Start Your Own Business in Washington

Here's an overview of the key steps you'll need to take to start your own business in Washington.

1. Choose a Business Idea

Take some time to explore and research ideas for your business. At this stage, consider your own interests, skills, resources, availability, and the reasons you want to form a business. You should also consider the likelihood of success based on the interests and needs of your community. Read our article for more tips on how to evaluate business ideas.

After you select an idea, consider drafting a business plan to evaluate your chances of making a profit. When you create a plan, you will have a better idea of the startup costs, your competition, and strategies for making money. Typically, investors and lenders will ask to review your business plan before providing financial assistance. To learn more about the benefits of business plans and how to create one for your enterprise see Why You Need to Write a Business Plan.

2. Decide on a Legal Structure

The most common legal structures for a small business are:

• sole proprietorship
• partnership
• limited liability company (LLC), and
• corporation.

There also are special versions of some of these structures, such as limited partnerships and S corporations. You'll want to consider which business entity structure offers the type of liability protection you want and the best tax, financing, and financial benefits for you and your business. Read our article for information on how to choose the best ownership structure for your business.

3. Choose a Name

For LLCs and corporations, you will need to check that your name is distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Washington Secretary of State (SOS). You can check for available names by doing a corporation search on the SOS website (the search site covers LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities). You can reserve an available name for 180 days by filing a Name Reservation form. There are certain name requirements for LLCs and corporations (like including a word such as "LLC" for LLCs or "Company" for corporations). See How to Form an LLC in Washington and How to Form a Corporation in Washington for more information.

Is your business a sole proprietorship or partnership that uses a business name that is different from the legal name of the business owner (for a sole proprietorship) or surnames of the individual partners (for a partnership)? If so, you must register a trade name with the Washington State Business Licensing Service (BLS). You can register online.

If you plan on doing business online, you may want to register your business name as a domain name. See Choose and Register a Domain Name for more information. In addition, to avoid trademark infringement issues, you should do a federal and state trademark check to make sure the name you want to use is not the same as or too similar to a name already in use. See How to Do a Trademark Search for more information.

4. Create Your Business Entity

• Sole proprietorship: To establish a sole proprietorship in Washington, you don't need to file any organizational documents with the state. For more information, see How to Establish a Sole Proprietorship in Washington.
• Partnership: To create a general partnership in Washington, you don't need to file any organizational documents with the state. Although not legally required, all partnerships should have a written partnership agreement. The partnership agreement can be very helpful if there is ever a dispute among the partners. For more information, see How to Form a Partnership in Washington. To form a limited liability partnership (often used by professionals), you must file a Registration with the Washington SOS. For more information, see Why Choose a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?.
• LLCs: To create an LLC in Washington, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Washington SOS. You will also need to appoint a registered agent in Washington for service of process. In addition, while not required by law, you also should prepare an operating agreement to establish the basic rules about how your LLC will operate. The operating agreement is not filed with the state. For more information, see How to Form an LLC in Washington and How to Form a Professional LLC in Washington (for professionals).
• Corporations: To create a corporation in Washington, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the Washington SOS. You will also need to appoint a registered agent in Washington for service of process. Although not legally required, you also should prepare bylaws to establish your corporation's internal operating rules. Bylaws are not filed with the state. S Corporations must also file IRS Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, with the IRS. For more information, see How to Form a Corporation.

5. Apply for Licenses and Permits

Tax Registration. If you will be selling goods in Washington, you must register with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect sales tax. You can register by filing a Business License Application with the BLS online, by mail, or in person.

EIN. If your business has employees or is taxed separately from you, you must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Even if you are not required to obtain an EIN, there are often business reasons for doing so. Banks often require an EIN to open an account in the business's name and other companies you do business with may require an EIN to process payments. You can get an EIN by completing an online application. There is no filing fee.

Regulatory licenses and permits. These cover areas such as:

• health and safety
• the environment
• building and construction; and
• specific industries or services

Check the List of Licenses section of the BLS's Business & Professional Licenses webpage for additional guidance on state licenses. You can obtain some state-issued business-related licenses by completing the BLS's Business License Application.

Many other licenses are issued at the city or county level. Check the BLS webpage that lists Washington cities that work with the BLS to issue local licenses. Also, check the website for any Washington city or county where you will do business.

Professional and occupational licenses. These cover people who work in various fields. Many of these licenses are handled through the BLS. For more information, check both the Professions section and the List of Licenses section of the BLS's Business & Professional Licenses webpage.

6. Pick a Business Location and Check Zoning

You'll need to pick a location for your business and check local zoning regulations. Before you commit to a location, take time to calculate the costs of running your business in the desired spot, including rent and utilities. You can refer back to your business plan to evaluate whether you can afford your desired location during your company's early months.

It is important to verify that the spot is zoned for your type of business. You might find zoning regulations for your town or city by reviewing your local ordinances and contacting your town's zoning or planning department. Read our article for more tips on picking a location.

One alternative to opening your business at a new location is running your company out of your home. If you decide to run a home-based business, again check your local zoning laws. In addition, review your lease (if you rent your home) and homeowners association rules (if applicable), either of which might ban some or all home businesses.

7. Taxes and Reporting

Washington is one of just four states that have no corporate tax and no personal income tax. However, Washington does have a Business and Occupation Tax (B&O Tax). See Washington State Business Income Tax for more information on state business taxes in Washington.

Washington LLCs and corporations must file annual reports (also known as annual renewals) with the BLS. The reports must be filed online.

And, apart from Vermont taxes, there are always federal income and employer taxes. Check IRS Publications 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, and 583, Taxpayers Starting a Business.

8. Obtain Insurance

Business insurance can protect your company and your personal assets from the fallout of unexpected disasters, such as personal injury lawsuits or natural catastrophes. An insurance agent can help you explore the different coverage options, which might include general liability insurance to protect your business against claims relating to bodily injury or property damage. To learn more, see Nolo's article, What Types of Insurances Does Your Small Business Need?

9. Open a Business Bank Account

No matter the type of business you form, you should consider opening a separate business account to make it easier to track your income and expenses. For some business types, like LLCs and corporations, a separate bank account is necessary to maintain your liability protection. To learn more, see Opening a Business Bank Account.