Over the past several months, we’ve been writing about the task force on local tax and licensing simplification created by the Legislature in 2016. On December 30, the task force released its final report.
The report details the following recommendations:
- Licensing: The state’s Business Licensing Service (BLS) will be the primary, but not exclusive, entry point for businesses to obtain general business licenses.
- Local business licensing nexus: Cities, with input from business associations, will develop and adopt a mandatory model definition of engaging in business that includes a de minimis standard or occasional sales exemption.
- Allocation and apportionment of service income: A work group of cities with a B&O tax and businesses will be formed to draft changes to the apportionment of service income under RCW 35.102.130.
- Data sharing: The task force recommends the Legislature appropriate funding for an independent feasibility study to be conducted that will evaluate ways to create a more seamless and simplified experience for businesses to apply for a business license between BLS and the city tax and licensing portal, FileLocal.
The task force’s city representatives continue to work with the business representatives on legislation that can be jointly promoted this session.
More information about the task force is available here.