Open Your Business

OPEN your business

Is your out-of-state business planning to operate in Washington?

Your out-of-state businesses will need to comply with Washington laws and regulations if you:

  • Purchase a Washington business.
  • Operate in or open a physical location in Washington.
  • Perform on long-term or short-term contracts in Washington.
  • Hire employees who work from their homes in Washington.
  • Have a taxable presence (i.e. nexus) in Washington.

1. Are you buying an existing Washington business?

If you are buying a business or even just some of the assets of a business, be aware that you may inadvertently be buying past liabilities in the form of unpaid taxes and experience ratings. Get competent legal advice before purchasing a business because these past liabilities are not necessarily part of the regular financial documents.

  • For potential liabilities related to the Department of Revenue, you should require the owner to provide a Tax Status Letter with regard to any outstanding taxes by the business. You may also need to pay Use Tax to the Department of Revenue on the value of tangible assets included in the purchase, such as equipment, furnishings, supplies, etc. For more information, see our Tax Topics article titled Buying the assets of a business.
  • For workers’ compensation, the purchaser of a business is potentially liable for premium owed, outstanding or pending assessments, as well as inheriting the claim responsibilities and their impact on future premium rates. Potential purchasers should request claim and safety records listed on this Buyer Beware publication from the seller.
  • For unemployment insurance, you may inadvertently be buying past liabilities and be held accountable for the predecessor’s debt.

2. Foreign (non-Washington) registration – corporations and limited liability companies

What is your company’s business structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company (LLC)? If your entity was formed outside of Washington, filing a “Foreign Entity Registration” in Washington through the Office of the Secretary of State is typically a first step.

Failure to register your out-of-state corporation or LLC can lead to legal challenges and affect your ability to obtain financing or win contracts. It can also lead to individual owner responsibility for liabilities. Registration is required for all contractors and many businesses specialty licenses and certifications. Talk with your legal advisor to understand the benefits, risks, and requirements.

Registration requires that you designate a “registered agent” in Washington, a Washington-based person or business with a physical address who is to receive your official business entity notifications and service of process.

3. Obtain required licenses and permits

Most businesses are required to be licensed at both the state and local levels and many need professional licenses too. You will likely need licenses in every location where you do business; not just where you’re based. Also, some businesses require additional permits. Check for fees and/or annual renewal fees associated with licenses and permits.

The online Business Licensing Wizard is a helpful tool. Use it to learn the licensing and permitting requirements for your specific business. Enter your intended business activity, location, and other key information, and receive an online list of specific licenses and permits that are likely to be required.

  • When you file your Washington Business License Application, be prepared to address the following:
    • General business information including physical location and ownership.
    • A rough estimate of your expected gross annual revenues.
    • Whether you intend to hire employees within 90 days of start-up.
    • Whether you will want optional workers’ compensation coverage for business owners. If owners don’t opt in, they won’t be covered for on-the-job injuries. You must submit an elective coverage application form and submit to your business workers compensation account manager to obtain coverage.
    • Whether you will want unemployment insurance coverage for corporate officers. Officers who provide services in Washington are automatically exempt from unemployment insurance unless the employer specifically requests to cover them. If you want to cover your corporate officers, you must submit a Voluntary Election Form. Find out more information here.
  • The Business License Application is the state business license form and establishes your accounts with multiple Washington state agencies, including the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor & Industries. Some local and specialty licenses can be obtained by using the Business License Application. Follow the links above for information on local and specialty license fees.
  • For information about local licenses NOT handled through the Business License Application, contact each city or town where you will be conducting business.
  • Some businesses require professional licenses, such as architects, engineers, health care providers, counselors, attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), etc. For information and requirements, contact the licensing authority for that profession.
  • Food-related businesses (restaurants, coffee stands, caterers, food product manufacturers, etc.) will need kitchen and food handler permits. Contact your county health department. Food and beverage manufacturers and processors will need licensing from the Washington Department of Agriculture. If you plan to sell, serve, or produce alcoholic beverages, contact the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to find out what kind of license you need to apply for. For cannabis-infused products, you will need a cannabis license. Contact the Business Licensing Service for more information on how to apply. For help opening a restaurant in Seattle, visit the Seattle restaurant site.
  • Businesses in the construction trades must be registered as contractors, which requires bonding and insurance. Be aware that even marketing or bidding for a construction job requires that you be registered as a contractor.
  • Businesses that have environmental impacts may need permits at the county and/or state level. Most permits are managed by the Washington Department of Ecology or local county planning department. A great starting point for direction and assistance can be found by contacting the Washington State Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance.
  • Lodging establishments, such as hotels and motels, must be licensed through the state Department of Health.
  • Businesses providing residential care and businesses providing medical and health services must be licensed through the state Department of Health. Long-Term Care Professionals & Providers such as adult or residential care services are licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
  • Child care businesses must be licensed through the state Department of Children, Youth & Families.
  • If you plan to sell serve or produce alcoholic beverages contact the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to find out what kind of license you need to apply for.

4. Hire employees in Washington

  • Prepare to hire employees, if needed. Having employees with the right attributes and skills for your business is critical for successful growth. There are resources to help you with employment planning, including Labor Market Information.
  • Offering health insurance is a great way to attract high-quality employees. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange offers resources to help small businesses find health coverage that fits their business needs. (See section 7. Employee Benefits – Health Insurance under the “Plan Your Business” section).
  • There are also programs to help you find and train qualified employees.
  • If you noted on the form that you would be hiring employees, information from your Business License Application will be forwarded to the Employment Security Department to set up a state unemployment tax account, and the Department of Labor & Industries to set up a workers’ compensation account and obtain your minor work permit, if applicable. You will have quarterly filing responsibilities with both agencies, plus the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (see the RUN Your Business chapter of the Small Business Guide).
  • Every new employee will need to complete the federal I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form within three days of hire, and the IRS W-4 Form.
  • You’ll also need to report each newly hired and rehired employee through the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support's New Hire Reporting Program within 20 days of hire. Reporting is easy and can be done online through a secure web portal, Secure Access Washington (SAW) using Division of Child Support Online Services (DCSOnline). If you don't already have a SAW account, you'll need to sign up and add the DCS Online service. To submit a new hire report, employer’s need to provide their name, address and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). They will also need information found on the employee’s W-4 Form, including their name, address and Social Security Number (SSN), plus the employee’s date of hire and date of birth. Contact the DCS Employer Relations Team at 800-562-0479 if you need help or have questions.
  • Be aware that employment is an area of significant regulation, including minimum wage, overtime pay, employment of minors and family members, workplace safety, etc.
  • The use of independent contractors is a frequently misunderstood area. Unless an individual is truly in business for himself or herself, is licensed and actively markets as such, has multiple clients/customers, and is performing work that is outside your normal business activities, chances are state and federal law require that the individual be treated as an employee.
  • Employment is also an area of significant recordkeeping and taxation. It’s important that you understand those regulations and costs as you plan your business.

Labor Law

Worker Benefits

NOTE: If you have workers in Seattle, Tacoma or SeaTac, check with your city for minimum wage and other employment requirements.

5. File required reports and taxes

State business taxes:

Washington State does not have a personal or business income tax. Instead, its tax structure includes the Business & Occupation Tax, sales and use taxes, property taxes, and a variety of industry-specific taxes. The Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) administers over 60 different taxes.

State taxes include:

  • Business and Occupation (B&O) tax – This is a tax on the business’s gross revenue. In addition to the state B&O tax, many cities and towns also impose local B&O taxes (see below).
  • Sales tax – Businesses collect sales taxes from customers on the sale of most retail products, construction activities, and some services. Because sales tax is destination-based, businesses that collect sales tax must charge the tax rate of the location where the product or service was delivered. DOR has a look-up tool to determine tax rates and the location code.
  • Use tax – Use tax applies when businesses make purchases without paying sales tax, such as internet purchases or purchases made in Oregon.
  • Real and Personal Property Taxes – Businesses pay a property tax based on the value of real estate, buildings and other structures, furnishings, equipment and other assets. Property tax is collected by counties rather than by DOR.
  • Industry-specific taxes – There are a variety of taxes that apply to specific industries, such as public utility, hotel/motel, rental cars, cigarettes, etc. Click the heading to see if any specific taxes apply to your business.

Out-of-state businesses are subject to Washington taxes based on their specific activities if they have “nexus” (a taxable connection) with the State of Washington. For general information about nexus, please see the guide for Out of state businesses and nexus on the Department of Revenue’s website.

Most businesses need to file an excise tax return with DOR. Your tax filing frequency, assigned after you submit your Business License Application, is based on an estimate of the amount of tax you will owe. Businesses are required to file taxes electronically using My DOR, DOR’s online filing system, and pay electronically using one of several payment options. For assistance with My DOR registration and filing, call 360-705-6705. If you are unable to file electronically, you can request a waiver.

Below are links to additional information and tools provided by DOR to assist in tax calculation and reporting:

Consult your tax professional for further information. DOR cannot discuss confidential tax account information with a tax representative/preparer until you complete a Confidential Tax Information Authorization form.

Local business taxes:

Cities & towns

Most cities and towns have a local sales tax and a local business & occupation (B&O) tax. DOR collects sales tax for local communities, but cities and towns collect their own local B&O. Depending on the amount of money your business makes, your local B&O tax may be due quarterly or annually. Contact the cities and towns where you do business for more information.

Counties

Counties are responsible for assessing and levying property tax on both real property and personal property. While the title “personal property” may not imply as such, it includes business furnishings, fixtures, equipment, supplies and other assets.

Personal property tax

Most people know that property tax applies to real property; however, some may not know that property tax also applies to personal property. Most personal property owned by individuals is exempt. For example, household goods and personal effects are not subject to property tax. However, if these items are used in a business, property tax applies. Personal property tax does not apply to business inventories, or intangible property such as copyrights and trademarks.

Personal property is subject to the same levy rate as real property. The characteristic that distinguishes real and personal property is mobility. Real property includes land, structures, improvements to land, and certain equipment affixed to land or structures. Personal property includes machinery, equipment, furniture, and supplies of businesses and farmers. It also includes any improvements made to land leased from the government (leasehold improvements).

Property taxes are due April 31 and October 31 of each year. Contact the counties where you do business for more information.

State employment taxes:

  • Unemployment taxes are due quarterly to the Employment Security Department (ESD). Reporting and payment is generally done online. Due dates are April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 for the preceding calendar quarters. Taxes are calculated based on the rate provided to your business by Employment Security, multiplied by each employee’s wages up to annual maximum. Additional information about Unemployment Insurance taxes and benefits is available through the ESD website.
  • Workers’ compensation premiums are due quarterly to the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Reporting and payment is generally done on-line. Due dates are April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 for the preceding calendar quarters. Premiums are calculated based the risk classification rate(s) provided to your business by L&I, multiplied by the hours worked by employees in that risk classification. Employers can deduct from employees’ pay a portion of the premium amount, as shown on the rate notice received from L&I. Additional information about Workers’ Compensation is available through free L&I Essentials for Business webinars.
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums are due quarterly to the Employment Security Department. Reporting and payment is generally done online. Due dates are April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 for the preceding calendar quarters. Premiums are calculated based on a percentage of the employee’s gross wages. Employers can deduct from employee’s pay a portion of the premium amount. Additional information about Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums and the benefit is available.

License and Permit Renewals:

6. Understand and comply with other Washington regulations

State

Local

  • County health departments – Regulate food establishments, hazardous materials, environmental health, etc.
  • County assessors – Provide valuations of business real estate, equipment, furnishings and other assets for property tax purposes.
  • Cities – Regulate zoning, signage, parking, and issues building and business permits, etc.
  • Fire departments – Regulate fire code.

7. Growing in Washington

We welcome you to Washington and encourage you to grow in our state. See the “GROW Your Business” chapter of the Small Business Guide for information and resources for expansion.

8. Need assistance?

State of Washington Small Business Liaisons can help you get the information and resources you need. Also, help us improve the Small Business Guide by filling out a short, confidential survey.