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Public records

Proclamation 20-28.15 related to RCW 42.56.520(1) is extended until the termination of the state of emergency under RCW 43.06.210 or until rescinded, with the understanding that the waiver/suspension will not apply to five-day response requirements under the statute for public records requests received by an agency electronically.

The Department of Revenue is subject to the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW. Many public records are available on the Revenue Website at the following links:

For information on Go to
A specific business Business lookup
Business licenses and endorsements Business lookup
Open data on tax collections, forecasts, statistics, reports, and studies Get statistics and reports
Tax incentives and preferences: surveys and reports Public disclosure reports
Unclaimed property ClaimYourCash.org
Revenue forms and publications Get a form or publication
Rule-making process, advisories, decisions and opinions Public records index-rule making and final opinions
Online tax research tool including DOR and state laws, rules and tax documents Taxpedia
Other public records Public records index


Releasing confidential customer information

Much of the information collected and held by the Department of Revenue for its customers is confidential and exempt from the Public Records Act. Various laws restrict access to taxpayer and business information and exempt these records from the Public Records Act, including:

RCW 82.32.330: Taxpayer Information

RCW 19.02.115: Licensing Information

RCW 84.08.210: Property Tax Information

RCW 63.29.380: Unclaimed Property

Public information is available on the Revenue website, related to the sites above. To obtain confidential information about a specific taxpayer or business, use the following forms:

  • Taxpayer information: Confidential Tax Information Authorization
  • Licensing information: Confidential Licensing Information Authorization


Other public records forms

The law prohibits the Department of Revenue from releasing lists of individuals or taxpayers to requestors if the request is made for a commercial purpose. You must submit the following form and describe the purpose of your request:

Lists of licenses, individuals, and/or taxpayers: Declaration of Non-Commercial Purpose​


To submit a public records request

Note: The Department of Revenue does not have documents regarding complaints against businesses violating Washington state’s COVID19 restrictions. You can find them by submitting a public records request to the Department of Military. 

You may make a Public Records Request for available Department of Revenue records by using one of the following options:

  • Use this online form if you do not have to include any attachments. If you have attachments, please use another method. 
  • Email your request to: DORPublicRecords@dor.wa.gov
  • Send a fax to 360-534-1606
  • Mail a request to:

Public Records, Information Governance Office
Department of Revenue
PO Box 47456
Olympia, WA 98504-7456

(Common attachments include the Confidential Tax Information Authorization (CTIA), Confidential Licensing Information Authorization (CLIA), and the Declaration for Non-Commercial Purpose.)

In your request, please identify and describe in detail the records you are requesting. Please include the subject matter, date range, types of records requested and appropriate divisions or programs. Failure to provide sufficient information to locate the records you request may cause delay.


Charges for copies

The Department of Revenue may charge for copies of public records. We may also charge an additional cost for compiling customized lists and data. Please see the statement of costs for more information.


For more information about public records requests

  • Washington's Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW)
  • DOR Rules governing access to public information (WAC 458-276)
  • Office of the Attorney General Open Government website
  • Contact the Department of Revenue Information Governance Office (phone 360-704-5741)
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