If I am operating as a sole proprietor in Mississippi and want to use a "fictitious name," what must I do?

You have to file and disclose publicly, generally a news paper notification if you are going to form a DBA. If you use your real name within the business name, you don't have to. This applies to all states.

I am a sole proprieter in Florida and have been since 1995. I dont know anything about DBA except that my bank statement says "my name, DBA my busines name", but the bank did that on its own. I do know that, at least in Florida, if your company name does not include your whole actual name you have to file a ficticious name registration. The reason is (short version) if you get ripped-off by a company, you have the right to find out who owns that company. If it is Bob Smith Roofing then likely Bob Smith owns it, if it is Bob's Roofing you can go to the state's fictitious names and find out who owns Bob's Roofing. When you are a sole proprietor, you ARE your business. When I file my taxes, my SSN is my EIN (employer identification number) but that may be changing. I can deposit checks into my business bank account made out to the business name OR made out to my name. My atm.debit card has both names on it (no dba). So I dont think sole proprietor is a DBA as far as the city/county/state is concerned. All the documents I have, (except the bank statement) my city/county licences, sale tax certificate, fictitious name registration, they all list my company name as "company" and my name as the owner. No DBA. Thats my two cents. This information is purely for entertainment purposes and in no way should be construed as legal advice. I am not an attorney, you should always consult an attorney for advice regarding business regulations :o)

PS (This is not sarcasm) you should check out your local library for books on how to start a business. In the dark ages (prior to 1995 - internet who?) I did all my research at the library. I specifically remember a point where I knew I could skip certain early chapters of a book where they explained business types, because every book I had read so far had all the exact same information. Hope this helps.

I don't know if it varies from state to state but believe the info you got is false. You can and most people do have a separate name for their sole proprietor business. You are an individual who is doing business as something else. You do need to file a DBA form with the city. At least that is how it is here in Maine.