I've been trying to figure this out for a while...
I know I can use my legal name "Rachel Allison" as my business name without filing for a Fictitious Business Name, but do I need to file for one to use "Rachel Allison Photography?"
I've scoured small business and photography sites online & can't find a clear answer.
P.S. I live in California (different laws by state)
Thank you!

Even if you use your name, you will still need to get a d.b.a. (doing business as) from your county record office. Officially you would be "Rachel Allison d/b/a Rachel Allison Photography". Hope this helps.

I would check California secretary of state but as far as operating a business. If you are going to pay taxes, you need a tax id # for federal and state taxes. If you are going to accept checks made out to Rachel Allison Photography, your bank will require a separate account which will require a federal tax id due to homeland security banking laws.

Anything you do in the business name will require a tax id #, so I would definitely go to the secretary of state's website and get the information. Plus, you will be building credit and establishing your business for the years to come.

Pat

Every state is different. IN Pa, eg, using your own full name in the business title requires no notification. For IRS, if you are a sole proprietor with no employees you can file schedule C with you ssn. If you hire an employee you would need a EIN from the IRS to file.

If you pick a fictitious name, then you have to file with the state, advertise in two papers, just to make sure no one else has that name.

A fictitious name would require a EIN from the IRS as your SSN goes with your name only.

Here in Illinois I just have to fill out the LLC forms and obtain a EIN.

I live in Oregon (our laws are pretty close for business regulations) and also work for a state office. It is my professional opinion that Pat's statement here is the best response. Your Secretary of State's office is designed for helping you with these matters. Contact them first and get the skinny on registering a business name for your state.

Chuck, answered my question! Thank you!
Pat, I looked into the CA secretary of state (online) & found it helpful, also found info on tax id# stuff, thanks!
jjmirenzi, Turns out it's the same in CA, very helpful, thanks!
skratch & Panda, thank you for your input!

After some more research & helpful input, I can go into business knowing I'm doing things right! Thanks,
Rachel