Can I add a business name? Does it cost anything? Do I have to change all my documents like passport and driver's license? Or is this something seperate? Can it be anything I want?
How hard it is to add a businees name?
As a sole trader you can effectively trade as you like, however where it becomes more difficult is when you get a cheque made payable to your business/trading name. Therefore if you want to trade as xxx, then get your bank account changed to state %26quot;your name t/a xxx%26quot; then you will be able to accept payment as either name or both.
As far as trading name, then just make sure it isn't something that is the same as someone else locally or a limited company/registered trademark, for example you wouldn't want to trade as woolworths - they might take offence!!
Try and make it simple and either relevant to your customers or to you.
How hard it is to add a businees name?
Is yours a sole proprietor? Under most circumstances, you have to either get another %26quot;DBA%26quot; Doing Business As, or file another Trade Name. A lot depends on what rules the state or county you live in and their rules.
Go to the web site of your state, and check around under the business area. Try the SBA web site www.sba.org it is a great source. Finally there are a couple websites that have good info on this type of question:
www.legalzoom.com
www.corporationscompany.com
In my state California, I have to file for a new name. Only $7 I think.
Good luck in your biz!!!!!!
