I have a friend, who is an aspiring actor, who wants to use their maiden name.?

Question

Basically, her name was legally changed when she got married but now wants to use her maiden name in her acting. Our acting coach said she needed to get a 'dba' (doing business as) for tax purposes and whatnot. But how is this done? I have heard one goes through their county government to do this but obviously acting, even locally, spans across many states. How does one go about doing this legally and for the purposes of taxes from wages earned in acting gigs?

Answer 1

A person can be a business. (Like an artist- me)
The is a number she can call to get a tax ID number. A lot of it can be done over the phone. I don't remember the number, but I bet its somewhere on the internet.
Hey sunshine! I kept my name! WOO WOO sister! :)

Answer 2

Yes, you'll need a dba to use your maiden name professionally. You can get the forms at your county courthouse. Then you need to file it with the county recorder and have it published.

To publish it, ask the recorder who provides the service. Basically it's a required public notice; look in the back of your local newspaper for those notices (so-and-so is now doing business as such-and-such). Not sure how much it costs now; when I did it years ago it was around $50.

Answer 3

She's not a business... I've never heard of having to get that specific designation. Something may have changed in the last few years, so it's always a good idea to check with a tax pro, but... it's my understanding that when she works the production company will write the check to her working name (or stage name) but the check will be sent to her agent and cashed by her agent so that the agent can take his or her percentage. The agent will then issue your friend a check for the other 90%. She can ask her agent to issue her paychecks to her legal name.

Answer 4

Thoughts: On the surface: tradition, culture and habit. Looking a bit deeper: Perhaps in the past, because males tend to be naturally a little more assertive, (and perhaps some males and females weren't quite there in terms of gender being equal and complimentary), they kind of pushed their side of the equation. Also, some very old words in language were not gender specific so the equivalent of say "him" meant person and as languages developed that became "him" could mean "him" (male) or could mean "him" (person) and some confusion developed over that. There would be something of arbitrariness about it, because the child was the child of "him" and "him", family name?, Ah, "him". It wouldn't be practical to have multiple barrelled family names Smith-Jones-Farquehart-Mason-Jackson .... so choose one side "him". It's not such a big deal, either not interested in history or a family tree is maintained that shows them all. But genealogical research easier if there's a verifiable link name on one side of the gender divide. The other side then links by marriage. But entirely up to the individual. Can call self or child Moonshine Fairy Dust Venus if you like. Some people would and do do that sort of thing. (Uniquely identifies, it's just a bit long to write.) Might like to look ahead and think what name you would like children will have (and discuss with prospective husband when the time comes).

Answer 5

My sister uses her first and middle names as he stage name for theatre work. This is what is listed on her resume and in in her bio. But they always just cut her a check made out to her legal name.
As for women keeping their last names. . . I'm keeping mine. Taking the husbands last name is an archaic and antiquated practice. It literally meant that the woman was the property of the man and no longer a member of her maiden family. We're better than that. Men, How would you like to give up your name?

Answer 6

I think women should keep their maiden name these days. since we woman all seem to have to work as hard as men, have jobs, and everything else, they deserve to have their own name. Have her change it back!!! Unless the man is willing to be the provider in the family and not have the woman work than I have no idea why one should change their name. I think all that matters legally is what name is on the paychecks.