UBI filing for Washington

A Unified Business Identifier (UBI) is a nine-digit number essential for registering your business with various state agencies and legally operating in Washington State. You are required to obtain a UBI if you plan to hire employees within 90 days, sell products or services that necessitate sales tax collection, or if your gross income reaches $12,000 or more per year, among other conditions.

To apply, use the Washington State Business Licensing Application (BLA) through the online Business Licensing Wizard and My DOR portals for faster processing, or submit it by mail to the Business Licensing Service.

Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, though city or state endorsements might extend this by an additional 2-3 weeks. If your business is a domestic Washington corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file formation documents with the Washington Secretary of State before submitting your Business License Application.

After successful filing, you will receive your business license and UBI. The Department of Revenue will then provide information regarding sales tax, B&O tax, and other tax accounts, including your filing frequency.

If you plan to hire, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Employment Security Department (ESD) will send necessary employer paperwork. All businesses with monthly, quarterly, or annual excise tax returns are mandated to file and pay electronically.

Practical compliance steps for LLC founders and small business owners include: first choosing a business structure and filing with the WA Secretary of State if applicable; completing the Business License Application online; obtaining an EIN if needed; registering for WA tax accounts and setting up e-file/e-pay; registering for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance when hiring; checking for city/county endorsements and local business licenses; and diligently tracking renewal dates to avoid penalties.

Application fees vary based on endorsements, and specific fee details are available in DOR instructions. It is crucial to keep your UBI accessible for all state interactions and filings, and you can look it up using DOR business lookup tools.

Failure to register when required can lead to penalties, late fees, and issues with tax account setup. Washington strictly enforces electronic filing for excise taxes.

A Unified Business Identifier (UBI) is a nine-digit number essential for registering your business with various state agencies and legally operating in Washington State. You are required to obtain a UBI if you plan to hire employees within 90 days, sell products or services that necessitate sales tax collection, or if your gross income reaches $12,000 or more per year, among other conditions.

To apply, use the Washington State Business Licensing Application (BLA) through the online Business Licensing Wizard and My DOR portals for faster processing, or submit it by mail to the Business Licensing Service.

Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, though city or state endorsements might extend this by an additional 2-3 weeks. If your business is a domestic Washington corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file formation documents with the Washington Secretary of State before submitting your Business License Application.

After successful filing, you will receive your business license and UBI. The Department of Revenue will then provide information regarding sales tax, B&O tax, and other tax accounts, including your filing frequency.

If you plan to hire, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Employment Security Department (ESD) will send necessary employer paperwork. All businesses with monthly, quarterly, or annual excise tax returns are mandated to file and pay electronically.

Practical compliance steps for LLC founders and small business owners include: first choosing a business structure and filing with the WA Secretary of State if applicable; completing the Business License Application online; obtaining an EIN if needed; registering for WA tax accounts and setting up e-file/e-pay; registering for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance when hiring; checking for city/county endorsements and local business licenses; and diligently tracking renewal dates to avoid penalties.

Application fees vary based on endorsements, and specific fee details are available in DOR instructions. It is crucial to keep your UBI accessible for all state interactions and filings, and you can look it up using DOR business lookup tools.

Failure to register when required can lead to penalties, late fees, and issues with tax account setup. Washington strictly enforces electronic filing for excise taxes.