As a sole proprietor, you are the business. Your personal and business assets and liabilities are one and the same. This simplicity is attractive, but it also means your business name is legally your own name. For instance, if your name is Jane Doe and you operate as a sole proprietor, your business is legally Jane Doe. However, many sole proprietors wish to operate under a more professional or descriptive business name, such as "Austin Bookkeeping Services" or "Coastal Landscaping." This is where a DBA, or "Doing Business As" name, comes into play. A DBA allows you to conduct business using a name different from your legal personal name. It's essentially a trade name or fictitious name registration. It doesn't create a separate legal entity like an LLC or corporation, meaning your liability as a sole proprietor remains unchanged. However, it provides a professional identity and can be crucial for banking, marketing, and establishing a brand separate from your personal identity. Lovie can guide you through the process of registering a DBA, whether you're a sole proprietor or considering a more robust business structure.
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