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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.
Kirkland city endorsement
Requirements and fees
General business license
Variable
The city of Kirkland 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.
For more information on short-term and long-term rentals, see Kirkland Municipal Code 7.02 or contact the city directly.
License fee is determined by gross income and number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Kirkland.
Method for calculating FTEs
- Add all employee hours worked in each of prior completed calendar year (as reported to L&I).
- Divide total annual hours by 1,920.
Round fractions to nearest whole number. - The minimum number of FTEs is one.
This includes self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours.
Origination fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $20,000 |
$0 |
|
Above $20,000 + 1 or more employee(s) |
$100 + 130 per employee |
Renewal fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $20,000 |
$0 |
|
Above $20,000 + 1 or more employee(s) |
$100 + 130 per employee |
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 Kirkland Zoning Code 115.65.2. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
License fee is determined by gross income and number of employees (FTEs) who work within the city limits of Kirkland.
Method for calculating FTEs
- Add all employee hours worked in each of prior completed calendar year (as reported to L&I).
- Divide total annual hours by 1,920.
Round fractions to nearest whole number. - The minimum number of FTEs is one.
This includes self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours.
Origination fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $20,000 |
$0 |
|
Above $20,000 + 1 or more employee(s) |
$100 + 130 per employee |
Renewal fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $20,000 |
$0 |
|
Above $20,000 + 1 or more employee(s) |
$100 + 130 per employee |
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).
Method for calculating FTEs:
- Add all employee hours worked in each of prior completed calendar year (as reported to L&I).
- Divide total annual hours by 1,920.
Round fractions to nearest whole number. - The minimum number of FTEs is one.
This includes self-employed persons, sole proprietors, owners, managers, and partners. New businesses must estimate the first year’s employee hours.
Origination fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $2,000 |
$0 |
|
Above $2,000 through $20,000 |
$50 |
|
Above $20,000 + 1 or more employee(s) |
$100 + 130 per employee |
Renewal fee:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|---|---|
|
$0 through $2,000 |
$0 |
|
Above $2,000 through $20,000 |
$50 |
|
Above $20,000 + 1 or more employee(s) |
$100 + 130 per employee |
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.
