Requirements and fees
The city of Ellensburg 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.
License fee is determined by number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Ellensburg.
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. Minimum number of employees is one.
Origination fee:
| Total number of employees | License fee |
|---|---|
| 1 through 5 | $30 |
| 6 through 12 | $65 |
| 13 through 25 | $120 |
| 26 through 50 | $150 |
| 51 or more | $200 |
Renewal fee:
| Total number of employees | License fee |
|---|---|
| 1 through 5 | $30 |
| 6 through 12 | $65 |
| 13 through 25 | $120 |
| 26 through 50 | $150 |
| 51 or more | $200 |
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
If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Ellensburg Municipal Code 6.54.120. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
Origination fee: $10
Renewal fee: $10
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 full-time equivalent (FTEs) employees.
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. Minimum number of employees is one.
Origination fee:
| Reported gross annual income | License fee |
|---|---|
| $0 through $2,000 | No license required |
| Above $2,000 |
1 through 5 employees - $30 |
Renewal fee:
| Reported gross annual income | License fee |
|---|---|
| $0 through $2,000 | No license required |
| Above $2,000 |
1 through 5 employees - $30 |
Businesses exempt from city licensing
Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.
Apply for a city license
| State tax registration | $0 |
| Registering your business name as a trade name | $5 |
| Business license application fee | Variable |
Online
Need help?
Setting up your business licensing and tax account
How to add a city license endorsement
By mail
Complete the following and mail to:
Business License Application and City Addendum
Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034