How to register an escort business in Alaska
Alaska. The Last Frontier. The Great Land. The Land of the Midnight Sun.
The only state in the union that can boast the Wooly Mammoth as its state fossil or the moose as its mammal. Twice as big as Texas, you're the largest state we've got. Well done, Alaska.
Alaska is also a supportive and friendly environment in which to register your small escort business, and in this article you'll find clear step-by-step advice on how to do just that. For more information on why it's vitally important to register your business, refer to our article Don't get busted for tax evasion: Why registering your escort business is the only option.
For more information on DBA names and limitations in Alaska, go to Commerce.state.ak.us
Step Four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Alaska you are not required to register "Jane Doe" or your DBA name with the state. However, you can choose to register your DBA with the state. For more information on if this is a good choice for your business, refer to our article Do I want to be a sole proprietor?
To register your trade name in Alaska, your business already needs to be established and you need to have a business license (see Step Five). The license is how you'll be registering the business with the state. Also, Alaska specifies "vulgar names are not allowed". Cute, Alaska.
Once you have the business license, fill out a 08-575 form to register your name. The form contains basic information about what the business is, who owns it, where, and anyone else responsible. A $25 registration fee is due, and the name is reserved for 5 years (expiring on December 31st of the 5th year, no matter when the name was obtained). You have a choice to either fill out the form online or complete and send it to the following snail mail address along with $25 registration fee:
State of Alaska
Corporations Section
PO Box 110808
Juneau AK
99811-0808
Partnership:
In Alaska, the names of limited partnerships are automatically registered with the state. If you are starting a general partnership and want to register your name and have your business license, fill out a 08-575 form to register your name. The form contains basic information about what the business is, who owns it, where, and anyone else responsible. A $25 registration fee is due, and the name is reserved for 5 years (expiring on December 31st of the 5th year, no matter when the name was obtained). You have a choice to either fill out the form online or complete and send it to the following snail mail address along with $25 registration fee:
State of Alaska
Corporations Section
PO Box 110808
Juneau AK
99811-0808
Corporations:
In Alaska, your DBA name will be registered automatically when you file your Articles of Incorporation, a 08-400 form. The fee is $250, whether you do this online or in the mail.
To do so online, go to the registration page at MyAlaska.state.ak.us.
To do so by mail, download the 08-400 form. The $250 filing fee and completed forms can be sent to
State of Alaska
Corporations Section
PO Box 110806
Juneau AK
99811-0806
LLC:
Your DBA name will be registered when you file your Articles of Organization, a 08-430 form. The fee is $250 for filing.
To do so online: Go to MyAlaska.state.ak.us.
To do so by mail: Go to Commerce.state.ak.us. The filing fee and completed forms can be sent to
State of Alaska
Corporations Section
PO Box 110806
Juneau AK
99811-0806
For more information on registering all business models with the state of Alaska, go to Commerce.state.ak.us.
Step Six: Register for your Alaska state and local city taxes
There are four basic types of taxes small businesses may register for:
- Personal Income Tax: Not for you, Alaska! Unlike all the other states, you don't have to pay personal income taxes! So unless you're a corporation, you don't need to withhold these taxes for your employees (if you have them). One of many reasons on a list of why to live in your glorious state!
- Employment Taxes: If you have employees, you have to pay employment security taxes through the Department of Labor. You can create an online profile where you can obtain information and support at Labor.state.ak.us. You'll also have to pay for worker's compensation insurance (paid to a private insurance company). These taxes are paid quarterly through a 941 form, available at www.irs.gov/formpubs. You'll also need to report all money paid to your employees at the end of the year with a W-2 form, downloadable at www.irs.gov/formpubs. If you are a corporation, you definitely have to pay these taxes.
- Corporate Income Taxes: If you are a corporation, you do need to pay income taxes. This tax varies by level of your profits. More information can be found at Tax.alaska.gov/programs.
- Self-Employment Taxes: If you own and operate your business and are not paid as an employee, you'll need to file your own self-employment taxes for social security and Medicaid. You can download the 1040 form and get more information at www.irs.gov/formspubs. If you're a sole proprietor, you'll have to do this. If you're a partnership and simply absorb the profits, you may not.
- Excise Taxes: Unless you're transporting and selling motor oil or gasoline, you don't have to pay these taxes. And if you are selling motor oil or gasoline, you're on the wrong website.
More detailed information on these taxes can be found at IRS.gov/business/small.
Step Seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
In Alaska, all businesses must have a business license, obtained by completing a bus4181 form. This license number may be necessary on other filing forms, including registering your DBA name (if a sole proprietor or partnership) or when organizing your taxes. The business license costs $50 a year and can be filed in one or two-year terms.
To do so online: visit Commerce.state.ak.us.
To do so by mail: download the bus4181 form.
For more information
Download a clear and thorough guide on how to register your business in Alaska.
More information on taxes in Alaska is available at Tax.alaska.gov.
For general information on registering a business in Alaska, including guidelines, downloadable forms and online registration, visit Commerce.state.ak.
Find out how to register an escort business in each state of the USA.
Related resources:
Please note: Dating.com is not a legal service, nor are we tax advisors or accountants. We do offer you what we consider our best advice, but if at all in doubt, please consult a professional.
