Small Business Guide for Washington state (2024)

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Plan your business

Are you considering starting a business? Starting a business is a big decision.If you’ve never owned a business before, you may be unaware of all the things you need to do to get your business going. Careful planning and research will improve your chances of success.

• Business training

  You don’t need a degree in business to start one, but knowledge is power. Taking classes and attending workshops are excellent ways to gain the knowledge you will need to be successful.

• Business planning

  Writing a comprehensive business plan is the first step in starting a business. Your business plan will guide you as you make your business a reality, and it will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Start your business

On the path to getting your business started, there are number of issues to consider, for example:

• Buying a business?
• Business structure
• Business name
• Get registered
• Business location
• Federal tax number
• Licenses and permits
• Setting up operations
• Hiring employees
• Opening doors
• Assistance

Payroll for your business

"Payroll" means payments to employees, where those payments are required to be reported to state and federal agencies, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, Washington Employment Security Department, and Washington Department of Labor & Industries.

• Do I need a payroll?
• What do I need to have in place before issuing pay checks?
• Can I handle payroll myself, or do I need a professional?
• What else do I need to know about paying employees?
• What payroll reporting and tax responsibilities do employers have?
• How can I estimate payroll costs?
• What payroll records do I need to create and keep?
• What other responsibilities do I have as an employer?
• What payroll records do I need to create to give my employees?

Run your business

When your business is up and running, there are certain things you need to do to meet regulatory and tax requirements. These activities vary based on your business activity, the business size, and whether or not you have employees.

• Federal Business Income Taxes
• State Employment Taxes
• State Business Taxes
• Annual Report, License and Permit Renewals
• Local Business Taxes
• Regulatory Compliance
• Federal Employment Taxes
• Prepare for the Unexpected

Grow your business

Do you want to expand your business? Expanding a business can require many different things, including money, employees, new locations, and new markets.

• Money
• Employees
• New Locations
• New Markets
• Regulatory Compliance

Close your business

People close their businesses for many reasons. Sometimes it’s because the business hasn’t gone in a direction they had hoped and they’re not happy with the result, sometimes it’s because the owner is ready for something new, sometimes it’s due to time or money considerations, and sometimes it’s due to death. Regardless of the reasons, choosing to close a business is a significant decision.

• Seek Legal Advice
• Notify Regulatory Agencies
• Notify Other Interested Parties
• Closure Of Business Due To Death
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