Program aims to register 3,000 delinquent businesses
Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 625.6740
Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 12:13 p.m.
In an effort to reduce the number of businesses in delinquent status, the City of Spokane is offering to waive civil infraction penalties for businesses that bring their registrations current by the end of August.
The amnesty period is being offered to bring current approximately 3,000 business registrations that are in delinquent status. The estimated 20,000 businesses operating within the city are required to register annually with the city’s Tax and Licensing Department. Businesses that are not properly registered can be fined up to $536 per day.
“Our goal is to make sure that businesses are not overlooking registration, which is an important step for operating within the City of Spokane,” said Margaret Redd, taxes and licenses specialist for the city.
The first 90 days of the amnesty period will be focused on educating business owners on the importance of registering their business. Warning letters will be issued during the final month of the amnesty period. Previously unlicensed businesses can register without incurring the civil infraction penalty.
Strict enforcement will begin following the completion of this amnesty period. Businesses are also required to obtain a business license through the state.
