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Can I have checks made out to a different business name than my actual business name?

by seobeginner
9 replies
I am sending letters out again to get clients, this time with my letterhead, and want to use a business name that is not my business name. Is this doable?

Let me explain: I had selected this name (ABC) a long time ago, and then got a letter from the govt stating that I couldn't use that particular name, so I changed my business name to my personal name (XYZ). It was the simplest option at the time. It would still be a challenge to change it to something that makes sense in both languages (I live in a bilingual part of the world.) And past clients have expressed surprise when they heard that my name is my biz name. Not necessarily a good thing.

In any case, XYZ just doesn't look good on my letterhead.

My question is, can I use ABC on my stationary, get checks written up to ABC and cash those checks? ABC is the title of my book and website.

Sorry if I wasn't clear enough. I have the flu and am sick beyond comprehension.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

P.S. I live in Canada.
#actual #business #checks #made
  • Profile picture of the author Myles Sinclair
    If you use your original name (ABC) on your letterheading, and invoice and receive payments in that name, then you will be trading under that name. If your government has told you that you can't use that name, then I guess you'll be in trouble with them!

    I don't think you're thinking clearly. Flu will do that to you! Hope you feel better soon.

    P.S. If you don't like using your own name, why not just pick an alternative business name that won't get you into trouble?
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  • Profile picture of the author TeamBringIt
    Originally Posted by seobeginner View Post

    I am sending letters out again to get clients, this time with my letterhead, and want to use a business name that is not my business name. Is this doable?

    Let me explain: I had selected this name (ABC) a long time ago, and then got a letter from the govt stating that I couldn't use that particular name, so I changed my business name to my personal name (XYZ). It was the simplest option at the time. It would still be a challenge to change it to something that makes sense in both languages (I live in a bilingual part of the world.) And past clients have expressed surprise when they heard that my name is my biz name. Not necessarily a good thing.

    In any case, XYZ just doesn't look good on my letterhead.

    My question is, can I use ABC on my stationary, get checks written up to ABC and cash those checks? ABC is the title of my book and website.

    Sorry if I wasn't clear enough. I have the flu and am sick beyond comprehension.

    Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

    P.S. I live in Canada.
    Please, seek professional advice on this matter. You cannot just, accept payments under business names...that you like. You at least need a DBA and a bank account that accepts, payments under that DBA. You can accept payments/checks, under any name but, i doubt that you would be able...to cash them and you have all the liability as well.

    Hope, you feel better
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    These days banks are only accepting checks made out to the name of record on the account.
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    • Profile picture of the author mikeink
      I can almost the province that you live in.

      You best bit is to go and same legal advice.
      Signature

      Well let me see. OH yea need to start work on my ???????? again.
      Been working for slave wages to long.

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    • Profile picture of the author mikeink
      I can almost the province that you live in.

      You best bit is to go and get same legal advice.
      Signature

      Well let me see. OH yea need to start work on my ???????? again.
      Been working for slave wages to long.

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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Since you live in Canada, be aware that most of the advice you will get here for a question like that will not be very relevant.

    You need some local, professional advice. That could be a business attorney, tax professional or even calling up the municipal licensing office.

    Where I live, it is fairly simple to get a DBA that would allow you to do business under a fictitious name that ties back to you.

    Best of luck. This should be pretty easy to figure out.
    Signature
    Fifteen Lessons I have learned over 15 years and six businesses (or, My 1000th-Post Manifesto)
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  • Profile picture of the author seobeginner
    Thanks for helping me out folks, much appreciated.

    Have a great weekend!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    The name on your check needs to match the name on your bank account. That's all that matters.
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    One of my DBA's is in my legal name. As well as an LLC. I actually like it. I will use one business name and deposit in another all the time but the bank has copies of my DBA's also.
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