Online store licenses
in Seattle, Washington
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
This online store operates from a home in Seattle, Washington, selling tangible goods without a commercial storefront or employees. The guide covers state and city regulations, home-business rules, and King County personal-property reporting to review against the actual business assets and applicable county criteria.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
- Federal
- Federal Government
- State
- Washington State
- County
- King County
- City
- Seattle
Details to confirm before you apply
- What specific products will the online store sell?
- Will the business ever hire employees, triggering additional requirements?
- Is there a minimum asset value for personal property tax reporting in King County?
- What is the exact fee for the Seattle Business License Tax Certificate?
- Are there any additional local regulations or restrictions from the homeowner's association (HOA)?
- Will the business sell any used goods that would require a used goods dealer registration?
The main licenses and permits
6 of 9- 01Washington State Business License (UBI registration)Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service · Washington
DOR requires registration for any business that sells a product requiring sales tax collection — squarely this online store — and assigns the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) used for all state tax filings.
RequiredAnnual — renewal processing fee $5 plus applicable endorsement fees; renewals due by the expiration date; late renewals incur a penalty of half the endorsement fee or up to $150 - 02Retail sales tax registration and collectionWashington Department of Revenue · Washington
The store sells tangible personal property to end users in Washington, which is taxable retail sales; DOR requires tax registration for any business selling products requiring sales tax collection.
RequiredAccount remains active with the annual business license renewal; excise tax returns filed on DOR's assigned schedule - 03Seattle Business License Tax Certificate (General Business License)Seattle Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) · Seattle
The business operates from a home in Seattle and sells retail goods; Seattle requires every business doing business in the city — including home-based and online-only businesses that originate from Seattle — to hold and annually renew a business license tax certificate.
RequiredAnnual; all certificates expire December 31 and must be renewed by then - 04Home Occupation Rules (SMC 23.42.050 / Director's Rule 8-87)Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) · Seattle
The business operates from a Seattle home, so it must comply with Seattle's home occupation standards.
RequiredNot applicable - 05Employer Identification Number (EIN)Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Federal
The IRS states that businesses generally need an EIN to pay sales and excise taxes, and the Washington tax registration and business banking for this online store will be built around it.
RequiredOne-time; no renewal - 06Seattle Business License Tax (B&O / gross receipts tax) ReturnSeattle Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) · Seattle
Seattle imposes its own gross receipts (B&O) tax on businesses doing business in the city, separate from the Washington State B&O tax; even businesses below the tax threshold must file an annual return reporting gross revenue.
RequiredAnnual for assigned filers (due April 30); quarterly for filers assigned quarterly status
This example includes 3 other potential requirements. A report based on your business explains which apply, how to file, published fees and timing, and what to complete first.
Make the checklist yours
Your location, activities, and business structure can change the list. Get a free preview for your business, then decide whether to unlock the full report for $49.
Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should an online store in Seattle check?
Our research identifies Seattle Business License Tax Certificate (General Business License), issued by Seattle Finance and Administrative Services (FAS), as required. The business operates from a home in Seattle and sells retail goods; Seattle requires every business doing business in the city — including home-based and online-only businesses that originate from Seattle — to hold and annually renew a business license tax certificate. Check the other city permits in this guide and confirm the requirements for your premises and activities.
How much do licenses and permits cost for an online store in Seattle?
Most fees vary by item; see report. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)), then Business entity registration — Certificate of Formation (LLC) (if applicable) (Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division), then Washington State Business License (UBI registration) (Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 2, 2026 for a typical online store. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.