AlexInBC

I'll ring and ask CRA if I can't get a definite answer here, but when you decide to operate as a sole proprietor in Canada without registering a business name - so, using your own, legal name - does it have to be your full name, or can it legally be just "first initial, middle initial, surname" on invoices, etc..??

MarkG

I believe the rules depend on the province.

Siouxie

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tp.../menu-eng.html

http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starti...l-requirements

I have my own business (sole trader) but I am registered as I wanted to use a different name to my own. I invoice under the business name but the business bank account is in my personal name (as a sole trader). Taxes are paid using T1 and T2125 as additional pages on the normal tax return. Is there a reason you don't wish to register?

AlexInBC

Thanks Siouxie - I've seen both those sites before though... I just cannot find anything that clarifies whether operating as "A. N. Other" is considered equivalent to, and as acceptable as, for example "Alexandra Norah Other" (not my real name )

Or equally, since I have to use my full name come tax return time and in correspondence with CRA, etc., is it allowable to only have "A. N. Other" or "Alex N. Other" (as opposed to Alexandra, which I hate!) on paperwork for customers, like invoices...?

It's not that I don't want to register - I just see no need. I'm happy with just using my name, rather than coming up with a business name. It's just complicated by the fact that I'd rather not, if I can avoid it, have people calling me "Alexandra", LOL!

AlexInBC

Yep, sounds about right, thanks. I've only been looking at the regulations for BC. I just keep running into mention of "your own name" but no definition of whether that means full name, or not.

JonboyE

You are you. You will be trading under your full legal name. You will have to use your full legal name on your accounts with the CRA, Ministry of Finance, and WorksafeBC. I think that with your bank there is some flexibility with the account name. If you sign a cheque you are liable for the cheque amount regardless of the name of the account.

As for invoices, I don't think anyone will get bent out of shape if you use initial, initial, surname unless this causes confusion about your identity. As long as your creditors know who to sue you should be OK. You can cover yourself, just in case, by having our invoices say A.I.BC in large letters and AlexinBC dba in a tiny font underneath.

montreal mike

ISTM common sense would dictate that you use your full name so as to avoid any potential confusion, regardless of any annoying legalities or what CRA may have to say

Aviator

I doubt he'll get confused, should be able to remember his name for a while yet.

Steve_

It's not something CRA handle, they only care about your name on your T1 and T2125 which has to be your actual name.

You can't be prevented from using your own real name as a self-employed person, but with corporations they do a NUANS search. http://www.nuans.com/nuansinfo_en/home-accueil_en.cgi

montreal mike

confusion?

I was referring to the CRA and third parties