ONLY IF THEY PERMIT IT . . .
Registering Non-Washington Businesses
Some businesses will need additional licenses and permits. These include architects, healthcare providers, counselors, attorneys, CPAs and foodrelated businesses, such as restaurants and food trucks. Other businesses need to be registered as contractors with the state, while still others will need to be licensed through the Department of Health (a residential care or mental health business) or Department of Early Learning (a child care business).
If you are registered as a corporation or limited liability company in another state or country and are doing business in Washington, you will need to fill out a “Foreign Profit Corporation – Certificate of Authority” or “Foreign LLC Registration” form with the Office of the Secretary of State. Out-of-state businesses must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue if:
A good place to start is the Washington Business Licensing Guide. Its series of questions will generate the list of permits and licenses you may be required to get for your specific type of business. The guide is located at http:// business.wa.gov/blg.
• The business conducts activities that establish nexus sufficient for imposing B&O tax or the public utility tax. • The business collects retail sales, use tax, or other taxes administered by the Department of Revenue. • The business collects Washington’s use tax. As part of the registration process you will need to have a registered agent in Washington State. As noted earlier, this is a Washington-based person or business with a physical address who can receive official documents on your behalf.
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