DBA:Doing Business As

June,

I have become self-employed and would like to know if I need to file a DBA. I began sub-contracting wireless engineering services for a major contracting firm as a 1099 employee. Any information would be helpful as I am quite new to this game.

Best regards,
Brian

Dear Brian,

Congratulations on your new solo venture!

By the way, to clarify a term, as a self-employed you may call yourself a freelancer, or an indie, or a sub-contractor, or a free agent, but you can no longer call yourself an “employee.”

“Doing Business As” shortened to DBA, is needed only if you use a name other than your own as the name of your business. In that case you would register your “trade name” with the county clerk. The purpose of registration is to make sure that no two people in the same county use the same business name.
You can find a lot more info on being self-employed at http://www.junewalkeronline.com/ .

And, as always, read the book that can simplify your tax and financial life, AND save you money!
SELF-EMPLOYED TAX SOLUTIONS .


Cheers,
June