Some states require that all businesses register their business name. That is NOT the same as registering your entity type (LLC, partnership, etc.), so be certain to check your state's requirements. Additionally, some cities require that all businesses, including home-based ones, obtain a city business license (you can thank those who are engaged in illegal activities in their homes for that). Your city clerk's office can tell you if your city requires a license.

Thanks everyone for your input! Since your business will be for profit, I suggest you register your business. You may want to check out Massachusetts' Licensing and Regulation page to make sure that you have all your bases covered. Also feel free to take a look at our Online Business Guide. Good luck!

It would be an advantage to at least have a DBA (doing business as) for your business name setup in MA. One of my friend has online business there in Boston to help small business with online marketing TwiTzu.com They help small business with better search engine result ranking. They also give a free SEO review for your site. Good luck, Lou, Twituz.com Message Edited by NicoleD on 11-04-2009 11:25 AM

If you want to use a business name for your business - e.g., Ebay and Amazon Advertising by Andi - then you must at least get a DBA (or Fictitious Name). If you are just having people write checks to your name, then you will generally not need a fictitious name. This article may provide you with some guidance: http://pagebuzz.com/businessregistration.html Best of luck with your venture! :) Message Edited by ChristineL on 10-27-2009 04:35 PM

Hello Window Shopper - I run an online business in Denver, CO, and you do not need to register your business with the Sec. of State in your state in order to do business, whether online or offline. Most people who regsiter their business do so to protect their personal assets or to provide some protection for the name of their business. Registering your business with the MA Sec. of State's office will cost you a nominal fee, and many states have yearly recurring registration fees. In addition, when you register your business (many people who do work out of their homes register as sole proprietorships) you will have to pay taxes from your company's earnings on your personal income tax return.   With all this said, I'm not an attorney, and this shouldn't be construed (nor is it intended) as legal advice, so if you have an attorney or know one, I'd consult with them before making your decision.