How to Start a Business in Spokane, Washington

Starting a New Spokane Business

Every entrepreneur dreams of the day he starts his own business and Washington is home to some of the greatest companies in the world, including Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks. Spokane offers a thriving business economy as well and starting a new Spokane business is easier than you might think. With a few quick forms and a small investment in filing fees, start a new business in Spokane in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• $180 filing fee
• $50 expedited online filing fee (optional)
• City of Spokane filing fee (varies)

Instructions

1. Choose a name for the new business that's unique and memorable--the goal should be to help potential customers instantly understand what the business does in a way that they'll remember when services are needed. Choose several names that would be fitting for the business, so that there are additional options to choose from should the first choice be unavailable.

2. Search the Washington Secretary of State's Office corporate records to ensure the name chosen for the new business is available. If the exact name or a name that may be easily confused with your chosen business name is already in use, you will not be able to register the name chosen. Be sure when choosing the final name that no other company can claim to make use of the name.

3. Visit the Internal Revenue Service website to request an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the business. All businesses--except for sole proprietorships operating under your own name--are required to have an EIN for legal and tax purposes, even if not anticipating hiring any employees. Print the confirmation of the EIN number at the end of the request process for records.

4. Apply to register the new business with the Washington Secretary of State's Office online (see Resources). If you don't want to pay the expedited fee of $50 effective August 1, 2010 for registering online, you may also download the appropriate forms to submit the registration by mail.

5. Complete the new business filing forms and attach any additional supplements to the forms individual circumstances may require. Once ensured that the forms are complete and correct, make a copy of them for your records along with a copy of a check for the $180.00 filing fee as of June 2010 made out to the Washington Secretary of State and return the forms to the address listed on them.

6. Download the city of Spokane's "Business License Application and Renewal" packet and complete the forms. Once completed, return the forms to the address indicated on the forms, along with the filing fee indicated for the business type. As always, make a copy of all forms and payments for records prior to mailing in the forms.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Do You Need an EIN?
• Washington Secretary of State: Fee Schedule
• City of Spokane: Starting A Business

Resources

• Washington Secretary of State Website: Corporate Name Search
• Internal Revenue Service: EIN Request Form
• Washington Secretary of State: Online Application Forms
• Washington Secretary of State: Registration Forms
• Spokane Business License Application and Renewal Packet