Tag: business attorney
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Washington Expands Background Check Protections for Workers with Criminal Records
Washington’s Fair Chance Act has limited when employers can ask about criminal history (i.e., conduct background checks) since 2018. But 2025 amendments to the law go further. Enacted as EHB 1747, the changes do not replace the original law so much as expand it: the earlier statute focused mainly on when employers could seek criminal-record…
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Understanding Washington’s Tax Penalties and How the Voluntary Disclosure Program Can Help
Operating a business in Washington comes with many responsibilities, and staying on top of state tax obligations is one of the most critical. However, many business owners—especially those operating from out of state or just starting out—may unknowingly overlook certain tax requirements. Ignoring these obligations can lead to significant financial penalties. The good news? The…
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LLC vs. PLLC in Washington: A Guide for Professionals
If you are an architect, doctor, dentist, lawyer, or accountant looking to hang your shingle in Washington, you might hit a roadblock when you go to register your business. You select “Limited Liability Company” (LLC) on the form, only to find out you might actually be required to form a Professional Limited Liability Company, aka…
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New Sales Tax Obligations: Key Professions Impacted by Washington SB 5814
Effective October 1, 2025, Washington has implemented a major shift in its tax landscape through Senate Bill 5814. This legislation “modernizes” the tax code by reclassifying several traditionally exempt service sectors as “retail sales.” If you operate in any of the following fields, you are now required to register for a retail tax endorsement, collect…
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Why You Should Transfer Property to a LLC Before Renting
So, you’ve got a fantastic property in the Evergreen State and you’re ready to jump into the rental game. That’s great! But before you hand over the keys and start cashing those rent checks, there’s one critical step you might be skipping: transferring that property into a limited liability company or LLC. While it may…
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Baskets & Caps
When businesses change hands, the journey can be full of unknowns. From a buyer’s perspective, what if the financial records aren’t as tidy as they seemed? From a seller’s perspective, how long will they be on the hook for potential problems with the business they just sold? This is where tools like baskets, deductibles, and…