How do we love thee, Louisiana? We love thee in too many ways to count. You've given us oysters and jazz. You call your counties parishes in your genteel Southern way. You inspire us to prepare for Lent with the fervor of a pagan fairy. You are the definition of Cajun. Thanks, Louisiana.
Louisiana is also a rich state in which to register your small escort business, with many forms to be filed online and more resources to get you started than crayfish in the Louisiana waters. In this article you'll find clear step-by-step advice on how to start your escort business in Louisiana. 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.
General business information in Louisiana
You have a phenomenal resource in your state: the state business website of GeuxBiz.com. On this site you can order and file forms, get more information on license you have to pay and get your specific questions answered. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with this service, using this article as a jumping off point to begin the dialogue with your state that will help you successfully open your escort service.
For some helpful advice on picking out a business name, visit Business.gov
Step four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Louisiana you are required to register your sole proprietorship with your parish clerk's office if you are working under an assumed name. While a sole proprietorship is not recognized as a separate legal entity from the person/s registering it, you'll need to have basic information about the fact that you are conducting business with your parish.
You can find a list of contact information for your parish here.
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 Louisiana you are required to register your general partnership business as a separate business entity if you work under a DBA name. You will also have to file a partnership return come tax time, so having your books in order is very important. More on that below.
You can find a list of contact information for your parish here.
Corporation:
To register your escort corporation in Louisiana you'll need to file your Articles of Incorporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State. There is a $60 filing fee for this form.
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 Louisiana, you'll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State. There is a $75 filing fee for this form.
Registering your Articles of Organization will register your business name, so you will not have to file any additional paperwork for this.
For more information on these business structures and their requirements, visit Louisiana Secretary of State—Commercial Division.
Step six: Register for your federal and Louisiana state taxes
There are a few basic types of taxes small businesses in Louisiana 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 Iowa Department of Revenue—Individual Income Tax Forms.
- Business Taxes: Businesses in Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Revenue—Corporate Income.
- Unemployment Insurance: All businesses with employees pay unemployment insurance to safeguard the state's unemployed. You can get more information and file online at Louisiana Workforce Commission.
- Withholding Taxes: Employers must withhold taxes from employees for their personal income taxes. More information can be found about withholding taxes in Louisiana at the Louisiana Department of Revenue—Withholding Tax.
- Workers Compensation: If you have employees, you'll have to pay Worker's Compensation. More information can be found at Louisiana Workforce 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. You can find this Schedule C / 1040 form and get more information at IRS.gov.
For more information on registration and taxes in Louisiana visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue—Businesses.
File your taxes online at Louisiana Department of Revenue.
Step seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
There is no one basic "business license" in Louisiana, and chances are your city won't require you have any permits for your escort business. But it's a smart idea to fill out the Business Checklist Questionnaire at the Louisiana Secretary of State to make sure you don't need any specific licenses or permits that are unique to your parish. Alternatively, use the IRS's Permit Me tool.
More information on starting a small escort business in Louisiana, visit
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.
