DBA required for EIN

Hey folks,

Does anyone know if you MUST have a DBA/formal company in order to register for an EIN? Or could I just come up with some random business name that I'm using for business purposes and use that to get an EIN without officially registering the business name?

Thanks,
Red

You need to file a DBA if your doing business under another name, Say your name is Jane Smith and the business name is Jane Smith Enterprise your fine but Jane Enterprise must have a DBA. Really it's just better to file the DBA as bank accounts and other things will require it if your a sole proprietor. Just go to IRS select sole proprietor and put reason as for a bank account and should be good to go.

So if your going to make up some name then yes you need a DBA, easiest thing is if you arn't just going to use your name for the business then yes file a DBA