ASCAP publisher royalty checks

[onglee]

i second suzdoyle's comment. you should also keep in mind that a publishing company will be treated as a separate entity from the writer(s) associated with that company, even if you are the only writer under your publishing company. think of it from ascap's end - there'd be too much confusion and people can take advantage of it should they allow this to occur.

[coachdebra]

OK - folks. This is your business coach talking.

If you want the universe to take you seriously, not to mention the IRS ...

You need a separate account and credit card for business and personal. The account can be savings, but I think you're better off with a checking account. It does not have to be a "business" checking account, but if you're using a DBA, the bank will probably require it.

There are banks that offer free business checking - I'm using Chase Bank for mine. Sovereign Bank used to do this as well, not sure if they still do. INGDirect offers free business checking as well. Most banks will let you open a business account without a dba as long as your name is in the title of the business (Debra Russell Coaching for example).

But if you're dba-ing using another name, you'll have to register in your city or county (depending on the rules where you live). It's not that expensive or that complicated. Really it's not. Here in CA (the most expensive place to live) it cost $24 to register, an hour or so at the county clerk's office and a page or two of paperwork.

If you want to take credit cards for your cd's or concert tickets or lyric sheets or whatever, you will also need a business checking account in order to get a merchant account.

I'm Debra Russell, dba Artist's EDGE - if anyone wants to send me any checks