Kentucky. The Bluegrass State. You mix music, bacon and bourbon in divine measures with a blend unique only to Kentucky. A little bit country, and a little bit rock n' roll, your mountains and farmlands spread far and wide and your cities offer a little of something for everyone.
Kentucky is also a strong state 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 some helpful advice on picking out a business name, visit Business.gov
Step four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Kentucky 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 an Assumed Name Filing with your local county clerk's office. You can find your county's website at Kentucky State Association of Counties.
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?.
Partnership:
In Kentucky 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.
If you choose to use a DBA with your partnership, you'll have to file a Certificate of Assumed Name form with your Secretary of State as well as file with your county clerk.
You can find the form at Kentucky.gov or download it directly. There is a $20 filing fee for this form.
You can find your county's website at Kentucky State Association of Counties.
Corporation:
To register your escort corporation in Kentucky you need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Kentucky Secretary of State. You can find more information at the Kentucky Secretary of State—Business Filing Forms or download the form directly. There is a $50 filing fee with this form.
You then need to file your business name with a Certificate of Assumed Name. You can find the form at Kentucky.gov or download it directly. There is a $20 filing fee for this form.
LLC:
To register your escort LLC in Kentucky, you'll need to file your Certificate of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State. You can find more information and this form at the Kentucky Secretary of State or download it directly.
You then need to file your business name with a Certificate of Assumed Name. You can find the form at Kentucky.gov or download it directly. There is a $20 filing fee for this form.
For more information on these models and their requirements, visit Kentucky Secretary of State Business Entities.
Step six: Register for your federal and Kentucky state taxes
There are a few basic types of taxes small businesses in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Revenue—Individual Information.
- Business Taxes: Businesses in Kentucky have to pay corporate taxes. Partnerships must file a Partnership Income Tax Return, and corporations must file a Corporation Tax Return. More information and these forms can be found at the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
- Unemployment Insurance: All businesses with employees pay unemployment insurance to safeguard the state's unemployed. You can get more information and file online at Kentucky Office of Employment and Training.
- Withholding Taxes: Employers must withhold taxes from employees for their personal income taxes. More information can be found about withholding taxes in Kentucky at the Kentucky Department of Revenue—Withholding.
- Workers Compensation: If you have employees, you'll have to pay Workers Compensation. More information can be found at the Kentucky Workers Compensation Board
- 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.
For more information and to register for taxes in Kentucky, visit Kentucky Department of Revenue—Business Registration
Step seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
There is no general "business license" in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky:
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.
