"I believe my most important job is being there when you need help." So says Doug La Follette, the Wisconsin Secretary of State. And it's a great example of the business mind-frame that exists in Wisconsin — a state of those who are able and have a can-do attitude. A state full of natural beauty, a rich American history and exciting politics.
Wisconsin is also a diverse 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 more information on these restrictions within Wisconsin, visit Build Your Business in the State of Wisconsin.
For some helpful advice on picking out a business name, visit Business.gov.
Step four: Register your business / business name
Sole Proprietorship:
In Wisconsin 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 Registration of Firm Name with your county's Register of Deeds. You can also register your name for a $15 fee with the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
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 Wisconsin 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 Registration of Firm Name with your county's Register of Deeds. You can also register your name for a $15 fee with the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
Corporation:
To register your escort corporation in Wisconsin you'll need to file your Articles of Incorporation with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. You'll include information on the amount of shares for the corporation, the incorporating persons and a $100 filing fee. Because of the intricate information required when starting a corporation, it is highly recommended that you seek advice from a business lawyer and accountant.
Registering your Articles of Incorporation will register your business name, so you do not have to do this separately.
LLC:
To register your escort LLC in Wisconsin, you'll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The form includes basic information about the members and managers of the LLC, and requires a $130 filing fee.
Registering your Articles of Organization will register your business name, so you do not have to do this separately.
Step six: Register for your federal and Wisconsin state taxes
The Wisconsin State Department of Revenue has made it incredibly easy to register your business for taxes within the state depending on your business structure. Doing so streamlines your tax applications and payments and keeps you informed with the most up-to-date information. For registration and details on some of the taxes listed below, register at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue » My Tax Account Registration Quick Start.
There are a few basic types of taxes small businesses in Wisconsin may register for.
- Individual and Business Income Tax: Some business structures pay their taxes along with their own personal income taxes (usually sole proprietors and LLCs) whereas others pay separate corporate entity taxes..
- Unemployment Insurance: All businesses with employees pay unemployment insurance to safeguard the state's unemployed. More information can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- Withholding Taxes: Employers must withhold taxes from employees for their personal income taxes on a federal and state level. More information can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and at the IRS.
- Workers Compensation: If you have employees, you'll have to pay Workers' Compensation. Resources for employers can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- 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. 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: Self-Employment Tax.
Step seven: Get necessary licenses and permits
There's no specific "escort license" in Wisconsin, and chances are you won't need any other permits to conduct your escort service, but it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the State of Wisconsin License, Permit and Registration Services and run your city through the IRS's Permit Me tool and get more information about specific filing from their site.
For more information about registering an escort business in Wisconsin, 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.
