Are
there separate city or county business licenses in Washington State?
Depending on the type of business activity, you may
need to apply for more than one business license in the State of Washington. You may need
to apply for a specialty license as well as a Washington State Master
Business License. Most cities in Washington may also require a city
business license. Contact your city to find out what
forms may be needed. You can either do this in person
or by visiting the local cities website under their
Business section.
 CLICK
THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A WASHINGTON STATE BUSINESS
LICENSE |
Who needs a business license in Washington State?
In Washington, you will need a business license unless
you meet ALL the following exceptions:
• your business does not perform any service for which
retail sales tax must be charged
• your business grosses less than $12,000 per year
• your business is not required to collect or pay
any other tax which the Department of Revenue collects
(use tax, public utility tax, etc.)
• your business is not required to obtain any renewable
or regulated license with the Master License Service
of Washington
• you do not have or plan to have employees with
in the next 90 days
• you work only under your legal name and do not use
a separate firm name or “doing business as” name
Who should apply for a Washington State business license and when?
Anyone should look at applying for a business license in Washington State when starting a business
or when changing or updating information on a business. You need to file:
• to get a state business license or specialty license
• to change ownership
• to open or change business locations
• to register or change a trade name
• when you hire employees
• when you change unemployment or industrial insurance
coverage
Are there different filings for different
business entities in the State of Washington?
A business entity is the way the business activity
is structured (sole proprietor, General Partnership,
Corporate, etc.) If you are an entity, your business
may be regulated by the Office of the Washington Secretary of
State. If your business structure is a sole proprietorship
or General Partnership, you may just file the Washington Master
Business Application.
If your business structure will be one of the following,
you must file with the Office of the Secretary of
State at www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/ before filing
the Washington State Master Business Application:
• Corporation
• Limited Partnership
• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Partnership
If your business requires specialty licenses (i.e.,
vehicle dealer, liquor, etc.), you should send the
Washington Master Business Application with supporting documents
to Master License Service after you have formed your
ownership with the Secretary of State.
If your business doesn’t require specialty licensing,
you can file the Master Business Application with
the Washington Secretary of State at the same time you file your
papers.
What is a Washington State Master Business Application?
The Washington Master Business Application is a General Form
to apply for many state licenses and permits.
It is also used to apply for some city licenses. Visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/ to learn more.
How do I file for a Washington State Business License?
There are three ways to file with the state:
1. Online
2. By mail - Send completed forms and application and a check or
money order payable to “Washington State Treasurer” to Master License Service, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9034, Olympia, WA 98507-9034.
3. In person - Visit any Business Licensing Office
location.
What is needed for a Washington State business license application?
The following items may be needed.
• type of ownership (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
• Business location and address
• Owners' names and addresses
• Social Security Numbers are required for Sole Proprietorship.
It is also required for Partners, officers and LLC
members of a business
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN)
for legal entities
Apply for a business
license IN WASHINGTON STATE now by visiting your city's website using
the links above.
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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified. |
