Washington compliance problem-solving service

Washington

compliance problem-solving service Slug: washington-compliance-problem-solving-service Meta description: Expert guidance on Washington: Washington compliance problem-solving service — Get professional compliance support for your US business.

Target audience: US business owners, LLC founders (Washington-specific guidance) Intro (short): Starting and running an LLC or small business in Washington means navigating a mix of state filings, excise taxes, employment laws, industry permits and local city rules.

This guide explains the must-do compliance steps, deadlines, typical fees, common penalties, and a practical first-year timeline a compliance problem-solving service would use to bring your Washington business into good standing quickly.

Core Washington compliance areas (what every LLC owner must address): - Certificate of Formation (file with the Washington Secretary of State) — formation fee and Registered Agent requirements; initial/annual reporting obligations. - Unified Business Identifier (UBI) and Business Licensing Service (Department of Revenue) — business license enrollment creates the UBI and establishes state tax accounts. - Business & Occupation (B&O) tax and sales/use tax (Department of Revenue) — gross-receipts B&O tax classifications, tax rates vary by activity; filing frequency depends on tax due and thresholds (including the $125,000 threshold for certain requirements starting 2023). - Employer accounts and payroll-related obligations: - Employment Security Department (ESD): unemployment tax accounts, quarterly tax and wage reporting. - L&I (Department of Labor & Industries): workers’ compensation/industrial insurance coverage, reporting and posting requirements. - Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML): employer responsibilities, employee notices, payroll withholding and contributions. - Local city business licenses and local ordinances: e.g., Seattle business license tax certificate (annual renewal Dec. 31; apply/renew via FileLocal) and paid sick leave/PSST consistency with state rules; Tacoma business license rules and fees. - Industry-specific permits: health/food service, construction and contractor registration, liquor/cannabis licensing, professional licensing (Department of Licensing), local building and health permits. - Federal registrations and reporting: IRS EIN, federal payroll tax withholding and deposits, and FinCEN BOI/Corporate Transparency Act reporting considerations.

Key, actionable compliance items and where to file (short): - File Certificate of Formation: Secretary of State online or paper filing (SOS filing pages). Ensure a Registered Agent with physical WA address and required email.

If you defer the initial report, note it’s due within 120 days of your formation effective date. - Apply for Washington Business License / UBI: Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service / My DOR or Business Licensing Wizard. - Register for tax accounts: DOR (B&O, sales tax), ESD (unemployment), L&I (workers’ comp), and PFML via ESD/paidleave.

Set reporting frequency and file timely. - File the initial/annual report: Secretary of State annual report requirement and fees (S.O.S. annual report filing). - Local licenses: apply for city business license where you operate (Seattle via FileLocal; Tacoma via City of Tacoma Tax & License). - BOI/FinCEN: determine whether your entity is a “reporting company” under the Corporate Transparency Act and follow FinCEN guidance; monitor enforcement updates. - Federal: apply for EIN at IRS and set up federal payroll tax accounts.

First-year timeline (practical checklist for a new WA LLC): Day 0–7 (formation week): - File Certificate of Formation with WA Secretary of State. Pay formation fee and elect Registered Agent. (If filing online watch expedited options.) - Decide whether to defer initial report; if deferred, mark the due date (within 120 days). - Apply for an EIN from the IRS (online) and open a business bank account. - Start drafting an operating agreement (not required, but strongly recommended).

Day 7–30 (establish state accounts): - Apply for WA Business License / obtain UBI at Department of Revenue via the Business Licensing Service or Business Licensing Wizard. - Register for DOR tax accounts: B&O and sales/use if applicable.

Determine the B&O classification for your activity. - Register with ESD for unemployment tax (employer account) and L&I for workers’ compensation (if you have or will hire employees or per WA rules). - Enroll in PFML and set up payroll withholding/contribution processes.

Month 1–3 (first reporting/operations): - File initial/first annual report with SOS if not deferred; otherwise file within 120 days. - Establish payroll processes including withholding (federal, state), PFML, unemployment taxes, and workers’ comp premiums. - If you expect frequent taxable activity or B&O liability above thresholds, set up tax filing frequency (monthly/quarterly) in MyDOR.

Quarterly/ongoing: - File employer quarterly wage and tax reports to ESD; file L&I quarterly reports and premium payments as required; file DOR excise returns on assigned schedule (monthly, quarterly or annually depending on threshold and tax owed). - Reconcile sales tax collection and remit to DOR. - Keep up with records needed for audits and workers’ comp claims: injury reports, payroll records, subcontractor documentation.

Annual and ongoing compliance: - File SOS annual report each year by the last day of the month you registered (annual report fee; penalties apply if late). - Renew local business licenses annually (Seattle: renew by Dec. 31; Tacoma: follow city schedules) and pay local license fees. - Monitor B&O rate and classification changes and any local changes (Seattle/Tacoma ordinances such as paid sick time or local tax rules). - Check FinCEN BOI reporting triggers and deadlines for beneficial ownership reports.

Common penalties and remediation paths (what a problem-solving service fixes): - Late or missing SOS annual report: fees and possible administrative dissolution; reinstatement is possible within statute timelines but may require additional fees and filing past-due annual reports. - Unregistered tax accounts or unpaid excise/employer taxes: DOR and ESD can assess interest and penalties; set up payment plans and correct returns. - Workers’ comp noncompliance: L&I audits can assess back premiums, penalties, and interest; service can assemble payroll records and file corrected reports. - City license noncompliance: late renewal penalties; failure to cancel a license when closing can lead to ongoing billing — need to file final returns and formally close accounts.

Suggested client deliverables and service offerings for a Washington compliance problem-solving service: - Compliance Intake & Risk Assessment (one-time): entity review, agency account inventory, prioritized remediation plan. - Formation & Registration Package: SOS filing, registered agent, operating agreement template, EIN application, UBI/business license application. - Payroll & Employer Setup: ESD, L&I, PFML enrollment; payroll process setup; initial tax withholdings and deposits configuration. - Tax Filing & Representation: file B&O, sales & use, excise returns and represent clients in DOR/ESD/L&I communications and audits. - Annual Maintenance: SOS annual reports, local license renewals, checklists and reminders, BOI filing assistance if needed. - Compliance Fix & Reinstatement: handle SOS reinstatement, tax payment plans, L&I or ESD audit responses, penalty waivers where appropriate. - Subscription compliance plan: recurring monitoring, dashboard of filing deadlines, and year-round support.

Quick contact & resources (primary official links): - Washington Secretary of State — LLC filing resources and annual reports: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/limited-liability-company-llc-professional-llc-pllc-filing-resource-page - SOS start domestic LLC and online filing instructions: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/online-filing-instructions/start-domestic-wa-limited-liability-company-llc-online - SOS start/register business overview and maintain compliance: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/start-or-register-business/start-domestic-wa-business - WA Dept. of Revenue — B&O tax overview and rates: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/business-occupation-tax - DOR Tax Reference Manual (B&O detailed): https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/TRM_05_B&O.pdf - Business Licensing Wizard / Small Business Guide: https://www.business.wa.gov/site/alias__business/876/small-business-guide--start.aspx - Employment Security Department — employer requirements and unemployment taxes: https://esd.wa.gov/employer-requirements - ESD Paid Family & Medical Leave: https://esd.wa.gov/get-financial-help/paid-leave - Department of Labor & Industries — employer workers’ compensation guidance (Employers’ Guide): https://lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/f101-002-000.pdf - L&I insurance resources: https://lni.wa.gov/insurance/ - FinCEN — Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI): https://www.fincen.gov/boi - Seattle City business licenses and FileLocal info: https://www.seattle.gov/city-finance/business-taxes-and-licenses/business-licenses - City of Tacoma business licensing: https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/finance/taxes-and-licenses/business-licensing/ - IRS — apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number): https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

Title: Washington compliance problem-solving service Slug: washington-compliance-problem-solving-service Meta description: Expert guidance on Washington: Washington compliance problem-solving service — Get professional compliance support for your US business.

Target audience: US business owners, LLC founders (Washington-specific guidance) Intro (short): Starting and running an LLC or small business in Washington means navigating a mix of state filings, excise taxes, employment laws, industry permits and local city rules.

This guide explains the must-do compliance steps, deadlines, typical fees, common penalties, and a practical first-year timeline a compliance problem-solving service would use to bring your Washington business into good standing quickly.

Core Washington compliance areas (what every LLC owner must address):

- Business & Occupation (B&O) tax and sales/use tax (Department of Revenue) — gross-receipts B&O tax classifications, tax rates vary by activity; filing frequency depends on tax due and thresholds (including the $125,000 threshold for certain requirements starting 2023).

- Local city business licenses and local ordinances: e.g., Seattle business license tax certificate (annual renewal Dec. 31; apply/renew via FileLocal) and paid sick leave/PSST consistency with state rules; Tacoma business license rules and fees.

- File Certificate of Formation: Secretary of State online or paper filing (SOS filing pages). Ensure a Registered Agent with physical WA address and required email.

If you defer the initial report, note it’s due within 120 days of your formation effective date.

- Federal: apply for EIN at IRS and set up federal payroll tax accounts. First-year timeline (practical checklist for a new WA LLC): Day 0–7 (formation week):

- Decide whether to defer initial report; if deferred, mark the due date (within 120 days).

- Start drafting an operating agreement (not required, but strongly recommended). Day 7–30 (establish state accounts):

- Enroll in PFML and set up payroll withholding/contribution processes. Month 1–3 (first reporting/operations): - File initial/first annual report with SOS if not deferred; otherwise file within 120 days.

- Renew local business licenses annually (Seattle: renew by Dec. 31; Tacoma: follow city schedules) and pay local license fees.

- DOR Tax Reference Manual (B&O detailed): https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/TRM_05_B&O.pdf - Business Licensing Wizard / Small Business Guide: https://www.business.wa.gov/site/alias__business/876/small-business-guide--start.aspx

- Department of Labor & Industries — employer workers’ compensation guidance (Employers’ Guide): https://lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/f101-002-000.pdf

• Certificate of Formation (file with the Washington Secretary of State) — formation fee and Registered Agent requirements; initial/annual reporting obligations.
• Unified Business Identifier (UBI) and Business Licensing Service (Department of Revenue) — business license enrollment creates the UBI and establishes state tax accounts.
• Employer accounts and payroll-related obligations:
• Employment Security Department (ESD): unemployment tax accounts, quarterly tax and wage reporting.
• L&I (Department of Labor & Industries): workers’ compensation/industrial insurance coverage, reporting and posting requirements.
• Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML): employer responsibilities, employee notices, payroll withholding and contributions.
• Industry-specific permits: health/food service, construction and contractor registration, liquor/cannabis licensing, professional licensing (Department of Licensing), local building and health permits.
• Federal registrations and reporting: IRS EIN, federal payroll tax withholding and deposits, and FinCEN BOI/Corporate Transparency Act reporting considerations. Key, actionable compliance items and where to file (short):
• Apply for Washington Business License / UBI: Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service / My DOR or Business Licensing Wizard.
• Register for tax accounts: DOR (B&O, sales tax), ESD (unemployment), L&I (workers’ comp), and PFML via ESD/paidleave. Set reporting frequency and file timely.
• File the initial/annual report: Secretary of State annual report requirement and fees (S.O.S. annual report filing).
• Local licenses: apply for city business license where you operate (Seattle via FileLocal; Tacoma via City of Tacoma Tax & License).
• BOI/FinCEN: determine whether your entity is a “reporting company” under the Corporate Transparency Act and follow FinCEN guidance; monitor enforcement updates.
• File Certificate of Formation with WA Secretary of State. Pay formation fee and elect Registered Agent. (If filing online watch expedited options.)
• Apply for an EIN from the IRS (online) and open a business bank account.
• Apply for WA Business License / obtain UBI at Department of Revenue via the Business Licensing Service or Business Licensing Wizard.
• Register for DOR tax accounts: B&O and sales/use if applicable. Determine the B&O classification for your activity.
• Register with ESD for unemployment tax (employer account) and L&I for workers’ compensation (if you have or will hire employees or per WA rules).
• Establish payroll processes including withholding (federal, state), PFML, unemployment taxes, and workers’ comp premiums.
• If you expect frequent taxable activity or B&O liability above thresholds, set up tax filing frequency (monthly/quarterly) in MyDOR. Quarterly/ongoing:
• File employer quarterly wage and tax reports to ESD; file L&I quarterly reports and premium payments as required; file DOR excise returns on assigned schedule (monthly, quarterly or annually depending on threshold and tax owed).
• Reconcile sales tax collection and remit to DOR.
• Keep up with records needed for audits and workers’ comp claims: injury reports, payroll records, subcontractor documentation. Annual and ongoing compliance:
• File SOS annual report each year by the last day of the month you registered (annual report fee; penalties apply if late).
• Monitor B&O rate and classification changes and any local changes (Seattle/Tacoma ordinances such as paid sick time or local tax rules).
• Check FinCEN BOI reporting triggers and deadlines for beneficial ownership reports. Common penalties and remediation paths (what a problem-solving service fixes):
• Late or missing SOS annual report: fees and possible administrative dissolution; reinstatement is possible within statute timelines but may require additional fees and filing past-due annual reports.
• Unregistered tax accounts or unpaid excise/employer taxes: DOR and ESD can assess interest and penalties; set up payment plans and correct returns.
• Workers’ comp noncompliance: L&I audits can assess back premiums, penalties, and interest; service can assemble payroll records and file corrected reports.
• City license noncompliance: late renewal penalties; failure to cancel a license when closing can lead to ongoing billing — need to file final returns and formally close accounts. Suggested client deliverables and service offerings for a Washington compliance problem-solving service:
• Compliance Intake & Risk Assessment (one-time): entity review, agency account inventory, prioritized remediation plan.
• Formation & Registration Package: SOS filing, registered agent, operating agreement template, EIN application, UBI/business license application.
• Payroll & Employer Setup: ESD, L&I, PFML enrollment; payroll process setup; initial tax withholdings and deposits configuration.
• Tax Filing & Representation: file B&O, sales & use, excise returns and represent clients in DOR/ESD/L&I communications and audits.
• Annual Maintenance: SOS annual reports, local license renewals, checklists and reminders, BOI filing assistance if needed.
• Compliance Fix & Reinstatement: handle SOS reinstatement, tax payment plans, L&I or ESD audit responses, penalty waivers where appropriate.
• Subscription compliance plan: recurring monitoring, dashboard of filing deadlines, and year-round support. Quick contact & resources (primary official links):
• Washington Secretary of State — LLC filing resources and annual reports: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/limited-liability-company-llc-professional-llc-pllc-filing-resource-page
• SOS start domestic LLC and online filing instructions: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/online-filing-instructions/start-domestic-wa-limited-liability-company-llc-online
• SOS start/register business overview and maintain compliance: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/start-or-register-business/start-domestic-wa-business
• WA Dept. of Revenue — B&O tax overview and rates: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/business-occupation-tax
• Employment Security Department — employer requirements and unemployment taxes: https://esd.wa.gov/employer-requirements
• ESD Paid Family & Medical Leave: https://esd.wa.gov/get-financial-help/paid-leave
• L&I insurance resources: https://lni.wa.gov/insurance/
• FinCEN — Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI): https://www.fincen.gov/boi
• Seattle City business licenses and FileLocal info: https://www.seattle.gov/city-finance/business-taxes-and-licenses/business-licenses
• City of Tacoma business licensing: https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/finance/taxes-and-licenses/business-licensing/
• IRS — apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number): https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online