Business Climate

WPC's Center for Small Business focuses on improving Washington's small business climate by working closely with business owners and policymakers. The Center provides accurate information and analysis on the state's regulatory climate, tax structure, health insurance systems, and more.

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What's New

One Small Step for the State’s Small Business Climate, One Giant Leap for New Businesses

February 03, 2012

On Wednesday, the House Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee approved SB 6327.  The bill now moves to the Ways & Means Committee for further consideration.

SB 6327 would create a one-year exemption from the state Business & Occupation (B&O) tax for all new businesses and a two-year exemption, plus a 50 percent exemption in the third year, for new businesses employing fewer than 25 people.

DOR requests 5 year sunsets for new tax preferences

January 27, 2012

The state Department of Revenue (DOR) is requesting legislation that would automatically sunset any new, extended, or amended tax preference after 5 years. DOR's request bill (HB 2530) is scheduled for a public hearing at 3:30 on Monday.

According to DOR:

Washington Policy Center's testimony on statewide mandatory paid sick leave

On January 25, WPC's small business director Erin Shannon testified on HB 2508, which would force businesses in Washington state to provide paid sick and "safe" leave to employees. Watch Erin's testimony:

7 Steps on the Road to Economic Recovery

Jan. 25, 2012 in Publications
By

Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research, and Caitlin Kincaid, Research Assistant

, January 2012

The U.S. economy is officially in recovery, but people in Washington state are still struggling. Traditionally, small businesses have led the way out of recession as entrepreneurs create jobs and stimulate the economy. Unfortunately small businesses have been especially hard hit by the recession.

The Infamous B&O Tax

Seattle Business Magazine January 24, 2012 in In the News
Source: 
Seattle Business Magazine
Date: 
February 1, 2012
Link: 
http://www.seattlebusinessmag.com/article/tax-avoidance