Illinois. Famous for skyscrapers, Abraham Lincoln and Oprah Winfrey. Bursting with cardinals, violets and white-tailed deer, you're the urban/rural blend that so few states can boast of so highly. The blend of traditional / contemporary found in Illinois makes yours a welcoming state in which to legally start a small business.
In this article you'll find clear step-by-step advice on how to register your escort service in Illinois. 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 a helpful advice on picking out a business name, visit Business.gov
Step four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Illinois you are not required to register your sole proprietorship escort business as a separate business entity: because the business is you, it is not recognized as a separate business and you'll file your business information along with your own personal taxes.
You are also not required to register your 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 must 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 Illinois with your county, find your county's website at www.business.gov.
Partnership:
In Illinois you are not required to register your general partnership business as a separate business entity. However, you will have to file a partnership return come tax time, so having your books in order is very important. More on that below.
You are also not obligated to register your business name in Illinois if it is the collected names of the partners outlined in your partnership agreement. But if you choose to take on a DBA name you'll have to register it with your county.
To register your DBA name in Illinois with your county, find your county's website at www.business.gov.
Corporation:
To register your escort corporation in Illinois you'll need to file your Articles of Incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State (a bca210 form). You can find this form at the Illinois Secretary of State—Corporations or download bca210 form here. There is a minimum $150 filing fee for this form, and directions on additional applications and fees.
The form itself requires you to have details on the shares that will be distributed in your corporation, as well as all incorporating members. While the form itself is simple, the information included on it should be created and confirmed by a business lawyer and (possibly) an accountant.
Registering your Articles of Incorporation will register your business name, so you will not have to file any additional paperwork for this.
LLC:
To register your escort LLC in Illinois, you'll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can find this form at the website for the Illinois Secretary of State—Limited Liability Company or download form llc55 here. There is a $500 filing fee for this form.
The form contains basic information on the purpose, management and members of your LLC.
Registering your Articles of Organization will register your business name, so you will not have to file any additional paperwork.
For more information, visit Illinois Secretary of State Business Services.
Step six: Register for your federal and Illinois state taxes
There are a few basic types of taxes small businesses in Illinois may register for.
- Individual Income Tax: 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 find more forms and information at the Illinois Department of Revenue—Individuals.
- Business Taxes: Businesses in Illinois have to pay corporate taxes. Partnerships must file a Partnership Income Tax Return (IL-1065), and corporations must file a Corporation Tax Return (IL-1120). More information and these forms can be found at the Illinois Department of Revenue—Business Income Taxes.
- Unemployment Tax: All businesses with employees pay unemployment insurance to safeguard the state's unemployed. In Illinois, this means you must register with the Illinois Department of Employment Security within 30 days of registering your business. You can find more information and this UI-1 form at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
- Withholding Taxes: Employers must withhold taxes from employees for their personal income taxes. More information can be found about withholding taxes in Illinois at the Illinois Department of Revenue—Business Withholding.
- Workers Compensation: If you have employees, you'll have to pay Workers Compensation. More information can be found at the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission.
- 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. Download form 1040 or get more information.
For more information on registration and taxes in Illinois visit Illinois Revenue Services
Step seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
There is no one basic "business license" in Illinois, and chances are your city won't require you have any permits for your escort business. But it's a good idea to run your city through the IRS's Permit Me tool and get more information about specific filing from their site.
More information on starting a business in Illinois
Search under "Licenses" at Illinois.gov for your local community requirements.
Visit Illinois at Business.gov
Visit Illinois Secretary of State
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.
