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As a sole proprietor, by default, the legal name of your business is your own name. But you can choose to operate the business under another name, known as a “fictitious business name” or “doing business as” (DBA). Most states require you to file an application for your DBA.

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You don't have to register or file any paperwork with the federal government to form a sole proprietorship. If you go into business without setting up another business structure, then you're automatically considered a sole proprietor if you're the sole owner.

However, some states and counties may require you to obtain business licenses and/or permits before you can lawfully operate, Also, if you want your business to have a name that's different from your own legal name, then most states will require you to file for a DBA.

Learn more about sole proprietorships and how they compare to more formal business structures.

Even if your business is a sole proprietorship, you should have a separate business bank account to help separate your business and personal income and expenses. This will help you properly report your business income on your personal tax returns. Most banks will allow you to open an account for your sole proprietorship using your social security number.

If you plan on doing business under a fictitious name (“DBA”), most banks will require proof of the filed DBA before they will open the account.

See also: Can I conduct business and open a bank account before my DBA has been filed?

You can always choose to restructure your business. Whenever you decide your business might be outgrowing its status as a sole proprietorship–whether you're looking to take on partners or investors, or you want the benefit of different tax options and liability protection–we have resources to help you find the business structure that's right for you.

Learn more about the advantages of corporations and LLCs.

Whether your business needs an EIN depends on the structure of your business, and not whether your business has a DBA. Unless it plans on hiring employees, sole proprietorships with DBA don't have a separate EIN; its tax identification number is the owner's social security number. Also, single-member LLCs are often not required to obtain an EIN, but one is required if the LLC wants to hire employees or have a separate business bank account. Most other business entities require an EIN.