3 years, 1 month ago
Do you need a business license to be self employed or work freelance in Washington state?
I've read various opinions on the internet stating that you must have a business license to do business in WA, and others that state the opposite. I've noted that people here mention business licenses and Tax IDs when talking about freelance work. Do you have to have a tax ID or is a social security number sufficient?
I am interested freelancing as a graphic designer.
I am interested freelancing as a graphic designer.
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M$2 Answers
It appears to depend upon what your business activity will be.
From the Washington State Department of Licensing:
Before starting your business, be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What type of business would you like to open?
- What types of activities will you be performing?
- When do you plan to start your business?
- Where will your business be located?
- What business structure type will you have?
- What do you plan to call your business?
You can get a customized Business Licensing Guide Sheet just by telling us some information about the business you are starting (for example, restaurant in Seattle). The guide sheet will include:
- contacts for business licensing requirements.
- forms to start your business.
How to get your guide
You can find out what licenses you need:
- by using the online Business Licensing Guide (https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/mls/wali/activity.asp)
- by calling us at (360) 664-1400.
From the Washington State Department of Licensing:
Before starting your business, be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What type of business would you like to open?
- What types of activities will you be performing?
- When do you plan to start your business?
- Where will your business be located?
- What business structure type will you have?
- What do you plan to call your business?
You can get a customized Business Licensing Guide Sheet just by telling us some information about the business you are starting (for example, restaurant in Seattle). The guide sheet will include:
- contacts for business licensing requirements.
- forms to start your business.
How to get your guide
You can find out what licenses you need:
- by using the online Business Licensing Guide (https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/mls/wali/activity.asp)
- by calling us at (360) 664-1400.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Yes, I have looked through these websites. I couldn't find anything about working as a freelancer or self-employment and actually reading through this stuff is down right confusing.
Using the sources I noted in my answer, I submitted a query to the on line system for information on being a freelance write located in Spokane County. Here is some of the detailed information that I received...
CITY AND COUNTY INFORMATION
Please be advised that you should contact ANY county or incorporated city in which you perform your work to determine if additional licenses are needed.
Airway Heights (Spokane County) WA
Clerk-Treasurer
1208 S Lundstrom
Airway Heights, WA 99001-0969 USA
Phone: (509) 244-5578
Fax: (509) 244-3431
http://www.cawh.org/
Spokane County, Washington
Auditor
1116 W Broadway
Spokane, WA 99260 USA
Phone: (509) 477-2270
Fax: (509) 477-6451
Please remember:
* Verify with the city or county that the location of the business is zoned for that activity.
* Obtain a building permit for any construction or modification to a building.
* Check local codes before making or ordering a sign for your business because cities often restrict location, size, etc.
If you have questions about these requirements, please contact the City or County Planning and Building Department.
HOME OCCUPATION: Certain restrictions may be imposed by the county if your business is conducted in your home. Please check with the county(s) you plan to do business in to ensure you meet all requirements.
MUNICIPAL BUSINESS TAXES: Washington cities tax private businesses, municipal, and private utility companies within their boundaries. Contact each city in which business will be conducted.
PROPERTY AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX: You must report your business property, furniture, equipment, supplies, etc., to the assessor of the county in which your business is located.
Spokane County Assessor - (509) 477-3696
MASTER LICENSE SERVICE
Licenses for the following state agencies are obtained through the Master Business Application. Contact the agency directly if you have regulatory questions.
UNIFIED BUSINESS IDENTIFIER (UBI) NUMBER: A UBI number is a nine-digit number that registers you with several state agencies and allows you to do business in Washington State. A UBI number is sometimes called a tax registration number, a business registration number, and a business license number.
Use the Master Business Application to apply for the UBI number.
OTHER STATE AGENCIES OR REGULATORY INFORMATION
You must contact the following agencies directly to obtain their licensing information.
SALES TAX INFORMATION: If your business provides a service to customers, you may be required to collect sales tax for that service. Contact the Washington State Department of Revenue for further information regarding sales tax at 1-800-647-7706 or visit their website at http://www.dor.wa.gov/
FEDERAL INFORMATION
You must contact the following agencies directly to obtain their licensing information.
NAME USAGE: To avoid possible infringement on a reserved name, do a thorough search on all business names you will use.
In Washington State, visit the Business and Professional License Search website at: www.dol.wa.gov/business/checkstatus.html and call the Trademark Division of the Secretary of State at (360) 725-0377. Also contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office at 1-800-786-9199 (http://www.uspto.gov/).
FEDERAL FORMS: Call the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 to order the Publication 583 - Starting a Business and Keeping Records. Federal taxes may be paid by electronic transfer. In some cases, payment through electronic transfer is mandatory. Enrollment forms are available by calling either 1-800-555-4477 or 1-800-945-8400. You may also file some of your federal tax returns electronically. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to obtain information on electronic filing.
U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS: If you use or intend to use live or recorded music at your place of business, be aware that all music used in this way is protected by U.S. copyright laws. For information contact the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) at 1-800-505-4052, or Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) at 1-800-925-8451, or Sesac Incorporated at 1-800-826-9996.