Your sole proprietorship is legally indistinguishable from you -- the business owner. You can choose a trade name or use your own name for your business. For marketing purposes, include your business name on all business-related correspondence and accounts, including your business banking accounts.
Many states require registration of a sole proprietor's business name, called a "fictitious business name." Typically, if your business name does not include your full name, you must obtain a registered FBN through your local county clerk's office.
Advertisement Article continues below this adSmall-business owners usually find it simpler to have two banking accounts, one for personal use and one for business-related transactions. If you have a registered FBN, use that as the title on your business banking account. For identification purposes if you write checks, it also helps to include your real name on the account.
Bank requirements differ slightly, but many banks will not permit you to open a business account under a fictitious name unless you show proof of FBN registration. In some states, you might also have to show a business license.
Advertisement Article continues below this adSome sole proprietors identify their relationship to their business by titling their accounts, letterheads and business with their full name, followed by their business name. For example, Mary Martin might use the title, "Mary Martin, DBA, Mary's Enterprises." The DBA stands for "doing business as," and some banks require a DBA clause on business checks.
Include identifying details on your business checks. Your business or home address, driver's license number, employer identification number (EIN) and phone number(s) all help identify you as the account owner.