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New Business Tax Rules - Get Informed, Stay Compliant
Services That Are Newly Subject to Retail Sales Tax.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814 added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. This means sellers must begin collecting sales tax on certain services on October 1, 2025. Learn more about this change and how you can provide feedback.
New! Temporary Expanded Voluntary Disclosure Program - Effective July 1.
The Department of Revenue is offering a temporary expanded Voluntary Disclosure Program under ESSB 5167. This program is for businesses with unreported investment income subject to business and occupation (B&O) tax. It allows qualifying businesses to report that revenue without incurring penalties and/or interest. Visit our website to learn more.
Are You Curious About 2025 Tax Legislation & How it May Impact Your Business?
Check out our 2025 Tax Legislation page for a list of tax-related bills passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Ferguson during the 2025 legislative session.
Stay up to Date With the Latest Updates.
Visit our What’s New page for recently published Special Notices, Industry Specific Guides (available in English and Spanish), upcoming Workshops and Webinars, and more.
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Stay in the Know on Workplace Rights & Responsibilities
There are several new changes that will impact business owners and employees. Stay in the know and see the summary below.
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Who does this effect?
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Effective Date
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Summary
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Employers with employees in Bellingham
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05/01/2025
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City of Bellingham regional minimum wage increased to $18.66/hour.
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Employers with employees in Tukwila, Renton, Burien, and Everett
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07/01/2025
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Cities of Tukwila, Renton, Burien, Everett regional minimum wage increases. Each region has specific ordinances.
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All employers - workplace rights
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07/01/2025
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SSB 5104: Immigration Status Coercion
Employers may not use immigration status to coerce an employee from engaging in protected activities or exercising labor law rights. Workers may file a complaint with L&I that are enforceable with civil penalties.
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All employers - workplace rights
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07/01/2025
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SHB 1905: Equal Pay and Opportunities Act Expansion
An employer cannot discriminate in compensation or career advancement opportunities against similarly employed employees based on the employee's membership in a protected class. Protected class means a person's age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, as those terms are defined under the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
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All employers - job posting
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07/27/2025
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SSB 5501: Employee Driving Requirement
Employers cannot require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment or include such a statement in a job posting unless driving is one of the essential job functions or is related to a legitimate business purpose for a position.
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All employers & Transportation Network Companies - sick leave usage
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07/27/2025
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ESHB 1875: Sick Leave Usage for Immigration Proceedings
Employees and Transportation Network Company Drivers may use paid sick leave for absences resulting from the need to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings involving the employee or the employee's family member.
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All employers - job postings
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07/27/2025
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SSB 5408: Wage and Salary Disclosures
Employers may disclose a fixed wage amount rather than a scale or range if offering only a fixed wage amount for a job opening. From July 27, 2025 to July 27, 2027, employers must be given the chance to correct a violation before a job applicant can seek administrative remedies or file a private right of action.
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All employers - record-keeping
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07/27/2025
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SHB 1308: Employee Access to Personnel Files
Employers are required to provide employees and former employees with a copy of their personnel file. Upon request, employers must also provide former employees with a written statement indicating the employee’s discharge date and the reason for separation. Employers must respond to both requests within 21 calendar days.
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Explore L&I's Small Business Newsletter for the latest updates tailored for small businesses.
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Office of Minority & Women's
Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
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Get Certified With PRIDE!
Washington’s new LGBTQ Certification Program is LIVE—and open for business.
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, is proud to announce the launch of its newest certification category: LGBTQ Business Enterprises. This important milestone expands Washington’s commitment to inclusion by formally recognizing businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
This certification is the direct result of years of advocacy, leadership, and collaboration from the Washington State LGBTQ Commission. Without their vision and tenacity, LGBTQ+ owned businesses would not be recognized by Washington State. Now, thanks to this partnership, the LGBTQBE program allows state agencies and institutions to broaden their supplier networks, support historically underrecognized business owners, and help Washington’s economy reflect the diversity of its people.
Apply Today! LGBTQ-owned businesses can apply to get certified with OMWBE in our State Certification program. Businesses may be eligible for multiple state certifications. Visit our website to learn more.
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Find County-Level Labor Market Data
Are you interested in the economic health of your county?
Do you need county specific information for economic development or business projects?
What you can find in the county profiles:
County profiles highlight aspects of the economic health of each of Washington’s counties. With the monthly updates, each regional labor economist tells stories of their counties’ labor markets and defining characteristics. You can use the information for grant applications, strategic planning, economic development and research projects.
Get more information!
Your regional economist can help you find and use labor market data, fulfill special data requests and answer questions about your labor market. They serve professionals and organizations in their areas, including businesses, WorkSource offices, workforce development councils, nonprofits, education institutions, economic development organizations, local government and the news media.
Paid Family & Medical Leave
What You Need To Know if You Are Self-Employed.
Many business owners are not automatically covered by Paid Family & Medical Leave. You can opt in if you are self-employed.
You are self-employed if you are:
- A member of a partnership.
- A member of a limited liability company (LLC).
- A sole proprietor or independent contractor.
- A joint venturer.
- Otherwise in business for yourself.
Corporate officers are not considered self-employed and should be included in Paid Leave/WA Cares quarterly reports as employees.
Electing Coverage
When you opt in, you agree to pay the employee share for an initial period of three years. You’ll track all self-employment income from any business you own and submit quarterly reports to us. Your coverage starts the quarter after you opt in, and the hours you report quarterly can be used to qualify for Paid Leave benefits.
Paid Leave Benefits
After opting in and contributing to Paid Leave by reporting quarterly, you can apply for benefits. You need to meet the requirements for hours worked and have a qualifying event.
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Our Office Has Moved!
The Corporations and Charities Division is now located in Tumwater.
Our new address is 243 Israel Rd Se, Tumwater WA 98501. We are on the first floor of the Town Center East 3 building and are ready to assist customers for in-person services.
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 4pm and Fridays 8am to 3pm. To contact the Corporations & Charities Division, click the button below.
Annual Reports May Be Filed Up to 180 Days Early!
The summer months can lead to forgetting about your Annual Report.
Have you looked to see when your expiration date is?
To keep your business running smoothly, it's important to file your annual report promptly. Doing so helps you avoid delinquency fees and ensures your business remains in good standing. You can file your report up to 180 days before the due date.
We recommend setting a calendar reminder each year to submit your report well before the expiration date, reducing the risk of delinquency or losing your business status.
Please note: Filing early does not change your business’s expiration date. The expiration date always remains on the last day of the month when your business was originally registered. Most annual reports update your business record immediately upon filing.
Is your Annual Report due?
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Small Business Resources & Requirements
Free Workshops
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The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is a partnership of 29 state agencies working to improve access to regulatory information, education, and agency resources for business communities across the state of Washington.
The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) free workshops provide vital information on regulatory requirements, state permits, business structures, employee hiring and retention, and available resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
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Starting a Business in Washington - Live Webinar
Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, and licensing requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements and enhancing your business practices.
Webinar Details
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When: Thursday, September 4, 2025 11:00 a.m.
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Where: Via Zoom | Register Here
To learn more about upcoming webinars and workshops, click the button below.
The Small Business Guide
The Small Business Guide is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. Whether you’re launching a new business, managing an existing one, or looking to expand, you’ll discover valuable information and resources here. The guide offers essential details, links to important resources, and a clear outline of the steps needed to start and run a business in Washington State.
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The Small Business Guide is now available in the following languages:
English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Somali, and Tagalog, Ukrainian, and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2.
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Biz Fair 2025 - Registration Now Open!
Biz Fair is an exciting annual event designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit - whether you're already on your business journey or dreaming of starting one. This free event opens the doors to resources, programs, and expert support. Throughout the day, attendees can visit informational tables, training workshops, listen to guest speakers and panel discussions covering a variety of topics including business planning, licensing and registration, tax responsibilities, marketing strategies, funding opportunities, and more! It's your chance to connect, learn and empower your entrepreneurial future!
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When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Where: Pierce College - Puyallup Campus | 1601 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
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Register Here
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Small Business Energy Assessment Program
Are you a small business in the Puget Sound Energy Service area?
Get a Puget Sound Energy small business energy assessment, and we’ll install no-cost and low-cost upgrades that start saving you money immediately without disrupting your operations.
Here's what you get:
- Lower energy bills with upgrades like LED lighting and water-saving aerators
- Expert insights on additional energy-saving improvements
- Rebates to cut costs even further
- A better business environment for your customers
- Questions? Email [email protected]
Check out the flyer:
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Find Training Opportunities & Explore Event Calendars |
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