Thread: Stage Name and Checks

Hi everyone,

Often people want to write me checks, which means I then have to tell them my real name. I am curious about how those of you with stage names deal with this; do you get a business checking account? Those around here are VERY expensive. Or does it even matter if your students know?

I have a business checking account. I don't know the regulations in your state, but it's likely that to accept payment under a fictitious name, you will need to register your business name with the state.

Nisaa

You will probably need a DBA and have that on file with your bank so that you can accept checks in your "business" name.

Ditto. I don't care if people know my real name, I'd like the dough. ;0)

LOL Azhia. I know what you mean. I wanted to talk to you about Raq the Camera, I'm putting it here so I don't forget again!

I just talked to a credit union and apparently it isn't as complicated as I thought. That's what I get for going from my real name to a stage name. :)
Thanks for the help guys!

Get a DBA through your city or county if you want to do business and receive payment in another name. My credit union charges me nothing for my business account (in fact they pay me back for ATM fees!).

i don't mind- however, because i have a LONG difficult last name, they usually hand me the cheque and get me to write it in.

Yeah it sounds like this credit union is a pretty good deal.

my stage name is my first name with an arabic second name. I've brought several checks to my bank with "gamal" on them instead of my legal name and never had trouble cashing them, but the worry that they might notice some day :) prompted me to ask what I needed to do. I didn't need a business license or anything - they just entered it into the computer system. no problem.

Yep, that sounds like what they do here too. I was worried I'd have to go through a lot of hoopla but apparently not...

I've asked several banks about this - none that I've talked to will even THINK about an "AKA" unless you have a business license...

Become an llc and have them write the checks out to your business. Simple. Easy. Tax deductible.