Hawaii. The islands top the biggest mountain range in the world. You've given us Bette Midler, several Miss Americas, and 1/3 of the earth's supply of coffee. You have the highest life-expectancy of all the United States, and with your glorious beaches, 7,000 marine species and native macadamia nuts, coffee and orchids, it's not hard to see why. You're the state that made us 50. Thanks, Hawaii.
This sweet state is also a welcoming one in which to legally start your small escort business and in this article you'll find clear step-by-step advice on how do just that in Hawaii. 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.
Step four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Hawaii you are not required to register your sole proprietorship business or business name if it is your name and service: "Jane Doe's Escort Service". However, if you take on any other form of a DBA name, you may choose to register it with your local county clerk's office. For more information on if taking on a DBA is a good choice for your business, refer to our article Do I want to be a sole proprietor?
To register your DBA name in Hawaii, download, fill out and file a T-1 form. Alternatively, this form and more details on registering your trade name can be found at Hawaii.gov. There is a $25 application fee to file this form, recently reduced for 2011 from $50.
Partnership:
In Hawaii you are required to register your general partnership within 30 days of the partnership being formed. This GP-1 form contains basic information about who runs the partnership, out of where and what for, and requires a $15 filing fee.
You can then register your DBA name with a T-1 form. There is a $25 application fee to file this form, recently reduced for 2011 from $50. Download form T-1 and find more details on registering your trade name at Hawaii.gov.
Corporation:
To register your corporation in Hawaii you have to fill out an Articles of Incorporation form (Form DC-1). This form contains basic information about who is incorporating in the company, the stock information and purpose of the company. A $50 filing fee is required.
You can then register your DBA name with a T-1 form. There is a $25 application fee to file this form, recently reduced for 2011 from $50. Download form T-1 and find more details on registering your trade name at Hawaii.gov.
LLC:
To register your LLC in Hawaii you have to fill out an Articles of Organization form (form LLC-1). This form contains basic information about the members of the LLC, and if it will be run by the members or appointed managers, as well as the purpose and basic operating information.
You can then register your DBA name with a T-1 form. There is a $25 application fee to file this form, recently reduced for 2011 from $50. Download form T-1 and find more details on registering your trade name at Hawaii.gov.
For more information on registering your business in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Business Registration Division.
Step six: Register for your federal and Hawaii state taxes
There are a few basic types of taxes small businesses in Hawaii may register for.
- Individual Income Tax: The state collects income tax on each person making a profit in Hawaii. If you're a sole proprietor or LLC, you'll file your business profits/losses in a Schedule EZ form that will go along with your personal income tax 1040 form. For more information go to IRS.gov. You can also get information on your personal income tax returns in Hawaii at state.hi.us.
- Business Taxes: Businesses in Hawaii have to pay corporate taxes. Partnerships must file a Partnership Income Tax Return (N-20), and corporations must file a Corporation Tax Return (N-30). More information and these forms can be found at the Hawaii Department of Taxation.
- Unemployment Tax: All businesses with employees pay into unemployment tax to safeguard the state's unemployed. More information on these taxes and forms to fill out can be found at the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
- Withholding Taxes: Employers must withhold taxes from employees for their personal income taxes. More information can be found about withholding taxes in Hawaii at the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation.
- Workers Compensation: If you have 1 or more employees, you'll have to pay Workers Compensation in Hawaii. More information can be found at the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
- 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. This is particularly true for sole proprietorships, general partnerships and LLCs. You can find this Schedule C / 1040 form and get more information at IRS.gov.
You can fill out an onlin profile and get more information at eHawaii.org.
Step seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
There is no one basic "business license" in Hawaii, and chances are your city won't require you have one. But you will have to make sure your business is registered with state and it's wise to check with your city/county to make sure any other permits are not required. Alternatively, you can use the IRS's Permit Me tool.
More information on starting a business in Hawaii is available at Business.gov. More information on business and consumer affairs can be found at Hawaii.gov.
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.
