Marko Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 Can or should I use my personal checking account instead of a business account? Is it better to have a, doing business as (DBA) or use my own name for business? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Unknown Craftsman Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I have found it easier to have a separate account for my business, as it simplifies record keeping, especially when doing taxes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted January 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I have found it easier to have a separate account for my business, as it simplifies record keeping, especially when doing taxes. Thank you for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEP Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I agree, definitely have a separate checking account for your business. It makes recordkeeping much easier. But you can use another personal checking account for this, you don't need an official business checking account, or a DBA account. Business checking accounts come with a lot of fees, I think they are generally geared towards businesses that are larger than a pottery studio. Whereas many banks offer free personal checking accounts these days. Years ago before the Patriot Act, anyone could walk into a bank and walk out with a business checking account. But now you need an official license of some kind, or incorporation papers, to prove you are a business. These are just more expenses that a pottery studio doesn't need. Much simpler to operate as a sole proprietor with a free personal checking account. If you use a personal checking account under your name, you can still use a different business name when you sell. All you need to do is, when someone wants to pay you with a check, have them make the check to your name. Mea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 Can or should I use my personal checking account instead of a business account? Is it better to have a, doing business as (DBA) or use my own name for business? I have had a personal account for years that I set up when I did shows. At that time I had it set up to do credit card purchases with a machine and all of the paper work involved. It made it a lot easier to do taxes and the other things that come with a business. Now that I do not do shows, and sell much less I still use the account for the studio-buying clay and materials, and other things, and for a place to put income. However, the account has become handy in another way as it never has much in it at a time I use it for internet purchases to protect my household accounts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I have found it easier to have a separate account for my business, as it simplifies record keeping, especially when doing taxes. I agree with this 100% unless its just a hobby thing I have 2 business accounts and one personal account-its way easier at tax time One thing you may consider is being a member of a credit union (joining) for the business account-they can cost more at regular banks Credit unions are member owned and have less fees usually. Msrk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted January 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2012 I agree, definitely have a separate checking account for your business. It makes recordkeeping much easier. But you can use another personal checking account for this, you don't need an official business checking account, or a DBA account. Business checking accounts come with a lot of fees, I think they are generally geared towards businesses that are larger than a pottery studio. Whereas many banks offer free personal checking accounts these days. Years ago before the Patriot Act, anyone could walk into a bank and walk out with a business checking account. But now you need an official license of some kind, or incorporation papers, to prove you are a business. These are just more expenses that a pottery studio doesn't need. Much simpler to operate as a sole proprietor with a free personal checking account. If you use a personal checking account under your name, you can still use a different business name when you sell. All you need to do is, when someone wants to pay you with a check, have them make the check to your name. Mea Well, I have to say, I like the way you think. Thank you so much. I was worried about the payment options I should give clients. It all makes sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted January 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2012 Can or should I use my personal checking account instead of a business account? Is it better to have a, doing business as (DBA) or use my own name for business? I have had a personal account for years that I set up when I did shows. At that time I had it set up to do credit card purchases with a machine and all of the paper work involved. It made it a lot easier to do taxes and the other things that come with a business. Now that I do not do shows, and sell much less I still use the account for the studio-buying clay and materials, and other things, and for a place to put income. However, the account has become handy in another way as it never has much in it at a time I use it for internet purchases to protect my household accounts. Thanks Pres. I don't know about you, but I hate taxes. I use Turbo tax. It can be beneficial if you can take the time to look at all the steps it offers. Thanks for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted January 22, 2012 Report Share Posted January 22, 2012 Can or should I use my personal checking account instead of a business account? Is it better to have a, doing business as (DBA) or use my own name for business? I have had a personal account for years that I set up when I did shows. At that time I had it set up to do credit card purchases with a machine and all of the paper work involved. It made it a lot easier to do taxes and the other things that come with a business. Now that I do not do shows, and sell much less I still use the account for the studio-buying clay and materials, and other things, and for a place to put income. However, the account has become handy in another way as it never has much in it at a time I use it for internet purchases to protect my household accounts. Thanks Pres. I don't know about you, but I hate taxes. I use Turbo tax. It can be beneficial if you can take the time to look at all the steps it offers. Thanks for your reply. When I first started doing shows I used an accountant for 3 years, then I decided to go with Turbo Tax, and have been using it ever since. It works really well at amortizing major expenses like kilns over the correct number of years-very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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