Originally Posted by lovemykidstoo:
So I can have a name strictly to put on my contract, business cards etc and not do any legal paperwork (ie DBA or LLC)? If I do a DBA then don't they have to make the checks out to the business name and I have to have an account set up that way?
Yes, you can.
I have a business name that I put on paperwork and business cards. I also have things mailed to my business name. I have an EIN. I do not have a registered DBA (although I should get one.)
I do have a separate checking account used just for business purposes. It is not a "business checking" account in the eyes of the bank though. It is just a personal checking account therefore if someone were to write a check out to my business name I would not be able to deposit it. Everything has to be in my personal name.