In Massachusetts, you may reserve a corporate name by filling out an Application of Reservation of Name and paying a fee of $30.00. The name will be reserved for the exclusive use of the applicant for a sixty-day (60) period. During the sixty days, you may extend the reservation for an additional sixty days, with an additional $30.00 fee.Check the website sited in the source for the application form.
In most states you can register a fictions name without incorporating. Go online and look for your states Secretary of State website. Follow the instructions for filing a fictitious name. Please keep in mind that you ll still need all the necessary licenses, permits, IRS Federal ID etc to start and run your business. You would then file Schedule C with your 1040 to report the revenues, expenses and profits for than business. What you may also want to consider, is incorporating and filing for Sub Chapter S with the IRS. This is usually a less expensive tax structure than the route you re looking to take now.Good luck,Gus
You may do a DBA without any legal stuff (incorporation/business licenses) This will give you a chance to develop the other parts of your business (getting checking account - advertising) This will only work for a corporate name or business name in your state, does not cover national names.
