Now, I say use your real name because you want to get out there and get known. If you use an alias, then automatically you’re going to have to use a third party like PayPal to accept payment. Because you can call yourself whatever, so long as your other information is legit and accounts are confirmed. But since you’re looking at working with local businesses, that wouldn’t be smart. They’re going to want to pay you with whatever method is easiest for them. That means cash or check. If you insist one using an alias then all payments would have to be done in cash. They could write a check to your “alias/business” name, but you would not be able to cash it because you are not “whoeveryoupick”. You could tell the bank it’s your business and that that is you, but then you would need to have a business account with your bank or have one linked to your personal account. Now, some banks will differ when it comes to what they require in order to set up a business checking/savings account. Some will let you set one up with just a CRS number or your business’ Federal id number. Some, especially credit unions, will be more stringent and want all bases covered. In which case you’re going to need a CRS, Federal ID number, and your business registration.

If you go that route, you’re going to be charging tax on your transaction and paying taxes in and doing quarterly reports. Not worth it if you’re grossing less than $5,000 a year. Also, if you go that route, then if you ever have someone assist you, they’ll have to go on payroll and then you’ll need to start doing 941 deposits. Keep it as self-employed under miscellaneous income and you can take what you pay someone to assist you as a business expense.