If you’re thinking about starting a business in Washington state, you may be wondering if you need a business license. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of business you’re starting, where you’re located, and how much money you make.
In general, you need a business license in Washington state if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Your business requires city and state endorsements. This is often the case for businesses that sell alcohol, tobacco, or firearms, or that operate in regulated industries such as healthcare or construction.
- You are doing business using a name other than your full name legal name. If you’re using a fictitious business name, you need to register it with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain a business license.
- You plan to hire employees within the next 90 days. If you’re going to have employees, you need to obtain a business license from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.
- You sell a product or provide a service that requires the collection of sales tax. If you’re going to collect sales tax from your customers, you need to obtain a business license from the Washington Department of Revenue.
- Your gross income is $12,000 per year or more. If you expect to make more than $12,000 in gross income from your business in a year, you need to obtain a business license from the Washington Department of Revenue.
- Your business is required to pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue. This is often the case for businesses that sell alcohol, tobacco, or gasoline, or that operate in regulated industries such as gambling or mining.
If you’re not sure whether you need a business license in Washington state, you can contact the Washington Department of Revenue for more information.
How to Get a Business License in Washington State
If you need a business license in Washington state, you can apply online or by mail. The online application process is faster and easier, but you can also download the necessary forms and mail them in.
To apply for a business license online, you will need to create an account with the Washington Department of Revenue. Once you have an account, you can start the application process by clicking on the “Apply for a Business License” link.
The application process will ask you to provide information about your business, including your business name, address, and contact information. You will also need to provide information about your business activities and estimated gross income.
Once you have submitted your application, the Washington Department of Revenue will review it and issue your business license. The processing time for online applications is typically 10 business days.
If you are applying for a business license by mail, you will need to download the appropriate forms from the Washington Department of Revenue website. The forms you need will depend on the type of business you are starting and the location of your business.
Once you have completed the forms, you can mail them to the following address:
Washington Department of Revenue PO Box 4009 Olympia, WA 98504-0099
The processing time for mailed applications is typically 2-3 weeks.
Cost of a Business License in Washington State
The cost of a business license in Washington state varies depending on the type of business you are starting and the location of your business. The basic cost of a business license is $90, but there may be additional fees for endorsements or permits.
For example, if you are starting a business that sells alcohol, you will need to obtain an endorsement from the Washington State Liquor Control Board. This endorsement will cost an additional $200.
If you are starting a business in a city or county that requires business licenses, you will also need to obtain a city or county business license. These licenses typically cost between $50 and $200.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about starting a business in Washington state, it is important to understand the business licensing requirements. By obtaining the necessary licenses, you can protect yourself from legal liability and ensure that your business is operating in compliance with the law.