Business

Best thing you can do is to file with the IRS ask for an EIN Employer Identification Number under your business name, they are free, additionally file under your town for a business license, and open a bank account under that name, most banks will look at your credit, but if your application is filed under your business EIN it will help you avoid close scrutiny. That could be part of your prep work for your business plan.

I agree with rnpract. I also filed my business as a LLC, to keep my home, personal assets, etc. separate from my business in the (hopefully unlikely) event of a suit against me. It was a LOT easier than many web pages would have you think, and cheaper. I did do some homework to determine what was best for my business, incorporating or LLC.

Once I had my EIN number, I went to my state Secretary of State web page. It took a bit of poking around to find it, but I was able to file for an LLC for my business for $50 in filing fees. It protects my business name from duplication in my state as well. I had an immediate response from them (electronic) confirming my LLC.

I didn't open a business checking account until I had the LLC confirmed. It's good to check with an accountant about all this as well, mine recommended it for our situation. Several books I read also recommended doing all of the above to minimize IRS scrutiny. It shows you are seriously doing this as a business, not to evade taxes in any way.

I wrote my own business plan. Before you take out a huge loan or spend huge amounts of money, take a deep breath. Call the IRS and get you tax ID number. Decide what you want to call yourself. Get a UPS or Fed ex mailbox--they will sign for packages and call you when the come in. You only need to get a small box so the price is usually very reasonable. Contact your county/city--check to see if you need to file for a fictious business name and a business license. Even home based business' may need a license. You must have your tax ID to open a business account. Open checking/savings, check with your bank to see what other documentation you may need. IRS frowns on blending business and personal income. Talk to the phone company and dedicate a separate line for business. It's cheaper to start to have a home office. Spend time to develop sample cases and marketing material. Business cards/brochures can be made very cheaply on your computer. If your address on telphone number change-- it's an easy to fix on your computer, rather than reprinting 100's of cards or brochures. Get your supplies from any office supply store--become intimately aquainted with different types of paper stock. Make up templates to be used for clients/set up your filing system.
This business has very low overhead. As you get cases reinvest your money, purchase a bookkeeping program like Quicken Professional which I love, become an LLC. Before you go for a huge loan and incure a lot of debt start small and reinvest as you go. This is what I have done.