How do I form a sole proprietorship?

In Washington, forming a sole proprietorship is relatively easy and simply requires that the proprietor register with the Washington Secretary of State. The first step is to complete the Business License Application. This one-page form is available online and can be submitted either by mail or in person at the Secretary of State office. The form will ask for basic information like the business name and address. A Washington resident can use a trade name, also known as a DBA (doing business as), to operate under a different name than their own. If a trade name is used, it should be registered with the Secretary of State. Additional permits and licenses may be required depending on the type of business. Next, the business must register with the Department of Revenue to obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. This is necessary for filing taxes. Finally, depending on the type of business, other business registration requirements may be necessary. For instance, if the sole proprietorship is a professional service, such as a doctor or lawyer, then a professional license from the state is required. Overall, forming a sole proprietorship in Washington requires only a few steps. It is important for the business owner to make sure all necessary paperwork is filed with the correct agencies in order to be in compliance with the law. Additionally, ongoing filings like taxes and other reporting requirements should be kept up to date in order to maintain the business’s status.

Related FAQs

What kind of insurance do I need for my business?
How do I prepare articles of incorporation?
How do I hire employees and independent contractors?
How do I select a business insurance provider?
What is a limited liability partnership?
What type of business financing is available?
How do I obtain a trademark or copyright?
What is a limited liability partnership?
What is a corporate social responsibility policy?
What type of business entity should I choose?

How do I form a sole proprietorship?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts