What to expect in your first year
Congratulations! By all means celebrate your new business, but don’t forget your ongoing business obligations: filing reports, paying taxes, and renewing licenses and permits. And be prepared for announced or unannounced inspections by some public health and safety agencies. Use the following lists to keep track of what to expect.
| Topic | Contact | Reports & Payments |
|---|---|---|
| State Unemployment Insurance | Washington State Employment Security Dept. | Quarterly |
| State Workers' Compensation Insurance | Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries | Quarterly |
| State New Hire Reporting Program | Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services | Within 20 days of hire |
| Federal Income Tax, Social Security & Medicare (Form 941) | Internal Revenue Service | Report quarterly with monthly or semi-weekly payments |
| Federal Unemployment (Form 940) | Internal Revenue Service | Report annually with quarterly payments |
| Federal Income Tax (W-2/W-3) | Social Security Administration | Annually |
| Topic | Contact | Reports & Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Spokane Taxes & Licensing | City of Spokane | Agency determination |
| Spokane Co. Property Tax | Spokane County Treasurer | Semiannually |
| Spokane Co. Personal Property Tax | Spokane County Treasurer | Semiannually |
| State B&O Tax | Washington State Dept. of Revenue | Agency determination |
| State Retail Sales Tax | Washington State Dept. of Revenue | Agency determination |
| State Use Tax | Washington State Dept. of Revenue | Agency determination |
| Federal Business Income Taxes | Internal Revenue Service | Agency determination |
Need an overview of state business taxes? Check out the New Business Tax Basics Guide (PDF 1.5 MB).
| Topic | Contact | Reports & Payments | Inspections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporation and Limited Liability Corporations Annual Reports | Business Licensing Service of Washington State | Annually | |
| State and Spokane Business License(s) | Business Licensing Service of Washington State | Annually | |
| Right-of-Way Permits | Development Services Center | Annually | Annually |
| Assembly, Kitchen Hood, Fire Sprinklers, Fire Alarm, Open Flame Use permits | Fire Department | Annually | |
| Health District Food Establishment Permit | Spokane Regional Health District | Annually | Unannounced inspections |
| State Liquor License | Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board | Annually | New license technical support visit; annual inspection; compliance visits at any time |
| L&I Safety and Health | Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries | Possible inspection at any time |
The information in this guide is accurate as of July 2015. Always consult with the appropriate department or agency for current requirements.
Contact the Development Services Center at 509.625.6300 or visit us on the 3rd Floor City Hall, 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd.
