Are you just opening the doors to your practice?  Here is some important information you must know before you get started.  The links listed are specific to businesses in the Seattle area.

Choose a Business Name

• Here's a hint:  Choose a name that starts with an "A" so you'll be listed at the top of every directory.
• To determine if your business name is available, click here:  http://www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/search.aspx and http://dor.wa.gov/content/doingbusiness/registermybusiness/brd/
• Before committing to that name, check if the domain name for your future website is also available to match your business name:  http://www.register.com/
• Make sure your domain name is easy to spell and easy to remember.

Create a Business Structure

• Sole Proprietorship
• Limited Liability Company
• General Partnership
• C Corporation
• S Corporation
• If your business is a sole proprietor or general partnership, you can just fill out the Master Business Application (see below).
• For more information on the types of business structures and the application, click here:  http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/ownershipstructure.html

Complete a Master Business License

• This license allows you to operate your business, register your business name, and apply for your Unified Business Identifier (UBI).
• The UBI is also referred to as a tax registration number, a business registration number, and a business license number.
• Click here to access the Washington State Department of Licensing:  http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/700028.html

Get a City Business License

• For the city of Seattle, click here:  http://www.seattle.gov/rca/licenses/licmain.htm

Get Your Professional Licensing

• Click here to access Washington State Department of Health:  http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/licensing.htm

Open up a Business Bank Account

• For accounting purposes, keep your business and personal finances separate.
• You will need to have your business license and tax ID available in order to open your account.