Yakima | Washington Department of Revenue

Requirements and fees

General business license

Variable

The city of Yakima requires a license for all businesses located within city limits, or conducting business within city limits. If you are not sure if you will do business within the city limits, contact the city directly before you apply.

If you will have more than one business located on a single property, you must complete a separate application for each business.

DYBID Fees
Businesses located in the downtown area may be subject to Downtown Yakima Business Improvement District (DYBID) annual fees. These fees are in addition to the applicable license fee below and will be billed after your license has been issued. If you have any questions about DYBID or whether your business may be located within that district, please contact the city directly.

License fee is determined by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Yakima.

Method for calculating FTEs
Total hours worked in the year by all employees, both full and part time, divided by 1,600 hours, equals number of FTEs. This includes self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours. The minimum number of FTEs is one.

Note: Sole Proprietors with no employees and have a gross income of less than $12,000 annually have a $0 license fee.

Origination fee:

Full-time equivalent (FTE) employee fee calculation

Total number of employees	License fee
1 through 2	$42.90
3 through 5	$85.80
6 through 9	$150.00
10 through 14	$214.20
15 through 20	$321.15
21through 30	$428.40
31 through 45	$642.60
46 through 60	$856.80
61 through 80	$1071.00
81 or more	$1285.20

Renewal fee:

Total number of employees	License fee
1 through 2	$42.90
3 through 5	$85.80
6 through 9	$150.00
10 through 14	$214.20
15 through 20	$321.15
21through 30	$428.40
31 through 45	$642.60
46 through 60	$856.80
61 through 80	$1071.00
81 or more	$1285.20

Nonprofit businesses

If you are a nonprofit business, you may be exempt from city fees. To qualify you must submit a copy of your business’ IRS 501(c) certificate with your application.

Origination fee: $0

Renewal fee: $0

Home businesses

Variable

If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Yakima Municipal Code 15.04.120. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.

License fee is determine by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Yakima.

Note: Sole Proprietors with no employees and have a gross income of less than $12,000 annually have a $0 license fee.

License fee is determine by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Yakima. Only immediate family members residing at the dwelling count as employees.

Origination fee:

Total number of employees	License fee
1 through 2	$42.90
3 through 5	$85.80

Renewal fee:

Total number of employees	License fee
1 through 2	$42.90
3 through 5	$85.80

Non-resident businesses

Variable

If your business is physically located outside city limits, but conducts business within city limits, your license fee is determined by gross annual income earned within this city’s limits and number of employees (FTEs).

Origination fee:

Reported gross annual income	License fee
$0 through $12,000	$0
Above $12,000	1 through 2 employees - $42.90 3 through 5 employees - $85.80 6 through 9 employees - $150.00 10 through 14 employees - $214.20 15 through 20 employees - $321.15 21 through 30 employees - $428.40 31 through 45 employees – $642.60 46 through 60 employees - $856.80 61 through 80 employees - $1071.00 81 or more employees - $1285.20

Renewal fee:

Reported gross annual income	License fee
$0 through $12,000	$0
Above $12,000	1 through 2 employees - $42.90 3 through 5 employees - $85.80 6 through 9 employees - $150.00 10 through 14 employees - $214.20 15 through 20 employees - $321.15 21 through 30 employees - $428.40 31 through 45 employees – $642.60 46 through 60 employees - $856.80 61 through 80 employees - $1071.00 81 or more employees - $1285.20

Additional city fees

Downtown Yakima Business Improvement District (DYBID) Fees

Businesses located in the downtown area may be subject to Downtown Yakima Business Improvement District (DYBID) annual fees. These fees are in addition to the applicable license fee above and will be billed after your license has been issued. Property owners within the DYBID will also be assessed a fee based on the property assessment of the parcel. If you have any questions about DYBID or whether your business may be located within that district, please contact the city directly.

North Front Street Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Fees

Special assessments are levied against all businesses within the PBIA to provide funds necessary for maintenance and security of the area, maintenance of parking facilities, decorations, promotion of public events, etc. If you have questions about the PBIA or whether your business may be located within that area, please contact the city directly.

Annual Fire & Life Safety Inspections

Fees related to regular fire and life safety inspections performed by the Yakima Fire Department may be charged. Contact the city directly for any questions.

Businesses exempt from city licensing

Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.

Average approval time

City approval time not available. Contact the city directly for more information.