Washington State Government Resources
- Small Business Guide - Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA)Includes information on opening, running, and growing a small business in Washington State. Includes a very helpful breakdown of the various business structures in WA.
- StartUp Washington - The Business Startup PlaybookOutlines all of the steps needed to start a business in Washington State
- Washington State Small Business GuidanceWashington Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) was formalized and expanded by Executive Order 12-01. The SBLT includes 27 agencies participating in subgroups that focus on outreach programs, soliciting ideas for regulatory improvement and development new business tools. Includes a road map for opening a business, business license services, and other corporate and business needs.
- WA Department of Revenue - Open A Business GuidanceIncludes a business license wizard as well information about licensing and taxes. Also provides guidance on using the online Business Licensing Service.
- Washington Secretary of State - CorporationsProvides information on how to start, manage, or close a business. Includes information on nonprofits and charities.
- Washington State Department of Labor & IndustriesReview this site for guidance on how to obtain workers comp coverage to employees, if required.
Treatises & Form Books
Washington Practice Series - Business Law by Publication Date: 2007 (updated regularly)Also available on Westlaw (UW Law restricted)- Washington Business Entities: Laws and Forms by Publication Date: 2005 (updated regularly)Includes information and forms related to many business topics, including formation and tax considerations. Also available on Lexis (UW Law restricted)
- Washington Business Corporation Act (RCW 23B) sourcebook by Publication Date: 2016Also available on Lexis (UW Law restricted).
- Washington Partnership and Limited Liability Company Deskbook by Publication Date: 20103rd edition (2020) also available on Lexis (UW Law restricted).
- Washington, Oregon and Alaska Limited Liability Company Forms and Practice Manual by Publication Date: 2000Loose-leaf treatise currently updated.
Resources on Commercial Databases
- Bloomberg Law - Washington State Corporate FormsIncludes forms and instructions from the Washington Secretary of State on a variety of business topics including things like articles of incorporation or trademark registration.
- Lexis Practical Guidance - WashingtonYou can search Lexis' collection of practice notes, forms and checklists to find practical information on business formation and related topics.
- Westlaw Practical Guidance - Washington Corporate and M&AIncludes practice notes, checklists, Q&A and more on topics like forming an LLC or corporation, sales and use taxes as well as standard document templates.