IronPirate** · 01-10-2012, 11:21 AM

I second that advice. Check your secretary of state's website for name registration guidelines. Generally there's a one time filing fee for dba's and you will probably need a vendor's license and possible a employer id number depending on how you conduct business.

**Copper Head** · 01-10-2012, 11:32 AM

So my 3 initials are the same as my name , so I might be ok for now . Still $70 for life sounds OK , if there is a benefit to doing it ? any way what is the benefit ? I would like to rub shoulders in the fictitious name club.

**erg** · 01-10-2012, 11:39 AM

The SBA(Small Business Association) is a great place to look things like that up. They have a listing here of what each state requires.

**IronPirate** · 01-10-2012, 11:43 AM

In my humble opinion a dba is more professional and may open more doors for you. Its also a step towards incorporation - an llc or an s corp for example, which have their own benefits as your business grows.

A sole proprietorship without a dba is the simplest form of business there is - you're basically saying you're in business, you show all income on one tax return - both business and personal - and you get to take deductions. A dba would have the same reporting structure, you just have a separate name for the entity.

However if you plan on having employees or doing certain types of work, some states require you to have a dba, EIN, vendors license, etc, as well as filing the appropriate tax withholding paperwork.

Do you have employees now?

**Copper Head** · 01-10-2012, 07:01 PM

Just Me , I had a small dream to get a little big , I feel with the income being so easy to discover , it's best to set up how ever it will best allow for a tax structure with advantages to hold the profits in my pocket.

**IronPirate** · 01-10-2012, 08:42 PM

good luck! Make sure you take advantage of all your deductions - vehicle expenses or mileage, costs of tools, uniforms, etc. Don't mess with the home office exemption unless you put a lot of time working from a dedicated space in your house.