It is relatively easy to start and register a small escort business in the Province of Québec—especially if your business is designed to be easily run and managed by a small number of persons. When starting your escort business, you'll want clearly define what your business does, who manages it and who receives profits. The simpler the layout, the easier it will be to register and file business reports and taxes yearly.
Also be aware that, while most forms are available in English, all forms must be filed in French. And while some are available online, most have to be filed in person with the Registraire des Enterprises in Montreal or Québec City, or sent directly to the Registraire des enterprises, Direction des enterprises, P.O. Box 1364, Québec City, Québec, G1K 9B3.
To learn 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.
Make sure the name is not already being used in Québec by searching the enterprise register at the Québec Registraire des Enterprises. Also, remember that in more conservative communities your business may be more publicly scrutinized. Consider this when choosing to take on a business name.
Step four: Register your business / business name
Registering your business will give you a 10-digit Québec Enterprise Number, or NEQ, which simplifies business you may have with a large variety of governmental agencies. More information can be found at the Registraire des Enterprises Québec » NEQ.
The Province of Québec is currently working to make many of these filings and forms available online. For current information, visit the Registraire des Enterprises Québec or refer to the Registration Procedures for Each Legal Form.
Sole proprietorship
In Québec you are not required to register your sole proprietorship escort business if you conduct business under your own name. But if you take on a business name, you'll have to file a Declaration of Registration Form within sixty days of operating. You can file the form at one of the two offices of Services Québec for a nominal fee.
You may also choose to register your business to obtain your NEQ, which may simplify business dealings with other organizations down the road.
Partnership
In Québec you are required to register your partnership escort business within sixty days of operation. To do so you'll have to file a Declaration of Registration Form. You can file the form at one of the two offices of Services Québec for a nominal fee.
Corporation
To register your corporation in Québec, you'll need to obtain a Name Search Report, an Articles of Incorporation form and either an Initial Declaration or Notice Establishing the Head Office and List of Directors.
Because of the highly intricate legal nature of starting a corporation and the various ways one can incorporate in Québec, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a business lawyer and accountant.
More information on incorporating in Québec can be found at the Registraire des Enterprises Québec » Incorporating a Business Corporation.
Because of the highly intricate legal nature of starting a corporation, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a business lawyer and accountant.
Step five: Register for / pay business taxes
Along with paying taxes on your business income, all registered business structures must update their business information by filing an annual return beginning a full year after registration. More information on filing dates and forms can be found at the Registraire de Enterprises Québec.
As an escort, there are really only two taxes you'll be required to pay as a business, and even then only if you over $30,000 a year for on the service you supply for your clients.
- Goods and Service Tax (GST): All businesses that make a profit by supplying a service in Canada must pay this federal tax. Most businesses pass this tax on to their clients. In the escort industry, you may not specifically be taxing your clients for your service, but creating your fees with this tax in mind is something to consider. More information and a downloadable guide can be found at Revenu Québec.
- Québec Sales Tax (QST): The Québec Sales Tax is currently running at 7.5% of the cost of the service you're providing. For more information and online registration, go to Revenu Québec.
Step six: Get necessary licenses and permits
There is no escort license or one "general business license" in Québec. But as an escort you'll have to consider where you are meeting your clients. If you are seeing clients somewhere other than an office or storefront, which you will most likely be doing, you'll have to obtain a Mobile Shop Merchant's Permit.
More information on starting a business in Québec
Find out how to register an escort business in each state of the USA and by province in Canada.
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.
