Our Cultural and Economic Development Team is available to welcome and assist local and global businesses and art organizations – from one-person startups, artists, restaurants and other small businesses to Fortune 50 corporations. Our team works to provide proactive and personalized support and navigation of available resources to meet your unique business needs.
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Guide to Navigating Permits and Regulations for Starting a Business in Bellevue
- 1. Determine Your Business Entity:
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Before you begin, decide on the type of legal entity for your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, corporation, LLC). Seek advice from a tax professional or business planner if you're unsure.
- 2. Start at the State Level:
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Begin by visiting the Washington Secretary of State. Depending on your business entity, you may need to apply for a unified business identifier (UBI) number.
- 3. Register for State Business License:
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After obtaining the UBI number, register your business for tax purposes with the state Department of Revenue. This step ensures that you're compliant with the state's tax regulations.
- 4. Proceed to Local Licensing:
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Once you've completed the state-level requirements, you can start the local licensing process in Bellevue.
- 5. Utilize File Local
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To streamline the local licensing process, consider using the File Local. This platform allows you to apply for a Bellevue business license and licenses for several other Washington cities within the same website.
Note that the City of Bellevue does not require a renewal process for local business licenses. In an effort to make things simpler for small businesses, the licensing fee is one-time only and the license remains active as long as the business is in operation.
- 6. Determine Tax Classification:
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Understand how your business will be classified for tax purposes. Depending on your business type (retail, service, wholesale), you may align closely with thestate Department of Revenue's tax codes. Bellevue's tax office follows similar guidelines.
- 7. Small Business Tax Threshold:
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If you are a small business, it's important to note that in Bellevue, you won't owe any taxes until your annual revenue exceeds a specific threshold. As of 2023, this threshold is $195,000 per year. The threshold may change annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
Note that if you maintain commercial space in Bellevue (offices, retail space, etc.) a Square Footage Tax may be assessed on the space. As described above, your business is exempt from this tax until you exceed the revenue threshold for taxes.
- 8. Keep Updated:
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Check the Bellevue tax forms page, and especially the tax return for the current year to find information about the annual threshold and other relevant tax details. This information is usually found on line nine of the tax return.
- 9. Contact for Assistance:
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If you have any questions or need assistance with navigating the process, consider these contact options:
- Visit Bellevue tax forms for resources and information.
- Call the dedicated phone line for assistance. The tax office is available during regular business hours.
- Utilize the provided email address for specific questions. Responses are typically provided within 24 hours, often on the same day.
- 10. Research and Additional Resources:
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As a business owner, you may encounter unique elements of the tax system based on your specific business type. The Washington State Department of Revenue offers a resource where you can find information about your specific business classification and contacts for assistance.
- 11. City, County, and State Licenses:
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Be aware that depending on your business type and operations, you may need to deal with multiple levels of government (city, county, state). Understand the requirements at each level and ensure compliance.
- 12. Embrace Small Business Friendliness:
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Bellevue aims to support small businesses, and they have set a reasonable revenue threshold before businesses owe taxes. Leverage this to focus on growing your business without immediate tax obligations.
Apply for a Bellevue Business License
To conduct business in Bellevue, businesses must register with the city to obtain a Bellevue business license if they meet certain criteria. Learn more and connect with the tax team questions on a license.
Apply for a Permit
Looking to get a permit for your business? Visit our permits page which has details and guides to get started.
Doing Business with the City
The city contracts with a wide range of businesses for goods and services. People and organizations planning large events may need to apply for a special event permit from the city.
Connect with Us
Don't know where to start? Send us an email and we will connect you to the most appropriate support.
Site Planning and Development Assistance
Our team can assist with site selection, commute planning, business development introductions, right of way questions and more. Connect with us!
Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Resources
Bellevue is home to many small businesses, with 97% of firms employing 100 or fewer workers. A healthy and vibrant economy in Bellevue depends on the success of startups and small businesses. Bellevue is committed to providing the resources that your business needs to start, grow and thrive on the Eastside. Explore some of the available resources below and reach out for assistance in discovering the best tools for your unique business needs.
Evergreen BizLink
Evergreen BizLink (from the Washington State Microenterprise Association) is a supportive platform that connects entrepreneurs to a network of Washington state resource partners to foster innovation, growth and prosperity.
OneEastside SPARK
OneEastside SPARK provides recovery assistance and resiliency building programs and tools to address key areas of need amongst small businesses and nonprofits in East King County.
Small Business Development Center Advisor
Bellevue businesses have access to a small business development advisor who provides no-cost, one-on-one, confidential advising to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow or buy/sell their businesses.
Small Business Administration Learning Platform
SBA's online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way. Including resource for women businesses owners, returning military entrepreneurs, and C-level leadership growth programs.
Startup 425 Training and Resources
Startup 425 is a collaborative effort to expand entrepreneurship opportunities across Eastside communities. Programming provides access to tools entrepreneurs across industries need to go from idea to successful operating business. No-cost Foundations programming lowers the barriers to entry for non-traditional and first-time founders.
King County Library Business Resources
Find free market research tools and tips in this list of library and community resources curated by a KCLS librarian. These resources are for both startup businesses and businesses looking to grow. Market research can help you determine if there is a need or demand for your business. Resources also can help you learn more about your target audience, identify your competition and where to locate your business.
Accelerators & Incubators
- 5G Open Innovation Lab
- Located in Bellevue is a global ecosystem of developers, start-ups, enterprises, academia and government institutions working together with startups to fuel the development of new 5G capabilities.
- Startup425 Accelerator
- The Startup425 Accelerator is a 15-week educational program designed to help new entrepreneurs rapidly develop their business idea and launch a company while learning essential business skills.
- Greater Seattle Export Accelerator
- The Greater Seattle Export Accelerator, or GSEA, collaborates with community, state, and federal trade organizations to provide advanced export training, export advising, and access to international markets.
Venture Capital
- New Tech Northwest
- New Tech Northwest has an list of financing option for businesses on the Eastside.
- SBIC through SBA
- Connect to an investor for your business through a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Regional Resources
- King County REACH (Retention, Expansion, and Collaboration Hub)
- The King County REACH program offers assessments, connects businesses to information and resources, and acts as a matchmaker for businesses within King County. Bellevue Businesses have access to SizeUp, a business intelligence tool with the data needed to find potential customers, and marketing investments.
- King County Library System
- At every stage of your business the King County Library System can connect you to the people and information you need.
- Greater Seattle SCORE
- Whether you’re just starting out in business or ready to sell or retire, you can get no-cost, confidential, business advice from expert advisors committed to helping you succeed. Find a Mentor.
- Startup Washington
- The State of Washington has a wealth of resources and tools to help small business and entrepreneurs thrive.
Green Business Resources
- Green Business Resources
- Bellevue offers several programs for businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, including services to help you improve recycling at your workplace and by helping employees find commute-trip options.
Digital Capacity Resources
- Small Business Digital Alliance
- The US Small Business Administration recently set up an online portal to provide small businesses with access to free digital tools to expand their e-commerce footprint. Verizon is participating in this program and working with City and Community advocates to increase awareness of these resources for small businesses.
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
- This is a free online program designed to give small businesses more tools to succeed in today’s digital world. Developed in partnership with small business owners who are succeeding in the digital economy, the program provides resources, networking and coaching which are tailored to the specific needs of small businesses.
Connect with Business Assistance Navigation
The City of Bellevue offers a variety of services and supports to help you develop your business! You can explore business education, advising, resources, and much more.
Please fill out this form as best you can if you are interested in meeting with the business navigator. This will provide some useful background information to better assist you.