RUN your business
Run your business
When your business is up and running, there are certain things you need to do to meet regulatory and tax requirements. These activities vary based on your business activity, the business size, and whether or not you have employees.
1. Federal business income taxes
Federal income tax for businesses is based on net profit (your revenue minus your expenses). With sole proprietorships, partnerships, most LLCs, and S-corporations, tax on business income is paid by the owners through their personal tax returns. This is called “pass-through taxation.” Owners are generally required to make quarterly estimated tax payments during the tax year using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040-ES. These payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
If you’re a working owner of an S-corporation, you are also an employee who receives standard paychecks. You may not need to make estimated tax payments if you have enough income tax withheld from your paycheck.
Standard corporations are generally required to make quarterly estimated tax payments on the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of each fiscal year. If you want your corporation to be treated as an S-corporation, complete Form 2553 – Election by a Small Business Corporation within 75 days of forming your business or within 75 days of the beginning of a tax year (see Form 2553 Instructions).
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are taxed like sole proprietorships if there is only one owner. If there is more than one owner, LLCs are taxed like partnerships. However, LLCs can elect to be treated as standard or S-corporations for federal tax purposes by filing an IRS Form 8832. Consult your tax professional for more information.
Business Structure
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Required Form
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Due Date(s)
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Sole proprietorships and single owner LLCs
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1040 Schedule C, 1040 SE (self-employment tax), 1040 ES (estimated tax)
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File by April 15 (as part of the owner’s personal tax return). Estimated tax is due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.
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Partnerships and multiple owner LLCs
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Form 1065 plus 1065 K-1 forms for each owner,
1040 SE (self- employment tax), 1040 ES (estimated tax)
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Businesses using the calendar year must file by April 15. Businesses using a fiscal year must file by the 15th of the 4th month after the end of a fiscal year.
Estimated tax is due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.
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Standard corporations (or LLCs that have formally elected to file as standard corporations)
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Form 1120 (plus withholding from owner’s paycheck for income taxes, Social Security and Medicare)
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Businesses using a calendar year must file by March 15. Businesses using a fiscal year must file by the 15th of the third month after the end of a fiscal year.
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S-corporations (or LLCs that have formally elected to file as S-corporations)
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Form 1120-S and 1120 K-1 forms for each owner (plus withholding from each owners’ paycheck for income taxes, Social Security and Medicare)
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Businesses using a calendar year must file by March 15. Businesses using a fiscal year must file by the 15th of the third month after the end of a fiscal year.
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2. 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.
Most small 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. State taxes include:
- Business and Occupation (B&O) tax – This is a tax on the business’ 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.
- 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 hotel/motel, rental cars, cigarettes, etc. Click the heading to see if any specific taxes apply to your business.
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.
DOR provides New Business Tax Workshops throughout the state during the year. 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.
3. 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.
4. Federal employment taxes
- For instructions related to federal employment taxes, refer to the IRS Employer’s Tax Guide. Employers are responsible for collecting employee income, social security, and Medicare taxes, plus paying the employer share of social security and Medicare taxes (6.2% and 1.45% of wages respectively). When and how you have to pay that money to the IRS depends on the amount of taxes being collected.
- Quarterly 941 Forms report gross wages and federal taxes (income, social security and Medicare). They are due to the IRS by April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 for the preceding calendar quarters.
- W-2 Forms report wages and withholdings for the calendar year. They must be provided to each employee by January 31 of the following year.
- W-2 Forms and the accompanying W-3 transmittal form are due to the Social Security Administration by February 28 of the following year.
- Annual 940 Forms report federal unemployment taxes. They are due to the IRS by January 31 for the preceding calendar year. The tax rate for most employers is 0.6% of the first $7,000 each worker earns, up to a maximum of $42 per employee. For very small employers, these payments may be made at the time of annual filing but larger employers are required to make payments quarterly. See the IRS Employer’s Tax Guide for more information.
5. State employment taxes
- Unemployment taxes are due quarterly to the Employment Security Department (ESD). 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. Taxes are calculated based on the rate provided to your business by ESD, multiplied by each employee’s wages up to annual maximum. Additional information about Unemployment Insurance taxes and benefits is available through the ESD website.
- If you are facing a temporary decline in business, the SharedWork Program offers you a viable way to retain your workforce. Instead of enduring a layoff, you can reduce the work hours of your permanent employees, and they can collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.
- Corporate 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. (Note: this applies only to corporations. Find out more here).
- Paid Family and Medical leave premiums are due quarterly to the Employment Security Department (ESD) and both are employee and employer paid. Employers may follow an approved voluntary plan or use the state plan. Premium calculations may be different if using a voluntary plan. To estimate your paid leave payments, use the premium calculator. Detailed information about employer’s roles and responsibilities is available at Paidleave.wa.gov employer responsibilities.
- 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.
6. Annual report, license and permit renewals
- Corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships must file an annual report. Profit corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships file their annual reports with the Secretary of State and all services are available online at www.sos.wa.gov/corps.
- Your state’s business license may have state or city endorsements that are renewed annually. Many specialty licenses, permits, local licenses, and professional licenses also require annual renewal. Keep track of your renewal dates to ensure your licenses are current and to avoid extra fees. You may need to check with the individual state agency where the permit was issued.
- Renewal of contractor registration is required every two years, and cost $113.40. You renew your registration with L&I. L&I also renews specialty licenses related to trades (such as electrical, plumber, etc.).
- Health provider license and facility renewals.
- If you are now doing business in cities and towns where you weren’t licensed previously, you will need to get additional local licenses. “Doing business” can include sales, delivery, installation, or service. Contact the cities or towns for further information.
7. Regulatory compliance
There are many regulations that businesses must comply with on an ongoing basis or otherwise face potential citations and penalties that can prove challenging and costly. Below is a basic listing of some of the agencies and regulations not addressed previously in this chapter. Be aware that the list isn’t fully comprehensive. You should seek advice from your attorney, industry or business association, and other advisors to ensure you are in compliance with all applicable regulations. Agencies want to help you understand your responsibilities, so please ask for their assistance.
Federal
State
- Department of Agriculture – Regulates food safety, product labeling, pesticides, crops and livestock, etc.
- Office of the Attorney General – Oversees consumer protection, etc.
- Department of Ecology – Regulates waste, pollutants, and water rights, etc.
- Department of Financial Institutions – Regulates franchise requirements, business investments, and business loans, etc.
- Human Rights Commission – Regulates public accommodations and non- discrimination, etc.
- Department of Labor and Industries – Regulates workplace safety, workers’ compensation, and employment regulations, etc.
- Liquor and Cannabis Board – Issues licenses and permits. Educates and enforces laws and regulations on production, sale, and serving of alcohol and the production, distribution and sales of marijuana and tobacco products and vapor products.
- Department of Natural Resources – Regulates forest practices; surface mining; land and aquatic resources located on state-owned land.
- Department of Natural Resources, Aquatic Lands – aquatic lands are navigable lakes, rivers, streams, and marine waters, such as the Puget Sound. DNR is directed by statute to manage state-owned aquatic lands through the following goals:
- Encourage direct public use and access.
- Foster water-dependent uses.
- Ensure environmental protection.
- Opportunities for utilization of renewable resources.
- Generate income from use of aquatic lands, when consistent with the previous goals.
- DNR generates revenue by selling the rights to harvest renewable resources like wild geoducks and other shellfish and from leasing and licensing state-owned aquatic lands.
- Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resiliency – From helping public and private landowners care for their trees to leading the state’s efforts to reduce uncharacteristically severe wildfires, the Forest Health and Resiliency Division works to improve the health of Washington’s forests.
- Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance – Helps businesses and citizens navigate complex permitting and licensing requirements.
- Utilities and Transportation Commission – Regulates taxi and limousine services, moving and trucking services, etc.
- Washington’s Lottery – Licenses businesses to sell lottery products and regulates the sale of lottery products by Lottery retailers. Reviews Lottery retailers’ accessibility for people with disabilities..
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.
Note: Please check with cities where your employee(s) work, as cities may have different minimum wage and/or paid sick leave requirements.
8. Prepare for the unexpected
- The Department of Health provides a wide range of resources to help you prepare for public health emergencies including bioterrorism events, disease outbreaks and natural disasters. You can find fact sheets, links and additional information at the Department of Health website.
- Being part of an industry or business association can provide you a network of colleagues and opportunities for specialized training to help you deal with the unexpected.
- Unexpected events, such as fires, floods, storms and earthquakes, could damage or destroy your records, damage critical equipment, or close your business for a period of time. Establishing a business continuity plan in advance will help you get your business up and running more quickly.
- If there has been a death of a business partner, principal, or owner and you decide to continue with the business, please see Closure Due to Death.
- For questions about scams or fraud, please contact:
9. 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.
Running your business in Algona
Algona is a city in King County, Washington, United States, and the Seattle metropolitan area, surrounded by the suburbs of Auburn to the north and east, Pacific to the south, and unincorporated King County to the west. The population was 3,014 as of the 2010 census and an estimated 3,223 in 2018.
Link to Algona
Link to Algona business licensing
Running your business in Auburn
Auburn is a city in King County, with a small portion in Pierce County. The population was 70,180 at the 2010 United States Census. Auburn is a suburb in the Seattle metropolitan area, currently ranked the fifteenth largest city in the state of Washington.
Link to Auburn
Link to Auburn permits, licenses, and inspections
Running your business in Beaux Arts
Beaux Arts is a town located in the Eastside region of King County, Washington. It is the smallest municipality in the county, with a population of 299 as of the 2010 census and a land area of 0.1 sq mi. It has no town hall, meetings of official city business take place in private homes. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Beaux Arts
Running your business in Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a city in King County. The population was 4,151 at the 2010 census. Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Black Diamond ranks 64th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.
Link to Black Diamond
Link to Black Diamond business licensing
Running your business in Burien
Burien is a suburban city in King County, located south of Seattle on Puget Sound. As of the 2010 Census, Burien's population was 33,313, which is a 49.7% increase since incorporation in 1993.
Link to Burien
Link to Burien business licensing
Running your business in Clyde Hill
Clyde Hill is a city located in King County. It is part of the Eastside region, located to the east of Seattle, and is bordered by the cities and towns of Bellevue, Kirkland, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point. The population was 2,984 at the 2010 census.
Link to Clyde Hill
Link to Clyde Hill business licensing
Running your business in Covington
Covington is a city in King County. The population was 17,575 at the time of the 2010 census. Prior to the 2010 census, Covington was counted as part of Covington-Sawyer-Wilderness CDP.
Link to Covington
Link to Covington business licensing
Running your business in Des Moines
Des Moines is a city in King County. The population was 29,673 as of the 2010 census. Des Moines is located on the east shore of Puget Sound, approximately halfway between the major cities of Seattle and Tacoma.
Link to Des Moines
Running your business in Duvall
Duvall is a city in King County, located on SR 203, halfway between Monroe and Carnation. The population was 6,695 at the 2010 census and is estimated to be 8,061 as of 2018.
Link to Duvall
Link to Duvall business licensing
Running your business in Enumclaw
Enumclaw is a city in King County. The population was 10,669 at the 2010 census. The 2018 estimate is 11,878. The Enumclaw Plateau, on which the city resides, was formed by a volcanic mudflow from Mount Rainier approximately 5,700 years ago.
Link to Enumclaw
Link to Enumclaw business licensing
Running your business in Hunts Point
Hunts Point is a town in the Eastside, a region of King County, Washington. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The town is on a small peninsula surrounded by Lake Washington, and is near the suburbs of Medina, Clyde Hill, Yarrow Point, and Kirkland, as well as the city of Bellevue. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Hunts Point
Running your business in Issaquah
Issaquah is a city in King County. The population was 30,434 at the 2010 census and an estimated 39,378 in 2018. Located in a valley and bisected by Interstate 90, the city is bordered by the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the "Issaquah Alps" to the south.
Link to Issaquah
Link to Issaquah business licensing
Running your business in Kent
Kent is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. It is the sixth largest city in the state. Kent is in the heart of the Seattle–Tacoma metropolitan area, located 19 miles south of Seattle and 19 miles northeast of Tacoma.
Link to Kent
Link to Kent business licensing
Running your business in Lake Forest Park
Lake Forest Park is a city in King County, Washington, United States, just north of Seattle. A bedroom community by design, most of the city consists of single-family housing on medium to large-sized lots.
Link to Lake Forest Park
Running your business in Maple Valley
Maple Valley is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 22,684 at the 2010 census, and is estimated to be 27,114 as of 2018. The city functions as a commuter town for residents, though there is an increasing amount of commercial activity in the area.
Link to Maple Valley
Link to Maple Valley business licensing
Running your business in Medina
Medina is a mostly residential city in Eastside, King County, Washington, United States. The city is on a peninsula in Lake Washington, on the opposite shore from Seattle, bordered by Clyde Hill and Hunts Point to the east and water on all other sides. The city's population was 2,969 at the 2010 census.
Link to Medina
Running your business in Mercer Island
Mercer Island is a city in King County, Washington, United States, located on an island of the same name in the southern portion of Lake Washington. Mercer Island is in the Seattle Metropolitan Area, with Seattle to its west and Bellevue to its east.
Link to Mercer Island
Running your business in Milton
Milton is a city in King and Pierce counties in the state of Washington. The population was 6,968 at the 2010 census. The median income for a household in the city was $48,166, and the median income for a family was $64,105. The per capita income for the city was $22,400.
Link to Milton
Link to Milton business licensing
Running your business in Newcastle
Newcastle is an Eastside city in King County, Washington. The population was 10,380 at the 2010 census and an estimated 11,823 in 2018. Newcastle was one of the region's first coal mining areas in King County. Coal delivered by rail from Newcastle's mines to Seattle fueled the growth of the Port of Seattle and attracted more railroads.
Link to Newcastle
Link to Newcastle business licensing
Running your business in Normandy Park
Normandy Park is a city in King County, Washington, is a beautiful waterfront community located along the shores of Puget Sound. The population was 6,335 at the 2010 census. Based on per capita income, Normandy Park ranks 31st of 614 areas in the state of Washington. The community places its highest priorities on maintaining and enhancing its quiet pedestrian-friendly setting and providing a healthy and safe environment in which residents can raise their families.
Link to Normandy Park
Link to Normandy Park business licensing
Running your business in North Bend
North Bend is a city in King County, Washington, on the outskirts of the Seattle metropolitan area. It is a scenic and thriving community filled with stunning views, hiking and biking trails, dining, art, live music, wine, shopping and fun events for the whole family. The population was 5,731 at the 2010 census and an estimated 7,136 in 2018.
Link to North Bend
Link to North Bend business licensing
Running your business in Pacific
Pacific is a city in King and Pierce counties in Washington. A vibrant community conveniently situated between Seattle and Tacoma, the City of Pacific is an inviting place to live, work, or locate your business. The city offers available land, professional governance, good schools and proactive economic development. Experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in our friendly community. Located primarily in King County, the population was 6,606 at the 2010 census. Like its northern neighbor Algona, Pacific is sometimes mistaken for a part of Auburn.
Link to Pacific
Link to Pacific business licensing
Running your business in Renton
Renton is a city in King County, Washington, and a suburb of Seattle. Situated 11 miles southeast of downtown Seattle, Renton straddles the southeast shore of Lake Washington, at the mouth of the Cedar River. It is the center of opportunity where families and businesses thrive. With over 2,000 software companies within a 30-mile radius, over 2,800 acres of parks and playgrounds, and a school district that boasts four Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (deemed by the U.S. Department of Education), Renton continues to position itself as a stand out city. There is palpable growth in the region, and the business and community environments are strong.
Link to Renton
Running your business in Sammamish
Sammamish is a city located on a plateau, in King County, Washington. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, the town of Sammamish is one of Seattle’s most distant suburbs. Its close proximity to the opportunities held in Redmond and Bellevue, however, make it an ideal spot for people who work on the east side. The population was 45,780 at the 2010 census and an estimated 65,733 in 2018. The city is bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east.
Link to Sammamish
Link to Sammamish business licensing
Running your business in SeaTac
SeaTac is a city in southern King County, Washington. An inner-ring suburb of Seattle, the city boundaries surround the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, which is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle. The name SeaTac is a portmanteau of Seattle and Tacoma, and is derived from the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The city has a population of 26,909 according to the 2010 census. The city includes the communities of Angle Lake, Bow Lake, McMicken Heights and Riverton Heights.
Link to SeaTac
Link to SeaTac business licensing
Running your business in Seattle
Seattle is a city in King County, Washington. It is Washington State’s largest city, and home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark. On the Puget Sound, the city is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland. It is the seat of King County. With an estimated 744,955 residents as of 2018, Seattle is the largest city in both the state and the Pacific Northwest region. According to U.S. Census data released in 2018, the Seattle metropolitan area's population stands at 3.94 million, and ranks as the 15th largest in the United States. In July 2013, it was the fastest-Running major city in the United States and remained in the top 5 in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. In July 2016, Seattle was again the fastest-Running major U.S. city, with a 3.1% annual growth rate.
Link to Seattle
Seattle Public Library Services
Whether you have a long-established business or are just beginning to plan a new business, we have great resources for you to use for free through our Library to Business program. We offer dozens of classes and workshops every year in partnership with local organizations. Our business librarians are trained to help you with all aspects of business research, from licensing to hiring. You can access our online research tools for free with your Library card.
Link to Seattle Public Library small business resources
Running your business in Shoreline
Shoreline is a city in King County, Washington. August 31, 1995 Shoreline was officially incorporated as a city, and it adopted the council-manager form of government. As of the 2010 census, the population was 53,007, making it the 20th largest city in the state of Washington.
Link to Shoreline
Running your business in Skykomish
Skykomish is a town in King County, Washington. Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, on the South Fork of the Skykomish River, Skykomish was founded as a railroad town. Today, it is mainly a stopping point for recreational access to the surrounding mountains, including skiing at nearby Stevens Pass. The population was 198 as of the 2010 census, down from an estimated peak of "several thousand" in the 1920s. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Skykomish
Link to Skykomish business licensing
Running your business in Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is a city next to Snoqualmie Falls in King County, Washington. It is 28 miles east of Seattle. Snoqualmie city is home to the Northwest Railway Museum. The population was 10,670 at the 2010 census and an estimated 13,752 in 2018.
Link to Snoqualmie
Link to Snoqualmie business licensing
Running your business in Tukwila
Tukwila is a suburban city in King County, Washington. The population was 19,107 at the 2010 census and an estimated 20,294 in 2018. Tukwila is a community of communities, with residents of many diverse origins living in the city.
Link to Tukwila
Link to Tukwila business licensing
Running your business in Woodinville
Woodinville is a city in King County, Washington. The population was 10,938 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. There is also a much larger population with Woodinville mailing addresses in adjacent unincorporated areas of King and Snohomish counties.
Link to Woodinville
Link to Woodinville business licensing
Running your business in Yarrow Point
Yarrow Point is a town in King County, Washington. The population was 1,001 at the 2010 census. Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Yarrow Point ranks fifth of 522 areas in the state. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Yarrow Point
Running your business in Kennewick
Kennewick is a city in Benton County in the southeastern part of the State of Washington, along the southwest bank of the Columbia River, just southeast of the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers and across from the confluence of the Columbia and the Snake River.
Link to Kennewick
Running your business in Richland
Richland is a city in Benton County in the southeastern part of the State of Washington, at the confluence of the Yakima and the Columbia Rivers. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 48,058. July 1, 2017, estimates from the Census Bureau put the city's population at 57,303.
Link to Richland
Running your business in Benton City
Benton City is a city in Benton County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,038 at the 2010 census. The city shares a school district with the adjacent unincorporated community of Kiona.
Link to Benton City
Running your business in Prosser
Prosser is a city in and the county seat of Benton County, Washington, United States, along the Yakima River with only one zip code 99350. The population was 5,714 at the 2010 census.
Link to Prosser
Running your business in West Richland
West Richland is a 22-square-mile city in Benton County, Washington, United States. The population was 11,811 at the 2010 census. The city is located within the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which is centered on the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
Link to West Richland
Running your business in Pasco
Pasco is a city in, and the county seat of, Franklin County, Washington, United States. Pasco is one of three cities that make up the Tri-Cities region of the state of Washington.
Link to Pasco
Running your business in Connell
Connell is a city in Franklin County, Washington. The population was 4,209 at the 2010 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management's 2018 estimate placed the population at 5,566.
Link to Connell
Running your business in Kahlotus
Kahlotus is a city in Franklin County, Washington. The population was 193 at the 2010 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management's 2015 estimate placed the population at 190.
Running your business in Mesa
Mesa is a city in Franklin County, Washington. The population was 489 at the 2010 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management's 2015 estimate placed the population at 488.
Running your business in Spokane
Spokane is a city in eastern Washington state. It's home to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, which explores the region’s history through exhibits on art, culture and Native American heritage. Next door, Tudor-style Campbell House dates from the early 1900s. Vast Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World's Fair, has a sculpture walk. In the park, a cable car offers views over tumbling Spokane Falls.
Link to Spokane
Link to Spokane business licence
Running your business in Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States, and the largest suburb of Spokane. It is located east of Spokane, west of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and surrounds the city of Millwood on three sides.
Link to Spokane Valley
Running your business in Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States located adjacent to the eponymous lake. Located just over a mile west of the Washington–Idaho border, Liberty Lake is both a suburb of Spokane, Washington and a bedroom community to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The population was 7,591 at the 2010 census.
Link to Liberty Lake
Running your business in Airway Heights
Airway Heights is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States, just west of Spokane. The population was 6,114 at the 2010 census. The city's name was taken from its close proximity to the runways at Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport.
Link to Airway Heights
Running your business in Cheney
Cheney is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The full-time resident population was 10,590 as of 2010 census. Eastern Washington University is located in Cheney. When classes are in session at EWU, the city's population reaches approximately 17,600 people on a temporary basis.
Link to Cheney
Running your business in Deer Park
Deer Park is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,652 at the 2010 census, up from 3,017 in 2000.
Link to Deer Park
Running your business in Medical Lake
Medical Lake is a city in Spokane County, eastern Washington, United States. At the 2010 census, the population was 5,060. The city is the site of a psychiatric hospital, Eastern State Hospital, and of Fairchild Air Force Base, two major employers.
Link to Medical Lake
Running your business in Millwood
Millwood is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,786 at the 2010 census. Millwood is a suburb of Spokane, and is surrounded on three sides by the city of Spokane Valley.
Link to Millwood
Running your business in Bellingham
Bellingham is the county seat and most populous city of Whatcom County in the state of Washington. Located 52 miles southeast of Vancouver, 90 miles north of Seattle, and 21 miles south of the Canada-US border, Bellingham is in between two major metropolitan areas, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. The city's population was 80,885 at the 2010 United States Census. With a 2018 population estimate of 90,665 per the Washington State Office of Financial Management, Bellingham is the twelfth-most populous city in the state of Washington.
Link to Bellingham
Link to Bellingham business services
Link to Bellingham business licensing
Running your business in Blaine
Blaine is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The city's northern boundary is the Canada–US border. The Peace Arch international monument lies partly in Blaine and partly in Canada. The population was 4,684 at the 2010 census.[2] Since Blaine is located right on the border with Canada, it is the northernmost city on Interstate 5, while the southernmost city is San Ysidro, California.
Link to Blaine
Link to Blaine business services
Link to Blaine business licensing
Running your business in Everson
Everson is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,481 at the 2010 census. Everson is near the foothills of the Cascade mountains in Northwest Washington. Located on the banks of the Nooksack River, the businesses support the surrounding farms and logging industries. The valley is heavily influenced by Dutch settlers who established dairy farms on the fertile flood prone land. Fruit orchards and berry fields also play an important part of the town's economy. The town's small business district provides all the basic services. There are restaurants, a pharmacy and groceries, auto-repair, and agricultural supply stores. The City Park is located a 1/2 block south off the W. Main St. and Riverside Park is on the banks of the Nooksack River featuring picnic tables and ball fields.
Link to Everson
Running your business in Lynden
Lynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Located within the Metropolitan Area of Bellingham. Named and established in 1874 near the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish. Lynden is approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of the Canada–US border, with Lynden-Aldergrove operation and port of entry hours between 8:00 a.m. and midnight. It is also located about 15 miles (24 km) north of Bellingham, and about 95 miles (153 km) north of Seattle. And about 38 miles (61 km) from Vancouver. The population of Lynden is about 14,259 according to the United States Census Bureau. Residents of Lynden are known as "Lyndenites". Lynden is also home to the Northwest Washington Fair.
Link to Lynden
Link to Lynden business licensing
Running your business in Nooksack
Nooksack is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, close to the border with Canada. The population was 1,338 at the 2010 census. This town shares Nooksack Valley School District with Sumas and Everson. The town is just a handful of buildings built around the highway that runs through it. The post office lost its official status in 1992 (and is now a department of neighboring town, Everson), but still exists across from a small city park. The USPS has since closed the remote office. Other noticeable remains are the two gas stations and several churches. It has no major geographic features except a small creek on the edge of town, near a cemetery containing many old graves.
Link to Nooksack
Link to Nooksack business licensing
Running your business in Sumas
Sumas is a small town in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,307 at the 2010 census. Sumas is located adjacent to the Canada–US border and borders the city of Abbotsford, British Columbia. The Sumas-Huntingdon port of entry at the north end of State Route 9 operates 24 hours a day. Sumas shares Nooksack Valley School District with the towns of Nooksack and Everson. Sumas is the northernmost settlement on Washington State Route 9 and experiences Astronomical Twilight for 22 days during the months of June and July.
Link to Sumas
Link to Sumas business licensing
Running your business in Unincorporated Franklin County
Franklin County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of the 2010 census, its population was 78,163. The county seat and largest city is Pasco. The county was formed out of Whitman County on November 28, 1883 and is named for Benjamin Franklin.
Unincorporated Franklin County does not require a county business license other than what is required by the cities and the state. Businesses operating in unicorporated Franklin County are required to have a state business license which can be obtained here: https://bls.dor.wa.gov
Link to Franklin County
Link to Economic Development and Business Assistance
Running your business in Unincorporated Spokane County
Spokane County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of the 2010 census the population was 471,221, making it the fourth-most populous county in Washington state. The largest city and county seat is Spokane, the second largest city in the state after Seattle.
Unincorporated Spokane County does not require a county business license other than what is required by the cities and the state. Businesses operating in unicorporated Franklin County are required to have a state business license which can be obtained here: https://bls.dor.wa.gov
Link to Spokane County
Link to Spokane Economic Development and Business Assistance
Running your business in Unincorporated Benton County
Benton County is a county in the south-central portion of the state of Washington. As of the 2010 census, its population was 175,177. The county seat is Prosser, and its largest city is Kennewick. The Columbia River demarcates the county's north, south, and east boundaries.
Unincorporated Benton County does not require a county business license other than what is required by the cities and the state. Businesses operating in Unincorporated Benton County are required to have a state business license which can be obtained here: https://bls.dor.wa.gov
Link to Benton County
Link to Economic Development and Business Assistance
King County Library Services
The King County Library System is a library system serving the residents of King County, Washington, United States. Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, KCLS is currently the busiest library in the United States, circulating 22.4 million items in 2010.
Small Business Resources: At every stage of your business, the library can save you time and money. Whether you’re expanding a thriving business or are still deciding if entrepreneurship is right for you, we’re here to connect you to the people and information you need.
Link to King County Library small business resources
Mid-Columbia Libraries
Mid-Columbia Libraries' 12 branch libraries, Bookmobile, outreach teams, and digital branch provide quality library services to the nearly 241,000 residents of Benton, Franklin, and parts of Adams Counties.
Link to Mid-Columbia Libraries small business services
Spokane County Library
The Spokane County Library District is a separate system made up of 11 libraries serving the residents of unincorporated Spokane County and the affiliated cities and towns of Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Latah, Medical Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Spangle, Spokane Valley, Waverly and Airway Heights.
Link to Spokane County Library small business services