Business Licenses and Permits

In order to help fill a $21.6 million budget gap the City of Lynnwood, Washington is considering raising its business license tax fees. According to The Everett Herald, the business license increase along with property and utility tax increases would raise $7.5 million for the city. If the city does not increase fees there would have to be dramatic cuts in services including firefighters and police officers.

The proposed business license fee change would increase the fee per employee from $15 to $85.  The city Chamber of Commerce is concerned about such a steep increase, especially with the impact it may have on small businesses.  While many cities look to fee increases to help fill budget gaps, in this case such a dramatic increase per employee may have a negative impact on local businesses.

Amy Lee, Business License Research Analyst, Corporation Service Company

Tags: business license, Washington