Category: 
October 26, 2008I am a freelance translator/writer based in Oklahoma, and I file my taxes as a freelancer (with a Schedule C form), my question is: can I register a trade name and use it solely for advertising purposes (business cards, web site, email, etc.) while still keeping my freelance status? Or do I need to register the trade name with the IRS and local commerce chamber?
I am a freelance translator/writer based in Oklahoma, and I file my taxes as a freelancer (with a Schedule C form), my question is: can I register a trade name and use it solely for advertising purposes (business cards, web site, email, etc.) while still keeping my freelance status? Or do I need to register the trade name with the IRS and local commerce chamber?
Horaayy..there are 5 comment(s) for me so far ;)
ask the attorney who set up your c-corp.
You need to register the trade name with your local Chamber of Commerce (here in Florida it is registered with the Secretary of State) and that’s all you need to do since you are a sole proprietor. Here, if your whole name is in your trade name you actually don’t need to register it, meaning “John Brown’s Translations” doesn’t have to be registered but “Brown’s Translations” does. You should call your Secretary of State to see what the rules are in your state. The Chamber of Commerce probably isn’t where you need to go, but different offices may be administering things in your state.
damn, that is the best question I have read in
3 yrs!!! Congrats!
trade names are not filed with either the IRS or
the chamber of commerce; but instead,
with the city business licensing office.
A TRADE name must, of course, not be used
my anyone else and when you apply for your
license, the city will check that out.
and finally–cities may **** me for saying this–
but I would not necessarily rush to get your biz license; few will ask for it and the city
will be “unjustly” enriched with your payment.
NOT having a license may result in a small
fine but the city has to ask for the $.
So….u might want to just do biz and when
someone asks for a copy of your license
tell them you will bring it to them……..
thanks for asking
You can use any name at any time legally. The only time that it is not legal to use anything but your given name is when it is done for purposes of deception. As long as you are not trying to deceive, exploit or take advantage of someone illegally you’re in the clear.
The IRS doesn’t care about your trade name so long as you are paying taxes correctly per your business entity. In most states the Secretary of State is where you register a trade name. In my case this allowed me to open a bank account in the business’ name rather than my own (and deposit checks made out to the business name). I don’t think you need a business license. You also don’t need to notify the chamber of commerce, unless you’re already a member and just want your name listed correctly. Check out for lots of free info on starting and running a business (click on “Starting Your Business” in the left nav bar for info on business structures and registration).