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Starting October 1: Some business services are now subject to retail sales tax, as required by state law, ESSB 5814. When you buy these services, vendors should add sales tax to your bill. If you sell these services, you should begin collecting retail sales tax. Learn more about Services newly subject to retail sales tax.
Fife city endorsement
Requirements and fees
General business license
Variable
The city of Fife 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.
License fee is determined by number of employees who work within the city limits of Fife or the number of rental units.
Method for calculatingFTEs
- If you have reported employment to the State Employment Security Department, use the employee count from your most recent Unemployment Compensation Quarterly Report. A copy of the report may be required by the city of Fife for verification.
- If you have not reported employment, estimate the maximum number of employees to be employed, this includes the owner(s), at any one time at this location during the next 12 months. Convert part-time personnel to full-time equivalents by adding total weekly hours worked; divide by 40, round up fractions.
Origination fee:
| Total number of employees | License fee |
|---|---|
| 0 through 2 | $52.30 |
| 3 through 5 | $104.60 |
| 6 through 12 | $209.20 |
| 13 through 25 | $313.80 |
| 26 through 50 | $523.00 |
| 51 or more | $784.50 |
Renewal fee:
| Total number of employees | License fee |
|---|---|
| 0 through 2 | $52.30 |
| 3 through 5 | $104.60 |
| 6 through 12 | $209.20 |
| 13 through 25 | $313.80 |
| 26 through 50 | $523.00 |
| 51 or more | $784.50 |
Rental unit determination
Landlords that offer four or more residential rental units in the city limits are considered rental property businesses, regardless if vacant. When a landlord registers for a business license only the rental business office location is required to be licensed. The number of rental units is counted city-wide.
Qualified rental units include:
- Apartments
- Houses
- Mobile homes
Examples of rentals that do not qualify are:
- Hotels/motels
- Short term rentals
- Storage units
Origination fee:
| Total number of rental units | License fee |
|---|---|
| 0 through 3 | See employee table above |
| 4 or more | $52.30 |
Renewal fee:
| Total number of rental units | License fee |
|---|---|
| 0 through 3 | See employee table above |
| 4 or more | $52.30 |
Nonprofit businesses
$0
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)3 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 Fife Municipal Code 19.68.050. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
License fee is determined by number of employees who work within the city limits of Fife or the number of rental units.
Method for calculating FTEs:
- If you have reported employment to the State Employment Security Department, use the employee count from your most recent Unemployment Compensation Quarterly Report. A copy of the report may be required by the City of Fife for verification.
- If you have not reported employment, estimate the maximum number of employees to be employed, this includes the owner(s), at any one time at this location during the next 12 months. Convert part-time personnel to full-time equivalents by adding total weekly hours worked; divide by 40, round up fractions.
Origination fee:
|
Total number of employees |
License fee |
|
0 through 2 |
$52.30 |
|
3 through 5 |
$104.60 |
|
6 through 12 |
$209.20 |
|
13 through 25 |
$313.80 |
|
26 through 50 |
$523.00 |
|
51 or more |
$784.50 |
Renewal fee:
|
Total Number of Employees |
License Fee |
|
0 through 2 |
$52.30 |
|
3 through 5 |
$104.60 |
|
6 through 12 |
$209.20 |
|
13 through 25 |
$313.80 |
|
26 through 50 |
$523.00 |
|
51 or more |
$784.50 |
Rental unit determination:
Landlords that offer four or more residential rental units in the city limits are considered rental property businesses, regardless if vacant. When a landlord registers for a business license only the rental business office location is required to be licensed. The number of rental units is counted city-wide.
- Qualified rental units include:
- Apartments.
- Houses.
- Mobile homes.
- Examples of rentals that do NOT qualify are:
- Hotels/motels.
- Short term rentals.
- Storage units.
Origination fee:
Rental fee calculation
|
Total number of rental units |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
0 through 3 |
See employee table above |
|
4 or more |
$52.30 |
Renewal fee:
Rental fee calculation
|
Total number of rental units |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
0 through 3 |
See employee table above |
|
4 or more |
$52.30 |
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:
Origination fee:
| Reported gross annual income | License fee |
|---|---|
| $0 through $2,000 | No license required |
| Above $2,000 | $52.30 |
Renewal fee:
| Reported gross annual income | License fee |
|---|---|
| $0 through $2,000 | No license required |
| Above $2,000 | $52.30 |
Businesses exempt from city licensing
Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.
Average approval time
Average approval time from date a completed application is received: 10-15 business days.
