| Running a Business |  | |
Running (or starting) a business in Washington? Here's what you need to do:
If you are starting a new business in Washington: |
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| Submit Washington's Master Business License application. | ||
| How to apply: | For more information: | |
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Go to the Department of Licensing web site. (www.DOL.wa.gov) Pick up an application form and return it to any of these state offices. |
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| Note: some cities and counties require additional licenses. Please contact any city or county you will be performing work in to find out the requirements. | ||
| If you'll be hiring minors: | For more information: | |
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| Be sure to display the posters required by L&I and other agencies. See "Workplace Posters: Required and Recommended." | ||
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If you have employees: |
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| Cover your employees in case of on-the-job injuries. | ||
| How to do it: | For more information: | |
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| Be sure to display the required poster "Notice to Employees — If A Job Injury Occurs." (99 KB PDF) | ||
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| Provide a safe workplace for your employees. | ||
| How to get started: | For more information: | |
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| Be sure to display the required poster: "Job Safety and Health Protection." (461 KB PDF / 4 min) | ||
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| Ensure the wage, hour and other working condition rights of your workers. | ||
| What you need to do: | For more information: | |
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| Be sure to display the required poster "Your Rights as a Non-agricultural Worker" (339 KB PDF / 2 min) or "Your Rights as an Agricultural Worker" (23 KB PDF / 4 min). | ||
| Small business owners: Need help learning how to meet L&I's requirements? | ||
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 If you are in the construction trades: |
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| Get registered, licensed or certified by L&I. | ||
| Electricians, plumbers and construction contractors: | For more information: | |
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 Get help downloading files. (en español) |
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Other state and federal agency requirements
- Department of Social and Health Services — Register newly hired employees (www.DSHS.wa.gov)
- Washington State Employment Security Department — File unemployment insurance taxes online (www.ESD.wa.gov)
- Washington State Department of Revenue — File your business and operations taxes electronically (www.DOR.wa.gov)
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Tax Information For Small Businesses (www.irs.gov)
- Washington State Office of Trade and Economic Development — Why you should develop your business in Washington State (www.choosewashington.com)
- The U.S. Small Business
Administration's "Starting Your Business" web site (www.sba.gov)
