Business Licensing

The City of Tukwila uses the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) for its city business license applications. Please go to dor.wa.gov/tukwila to apply for a City of Tukwila business license. Once your application has been approved, the city license will show as an endorsement on your Washington State business license.

The city’s business license requirements are set forth in Chapter 5 of the Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC).

Who Needs to Obtain a City of Tukwila Business License?

Any person who maintains a physical place of business within Tukwila city limits, including home residence businesses, needs to obtain a city business license. A license is also required from any other person engaging in business in Tukwila with gross revenue in the city exceeding $2,000 per year. A list of activities that are considered engaging in business is provided in TMC 5.04.010.

To verify whether an address is within Tukwila city limits, you can use our Tukwila iMap at tukwilawa.gov/city-maps or DOR’s Sales Tax Rate Lookup tool at dor.wa.gov.

How Much is the Annual Business License Fee?

• For businesses with a physical location within city limits, the fee is $56 per part-time employee and $112 per full-time employee, with a minimum fee of $56.
• The fee for nonresident businesses is $100.
• Business licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
• Certain entities, such as non-profit businesses with a 501(c)(3) certification, must obtain a business license but are not required to pay a business license fee. See TMC 5.04.090.
• Additional business license fees apply to cabaret establishments, amusement centers, and businesses operating amusement devices.

Questions?

For additional information, refer to our Business Licensing Frequently Asked Questions or go to dor.wa.gov/tukwila.

If you still have questions and need assistance, please email licensing@tukwilawa.gov or call 206-433-1835.