In most cities and towns you
will need a "D.B.A." (doing business as) if you
use a business name other than your own last
name. Also, most municipalities require all
types of businesses to be licensed. The cost is
usually modest and the procedure is simple. Call
your local county clerk's office to obtain
details on what is required in your area.
After you establish your
D.B.A. and have a business license or permit (if
one is required) you should open a business
checking account. If there are several banks in
your area, take some time to check them out
individually. Look for the one that charges the
lowest service charges, charge per check
written, etc. Comparison shopping could save you
money in banking fees.
ZONING RESTRICTIONS
Although there are millions
upon millions of Americans actively involved in
their own home-based business, many are doing so
in violation of local municipality laws. Many of
these are old laws that were written to control
home-based "sweat shops" that were prominent at
the turn of the century, and prohibited or
restricted home business activity.
Many of these regulations are
either not known by, or simply ignored by
millions of home business operators. You may
want to check with your local elected officials
to see if there are restrictions in your area.
In most cases you would be granted a business
license, and never be hassled by city officials,
unless your business activity somehow disturbed
the neighbors.
RoDI
ISOC
IWA
ARTT
RTS
WQC 2003 
ISAQ 2005