Starting from Nothing

[hmiles619]

What all do you need to do to become an official legal business? From what I understand you just need to think of a unique name, then go down to the tax office and apply for a tax id. Is that correct? Any other suggestions?

[esi7esi7]

You will also need a DBA - Doing Business As, which costs about $16. This ties the name of your business to you.

[hmiles619]

how do i get that and where do i go?

[iCe]

I went to the courthouse in the county that I live in. The Tax ID number can be applied for online...

[hmiles619]

is there a certain order that I need to do these? one before the other?

[iCe]

I think I did the dBa first so I would have a registered name to use when I applied for the tax id.

[CaptainTom]

State tax ID can be found on line.
DBA is really not necessary unless your business name is not your personal name.

I.E. Tom Thompson Photography doesn't need a DBA unless required by your bank to open a business checking account.

Drunken photographer and acupuncturist would need a DBA so the business can be linked to you.

[hmiles619]

thanks guys

[acesteward]

DBA is $20 in tarrant county just so you know, it varies by county

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

State tax ID can be found on line.
DBA is really not necessary unless your business name is not your personal name.

True, but it will make sure no one else registers your name. And you get that fancy piece of white paper with your name on it.