Why incorporate in Washington?

Business Information & Rankings

• Washington ranked as the 13th best state with a business-friendly tax system by The Tax Foundation. (2006)
• Washington ranked 6th on the TechNet State Broadband Index (2005)

Cost of living

Crime Rate

Washington has the 48th lowest overall crime ranking in the U.S. (FBI, 2004)

Fees & Taxes

Business Inventory Tax
Exempt.

Corporate Income Tax
Washington’s corporate tax structure consists of no corporate income tax. However, the state does impose a gross receipts tax composed of 20 separate rates ranging from 0.011% to 5.029% depending on the type of business activity.

Personal Income Tax
Washington levies no state personal income taxes, joining Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming as the only other states to do so.

Personal Property Tax
Property tax is collected on both a state and local level. State law requires assessors to appraise property at 100% of its true and fair market value.

Most personal property owned by individuals is exempt from tax; however, personal property tax applies to personal property used when conducting business or to other personal property not exempt by law. Washington does not impose a tax on intangible assets such as bank accounts, stocks or bonds.

State Sales and Use Tax
Base Rate: 6.50%
Machinery Rate: none
Washington provides exemptions for sales to manufacturers of processors of machinery and equipment used directly in a manufacturing operation or in research and development.

Unemployment Insurance
Washington charges new employers 2.07% until qualifications are met.