Is DBA required to do business online?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by Render78, Mar 20, 2008.

  1. #1
    Well, I was starting a new website venture, and I just wasn't sure if I needed to get licensed as DBA (doing business as). I want to send money from my PayPal account, but I want the name of my website on the from part, instead of my personal name. Would that be considered fraud if I was not registered under that name?

    Also, if I wanted to send out a check with the name of the business on it, but it is routed to my personal bank account, would banks even take that? I will most likely just grab a DBA license and a business bank account, but I'd rather not.. the cost is only a few hundred bucks, but still.. that's a few hundred bucks that I may not have to spend!

    Thanks for your help!
     
    Render78, Mar 20, 2008 IP
  2. djacobs

    djacobs Well-Known Member

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    #2
    What you are looking for can only be accomplished with a DBA. You want to do business as your company/website name. Hence you need a DBA. They aren't expensive.

    To get a PayPal to use your business name, you need a business paypal account. To send out a check with your business name, you need a DBA and possibly a business checking account, which can be linked to your personal account.

    Remember, the IRS needs a way to tax you. So if you use a name that's not registered with them, than it's a federal crime.

    legalzoom.com/dba-guide/dba-defined.html
     
    djacobs, Mar 20, 2008 IP
  3. Render78

    Render78 Active Member

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    #3
    Thanks for the help!
     
    Render78, Mar 20, 2008 IP