The RVSB Guide to Small Business Compliance

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal or tax advice. We encourage all small business owners to seek legal counsel and tax advice from qualified legal and tax professionals.

Compliance is essential
to your business.

Small business compliance refers to the adherence and conformity of small businesses to various laws, regulations, and industry standards that govern their operations. Compliance is essential for ensuring that businesses operate legally, ethically, and in accordance with the rules set by local, state, and federal authorities. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, fines, reputational damage, and other adverse consequences.

  • Small businesses must comply with laws and regulations relevant to their industry, location, and business activities. These may include business licensing, permits, zoning laws, tax regulations, employment laws, health and safety standards, environmental regulations, and more.

  • Compliance with labor laws is critical for small businesses. This includes adhering to minimum wage laws, overtime regulations, employee classification (hourly vs. salaried), providing required benefits, and ensuring proper working conditions.

  • Small businesses must maintain accurate and transparent financial records, follow accounting principles, and meet tax obligations. Compliance with financial reporting and tax requirements is essential to avoid penalties and audits

  • In an increasingly digital world, small businesses must comply with data protection laws and ensure the security of customer and employee data.

  • Compliance with advertising laws ensures that small businesses promote their products or services ethically and truthfully without misleading customers.

  • Some industries may have specific environmental regulations that businesses must follow to minimize their environmental impact.

  • Certain industries, such as healthcare, finance, and food services, have specific compliance requirements due to the nature of their operations

  • Compliance with accessibility laws ensures that businesses provide equal access to individuals with disabilities, both physically and digitally.

The Basics of Small Business Compliance

Know the Minimum Requirements for All Businesses

Contains all licenses, permits, business entity formations, or other items necessary to operate a business in Seattle, Washington.

Understand Basics of Intellectual Property

Contains an explanation of different types of intellectual properties, including trademarks to copyrights.

Please visit the Business Planning section for more information to help plan and manage business growth and success.

DISCLAIMER: This information focuses solely on the bare minimum compliance needed for a business to legally begin to operate in Seattle, WA. This information does not cover non-profit organizations at all.

Basic steps to opening a small business in Rainier Valley.

  • Secretary of State of Washington (Secretary of State Website): This is the division of the State (the place) where a business owner forms and registers their business with the State of Washington. At this level, the owner will select whether it will operate as a limited liability company, corporation, or non-profit corporation. If the owner elects to operate as a sole proprietor of a partnership, they will not register or file anything with the Secretary of State. Just about any other business should be registered with the State. Note, non-profit corporation applications cannot be filed online. Once the person applies for their business entity, their business will be formed and they will receive a 9-digit UBI number.

  • Call the Internal Revenue Service or go to the Internal Revenue Service IRS website to apply for an Employee Identification Number. This is done through a form SS-4. Once you receive this, an owner can pay federal taxes and make expenses.

  • Department of Revenue License (DOR Website): The business owner will apply for their business license. By using the UBI number assigned by the Secretary of State when forming the business entity, new owners can use this number as well for the DOR. The DOR will simply add to it when the owner applies. Once complete, the State will issue a Business License. Owner must pay monthly taxes. Taxes must be paid online. TIP: Use the business license wizard to determine what other licenses you may need for your specific business such as a barber’s license or plumber’s license. You can access it Here.

  • (Other licenses and permits)

    Based upon the business, specific licenses may be needed for each business. For example, a barber will need a barber’s license issued by the State, food workers need health cards, etc. Use the business license wizard to determine what other licenses you may need. WARNING: the Business Licensing Wizard will determine what license you need. You can access it Here.

  • Go to the City where you operate your business to determine if you need a city business license. For example, all businesses in Seattle must have a Seattle Business License in addition to the State DOR business license. You can apply for this license at the City of Seattle website: Here. Apply for the license and this will complete the 16 digit UBI number. Owner pays monthly taxes online only.

  • Once you complete the above steps, one should probably investigate and secure liability insurance for the business at a minimum. This can be done through internet research or the phone book.

    You can now operate your business!

Intellectual property matters for your small businesses.

Intellectual property covers the intangible assets that set a company apart. These can include innovations, branding elements, creative works, or trade secrets. Safeguarding these assets is crucial. Creating a solid IP strategy involves identifying what can be protected, like trademarks, patents, copyrights, or trade secrets. This not only shields your creations from unauthorized use but also gives you the exclusive rights to profit from them. In today's dynamic business landscape, it's important to assess potential infringement risks and take preemptive steps to avoid legal conflicts. A thoughtful approach to intellectual property can secure your business's innovations and provide a strong foundation for growth and achievement.

  1. Trademarks with the USPTO. Trademarks literally permit a trademark owner to pull symbols or words out of the public domain of free speech in order to literally own the symbol, words, or mark. Once you register this with the USPTO and it is approved, no other person or business can use your trademark without your permission or you can sue for damages.

  2. Copyrights with the USPTO. Same as above, but copyright only applies to printed documents.

  3. Patents with the USPTO. Same as paragraph 1, but patents only apply to inventions.

  4. Website development

  5. SEO and social media