On November 26, 2002,
the Council adopted
new business license regulations, replacing the
Pierce County regulations that had been adopted by reference.
The new EMC Title 5
requires all businesses operating within the City limits
to obtain a business license, including
home businesses and businesses
that reside outside the City limits but are conducting business in the
City of Edgewood. In order to complete your
business license application, you must
possess a valid State UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number which is
obtained from the
Washington State Department of Licensing.
WA State Business Licensing FAQ's
Why does the State require a business to
be licensed?
Most businesses are
required to register to collect and/or pay taxes. In addition, many
activities businesses engage in require specialized licenses (to hire
employees or to sell liquor, for example).
Who is
required to obtain a Business License, Registration or Permit?
Most businesses will need to register with one or more state agencies
depending on the specific business needs. The Master License Service
helps businesses determine all of the state licenses, registrations or
permits they need to do business in Washington.
You must obtain a state
tax registration if you answer "yes" to any of the questions
listed below.
 |
Do you plan to gross
over $12,000 per year? |
|
|
Will you be selling
at retail any item or product to another person? |
|
|
Will you be
performing any service for which retail sales tax must be charged? |
|
|
Will your business
required to obtain any renewable license with the Department of
Licensing? |
|
|
Do you have or plan
to have employees? |
|
|
Will you be
repairing, installing, altering, decorating, or improving any item
or product for another person (e.g. car repair, construction)?
|
|
|
Will you engage in a
business that is responsible for any other state taxes (e.g. timber,
fish, litter, public utility, hazardous substance/waste, etc.)?
|
To obtain a Customized
Business License Guide Sheet go to
http://www.dol.wa.gov/mls/wali.htm.
Who is exempt from
Business Licensing? Certain small businesses
may be exempt from registering and filing tax returns. You do not need a
state tax registration if you answer "no" to all of the questions
listed above.
You may contact
Master License Service for assistance in determining the requirements
for your particular business or profession at (360) 664-1400
How
much does it cost? The fee for
the Master Application is $15. Specialty licenses may require additional
fees. To view the Washington State Business License Fee Sheet go to
http://www.dol.wa.gov/mls/reglic.htm
What
is the process for obtaining a State Business License?
The State of Washington makes obtaining a business license simple with
the “one stop” registration process. The Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
Program allows prospective business owners to register the business by
filling out the Master Application. After completing the application,
they receive the UBI number that is used by several state agencies.
For more information visit the business
license checklist at
http://www.dol.wa.gov/mls/checklist.htm
Do I need a State Business License for
farming? You may
need different state licenses that are regulated by more than one state
agency depending on the type of farming activities. To obtain a
Customized Business License Guide Sheet go to
http://www.dol.wa.gov/mls/wali.htm.
What will happen to me if I don't get a
license?
You may be subject to
substantial penalties, interest or fees when non-compliance becomes
known.
Why do I have to renew each
year? Not all businesses renew state licenses each year.
Activities that are regulated, like liquor sales, do have licenses that
must be renew each year.
Will we get a notice to renew? State licensing renewal notices
will be mailed to the licensee approximately 30 days prior to license
expiration. It is the business owner’s obligation to renew licenses even
if the renewal notice is not received.
HELPFUL LINKS
