OBTAINING A D.B.A. AND/OR BUSINESS LICENSE

In most cities and towns you will need a "D.B.A." (doing business as) if you use a business name other than your own last name. Also, most municipalities require all types of businesses to be licensed. The cost is usually modest and the procedure is simple. Call your local county clerk's office to obtain details on what is required in your area.

A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT

After you establish your D.B.A. and have a business license or permit (if one is required) you should open a business checking account. If there are several banks in your area, take some time to check them out individually. Look for the one that charges the lowest service charges, charge per check written, etc. Comparison shopping could save you money in banking fees.

ZONING RESTRICTIONS

Although there are millions upon millions of Americans actively involved in their own home-based business, many are doing so in violation of local municipality laws. Many of these are old laws that were written to control home-based "sweat shops" that were prominent at the turn of the century, and prohibited or restricted home business activity.

Many of these regulations are either not known by, or simply ignored by millions of home business operators. You may want to check with your local elected officials to see if there are restrictions in your area. In most cases you would be granted a business license, and never be hassled by city officials, unless your business activity somehow disturbed the neighbors.