Get your federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS website so you don't have to use your social security number as identification. You will need it later if you're going to hire help but for now, check the box 'for banking purposes' on the EIN application. It will assign you a number immediately and you can print the letter directly from the site. Next, find someone with some accounting experience to help you get started on the right foot. Financial organization is essential to analyzing your progress. Good luck!

To establish a business as a sole proprietorship, you need to file an Assumed Name Certificate. It varies from state to state on whether you file on the state level or on the county level. You should be able to find this information at your state's Secretary of State office. This will authorize your trade name and allow you to open a bank account as your name dba your trade name. You will also want to file with your State Comptroller's Office for a sales tax permit. Good luck.

you need to file an Assumed Name Certificate. It varies from state to state on whether you file on the state level or on the county level

you don't "apply with the IRS" at all - you get a State-issued tax ID so you can do business in the state you live in; you file your federal return for all business income with the IRS the following year.

This will authorize your trade name and allow you to open a bank account as your name dba your trade name.