I have a small side job grading a local town park walking trail, I have created a DBA, got all the insurance requirements etc. I guess my real question is do I need a separate checking account or can I just deposit the money into my personal account?

What are benefits either way?

Thanks for the help.

It's better to keep it separate.
I can't give you any legal reason but keeping it from the personal has benefit of accounting and probably plenty of other reasons.

As a DBA, do you need one, no. Do you want one, YES.

It's not required, but I would suggest you use a separate checking account for income and expenses.

What everyone has said so far. Were your business to get audited for any reason, it would be much simpler if it had a separate account.

Thank you guys, I will set up an account.

Makes accounting and taxes much easier. I have 2 side gigs in addition to my W2. I have a checking (connected to Zelle), savings, and business credit card for each.

Yes. It is very wise to separate your side business income and expenses from your personal income from another employer. It makes tracking business income and expenses very easy compared to separating those from your personal checking account.

And if you take a loss over a period of time which gives you a tax break, and the IRS decides to audit you or challenge your business legitimacy, having a business bank account adds to your credibility. That, and the fact that you pay for licensing fees.

If your finances look like you run a business, you'll be safer than if you look like a guy with a hobby and one bank account, trying to write off his toys.

Tony.