01-22-2007, 06:44 PM
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#22
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,187
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That's not at all true. Many people do it-- particularly actors, singers, artists, writers. But I know business people who do it too. In most places, a person can choose any name under which to transact business as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes. Some states may have other requirements, but pretty much people can choose their names and enter into legal contracts, even without needing to get a court order. The pseudonym will have the same force and effect as the person's true legal name.
Problems would occur for social insurance purposes (and certain other purposes, like passports, etc.) if the name used for such purposes doesn't match. So, in these instances (like for payroll, where tax and social security withholding and reporting is required), people would use their legally documented name-- namely, the one on their social security card. But there is no reason their business cards, name plate and other listings can't be the pseudonym or "professional name."
So, generally, a person can use any number of pseudonyms as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes. Most people wouldn't want to try to keep up with having more than one extra name, but theoretically, it's perfectly legal.
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"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself." --- Abraham Maslow
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