Washington. You produce more apples than the pie-slinging New England states. You've given us Jimi Hendrix, Bing Crosby and enough (amazing) coffee to caffeinate a jet plane into motion. You're misty-eyed and retain the romance of a wild-westerner in city clothes. A rough stone, smoothed. That's you, Washington.
Washington is also a diverse and welcoming 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 specifications on these structures within Washington State, visit the Washington Secretary of State » Corporations Division.
For some helpful advice on picking out a business name, visit Business.gov.
Step four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Washington 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.
But if you take on a DBA name, you'll have to file a Master Business Registration form with the Washington State Department of Licensing. There is a $15 filing fee for this form plus $5 per each name you register. Specifications on what names need to be filed and forms can be found at the Washington State Department of Licensing » Trademark Registration.
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 Washington you are not required to register your general partnership as a separate business entity. However, it is highly recommended that you draft a statement of partnership or partnership agreement. This document will safeguard the details you've outlined within the partnership should you come into conflict with a partner down the road.
You are also not required to register your business name if it is the collected names of the partners. But if you take on a DBA name, you'll have to file a Master Business Registration form with the Washington State Department of Licensing. There is a $15 filing fee for this form plus $5 per each name you register. Specifications on what names need to be filed and forms can be found at the Washington State Department of Licensing » Trademark Registration.
Corporation:
To register your escort corporation in Washington you'll need to file your Articles of Incorporation with the Washington Secretary of State. You'll include information on the amount of shares for the corporation, the incorporating persons and a $180 filing fee (plus other possible applicable fees depending on the amount of shares in your corporation). Because of the intricate information required when starting a corporation, it is highly recommended that you seek advice from a business lawyer and accountant. You can find this form or file online at the Washington Secretary of State » Corporations Division.
Registering your Articles of Incorporation will register your business name, so you do not have to do this separately. However, if you plan to operate under any name other than what you put on this registration, you'll have to file a Master Business Registration form with the Washington State Department of Licensing. There is a $15 filing fee for this form plus $5 per each name you register. Specifications on what names need to be filed and forms can be found at the Washington State Department of Licensing » Trademark Registration.
LLC:
To register your escort business LLC in Washington, you'll need to file a Charter of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State. The form includes basic information about the members and managers of the LLC, and requires a $180 filing fee. You can find this form and file online at the Washington Secretary of State » Corporation Division.
Registering your Charter of Formation will register your business name, so you do not have to do this separately. However, if you plan to operate under any name other than what you put on this registration, you'll have to file a Master Business Registration form with the Washington State Department of Licensing. There is a $15 filing fee for this form plus $5 per each name you register. Specifications on what names need to be filed and forms can be found at the Washington State Department of Licensing » Trademark Registration.
For more information on the fastest and easiest way to register your business, go to the Washington Secretary of State Corporations Division.
Step six: Register for your federal and Washington state taxes
There are a few basic types of taxes small businesses in Washington 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.
- Business Taxes: The tax situation on corporations in Washington State is a bit tricky in regards to the escort world. In general, you do not have to pay business taxes in Washington. But there is a business and occupation tax that does include the entertainment field. It is highly recommended that you ask a business lawyer in your city for advice on if you need to pay this tax for your business.
- Unemployment Insurance: All businesses with employees pay unemployment insurance to safeguard the state's unemployed. More information can be found at the Washington State Employment Security Department.
- Withholding Taxes: Employers must withhold taxes from employees for their personal income taxes on a federal level. More information can be found at IRS.gov.
- Workers Compensation: If you have employees, you'll have to pay Workers' Compensation. Resources for employers can be found at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
- 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. Get more information at IRS.gov » Self-Employment Tax.
Step seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
There is no escort license or "general business license" in Washington, but some cities may require you have a general permit for your escort business. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Washington State Department of Licensing and run your city through the IRS's Permit Me tool to get more information about specific filing in your area.
For more information about registering an escort business in Washington, consider the following online destinations:
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.
