If you start a business in the City of Seattle you generally need a city business license and a Washington State business license. The city license is for the privilege of doing business within Seattle city limits. Depending on the type of business you are starting, there may be additional licenses and permits required.
The State of Washington Business Licensing Service can provide you with a Business Licensing Guide online. By entering the type of business, the location in the state of Washington, the type of ownership, whether you will have employees, and some other pertinent information, you can find the licensing requirements and contact information.
To obtain a State of Washington business license, you can file an application online, although according to the Business Licensing Service there are certain types of businesses that shouldn’t file a business license application online. These types of businesses should file a paper application with the additional forms that may be required.
Other types of businesses have the option to file a paper application. You can download the Business License Application form from the State of Washington Business Licensing Service website. You could also apply for a license in person. You can find business licensing office locations on the same website.
The application fee for a State of Washington business license is $15. There is a $5 fee for registering a trade name. And there may be additional fees, depending of the type of business you operate.
According to Seattle Finance and Administrative Services, if your business is located within the city of Seattle, you need a city business license. If your business is located outside the city, but you enter Seattle in order to solicit business, make deliveries in your own vehicle, and similar activities, you also need a city business license. If you never enter the city and conduct all your business in Seattle by mail or Internet, you do not need a city license.
You can apply for a city business license in Seattle online through the Seattle Electronic Filing System. Or you can file a paper application. You can download the Application for Business License from the City of Seattle
The annual fee for a City of Seattle business license is $90. If you apply after June 30, the fee for that year is $45. Also, if your total estimated worldwide gross income and the value of your products is $20,000 or less, the fee is $45, or $22.50 for a half year. If you have more than one business location in Seattle, there is an additional $10 fee for each branch.
Sources:
Application for Business License, City of Seattle
Business License Application, State of Washington Business Licensing Service
Business licensing office locations, State of Washington Business Licensing Service
Business Licensing Service, Washington State
Businesses that shouldn’t file a Business License Application online, State of Washington Business Licensing Service
Get licensing contact info and forms, State of Washington Business Licensing Service
License Fee Sheet, State of Washington Business Licensing Service
Licensing Information, Seattle.gov
Seattle Electronic Filing System, Seattle.gov