In June, we began a tour across Washington to get public feedback on how to make state government—its regulatory policies and systems—work better for small businesses. In the past few months, we have made stops in Spokane, Yakima, Mount Vernon, Seattle, Longview, and Aberdeen. This next stop at the Port of Grays Harbor Commission Chamber will be our final stop for the summer.
Complete this short survey to provide valuable feedback about your regulatory concerns by Sept. 20th.
Sept. 25, 2024, 6-8 pm • Port of Grays Harbor Commission Chamber
Have You Filed Your Beneficial Ownership Information Report?
Effective the first of the year, most business entities registered with the Corporations & Charities Division must report information about the individuals who own or control their company to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), unless they meet one of the exceptions.
New businesses must report within 90 days of formation and those formed before January 1, 2024, have until January 1, 2025, to file their report.
For assistance, contact their Regulatory Hotline at 800-767-2825 OR complete this form.
BizFair is THE event that all current and aspiring small business owners should attend! The longest running all government and nonprofit-run small business fair in Washington State, BizFair is always FREE to attend and open to everyone.
Businesses affected by the fires could qualify for a filling extension and penalty waiver. In addition to these resources, qualified businesses can request:
An application for credit for damaged timber for forest taxes.
Reschedule of a planned audit.
A waiver of penalties for qualified businesses unable to renew their business license timely.
An extension of its expiring resellers permit.
Tax relief resources are also available for property owners whose properties were damaged or destroyed by the fires. Property owners are encouraged to apply to their County Assessor to reduce the taxable value of the properties.
Businesses and organizations are required to review their records annually to determine if they are holding any property belonging to another. If you have uncashed checks (including payroll) or unused credits and have not been able to return the property to the rightful owner, you have unclaimed property that needs reported to Department of Revenue.
Annual Reports are due for most businesses on October 31. Insurance company reports are due on April 30. Penalties and interest apply for late reporting.
We offer several types of online workshops designed to help your organization report unclaimed property. Click here to register for a free workshop.
For more information about reporting or to look for unclaimed property that may belong to you or your business, click the button below to learn more.
LLC Owners: Beneficial Owner Information E-File Workshop
This hands-on workshop will help LLC business owners comply with federal requirements by providing guidance on accurately completing and submitting their BOI.
Why attend?
Avoid Penalties - Failure to file can result in significant fines and jeopardize your LLC's standing.
Stay Compliant - Meet federal requirements with expert guidance.
Hands-On Support - Receive direct assistance in e-filing your report. Attendees are welcome to bring their own devices. Please bring photo identification for electronic filing.
When?
Date: September 18, 2024
Time: 4-5 pm (English) and 6-7 pm (Spanish)
Location: OIC-Training Center, 815 Fruitvale Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902
Timely Reporting Is Making a Difference In Children’s Lives
It’s been just over a year since HB 1262 went into effect, requiring employers to report bonuses and lump-sum payments more than $500 to DSHS’ Division of Child Support. Since then, DCS has seen a three-fold increase in the amount of payments from bonuses and lump sums. This increase in employer collections has not only helped numerous families across the state, it has also helped pay down or pay off many employees’ past-due child support debts.
This law applies only to employees with a current Washington state Income Withholding Order that includes a payment amount for past-due child support. Bonuses and lump-sum payments include bonuses, cash service awards, commissions, performance bonuses, retroactive pay increases, severance, sign-on bonuses and vacation/holiday cash-out options, etc.
Report the information by emailing DCS at LSC@dshs.wa.gov, calling DCS at 360-664-5338, or through the federal Office of Child Support Services’ online portal. DCS will let you know within 14 days if and how much you should withhold from the lump sum or bonus.
For more details about the reporting requirements, visit DCS’s webpage.
For questions, contact DCS’s Employer Relations Team via phone at 800-562-0479 or via email at dcs-ert@dshs.wa.gov.
We Need Your Feedback!
Proposed Changes to Self-Employed Worker Reporting
The Division of Child Support is considering proposing changes to introduce mandatory reporting of freelance and self-employed workers to Washington state, and we are asking for your feedback on our proposal (also known as agency request legislation).
DCS’s proposal would require those doing business in Washington state who retain the services of or provide a platform for self-employed workers to report that arrangement to DCS.
This is a draft concept that still has several steps before it will be approved to be introduced as legislation for the 2025 Washington state legislative session.
To learn more about the proposal and provide feedback, click the button below.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
Are You a Very Small Business In An Underserved Area?
Learn About New Loan Programs Made Just With You In Mind!
Commerce’s new loan products were made possible by $163.4 million in funds provided through the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This program aims to promote entrepreneurship, support small business ownership, and increase the flow of capital in underserved communities. A portion of all program funding is targeted towards Very Small Businesses (VSB) and businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI).
ScaleUp offers the tools you need to create new sources of revenue, and help you work ON your business rather than IN your business. Classes begin this month.
This program which normally costs $1,599 is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2025, thanks to ongoing support from the Department of Commerce.
ScaleUp enseña herramientas para nuevas fuentes de ingresos y le ayuda a trabajar EN su negocio en lugar de EN su negocio. Las clases comienzan en septiembre.
Este programa, que normalmente cuesta $1599, se ofrece actualmente sin costo para las empresas del estado de Washington hosa el 30 de junio de 2025, gracias al apoyo continuo del Departamento de Comercio.
Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance
Small Business Requirements & Resources
The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) are free workshops providing you with essential information and resources to help start and grow your business.
Outreach events are sponsored by the Small Business Liaison Team and hosted by local partners.
Small Business Requirements and Resource • In Person Workshops
These in-person workshops are designed to help business owners navigate the world of small business resources and state regulations. Whether you're just starting out or growing your business, this workshop is for you! Learn, connect, and build relationships from experts in the field.
October 16, 2024 • Okanogan • Español/English
October 17, 2024 • Okanogan • Español /English
October 29 & 31, 2024 • Wenatchee • English (TBD)
October 30, 2024 • Wenatchee • Español (TBD)
November 12, 2024 • Skagit Valley College • English
November 13, 2024 • Skagit Valley College • Español
We offer an experienced team familiar with owning a small business, working for regulatory agencies, and ready to connect you with reliable information and valuable resources.
Our service is free!
Contact the IC Team at 800-917-0043 or email help@business.wa.gov or click the link below for live chat or text.
The Small Business Guide is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business and the kind of information you need.
Plan - If you’ve never owned a business before, you may be unaware of all the things you need to get your business going. Careful planning and research will improve your chances of success.
Start - Once you have a basic business plan in place, it is time to register your business. Obtain the required licenses and permits needed for your business location and type of activities.
Payroll - Hiring employees for the first time? Employers have a legal responsibility to comply with local, state, and federal labor laws and payroll taxes.
Open - Is your business registered in another state and would like to operate in Washington? Learn about out-of-state business reporting thresholds, nexus, and registration requirements.
Run - Keep your business in compliance. You must take certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business active and in good standing. These requirements vary for each business, based on your activities, locations, and employees.
Grow - For established businesses seeking opportunities to grow their business beyond their current model. Expanding a business can require many different things, including money, employees, new locations, and new markets.
Close - People close their businesses for many different reasons. A practical guide for creating an exit strategy plan.
The Small Business Guide (pdf) is now available in the following languages:
