Doing Business in Vancouver

Business Licenses

Business License Forms & Information

Business license forms can be downloaded from the gold box at the right. Information on doing business in the City of Vancouver is provided below.

New DOR Locaton Code for Revenue Development Area

Effective January 1, 2008, to undertake community revitilization, the City established a Revenue Development Area (RDA) bordered by E. Evergreen Blvd. on the north, E 8th St on the south, C St on the west, and Reserve St on the east. Persons and businesses within this RDA will be required to report sales and/or use taxes to the State Department of Revenue (DOR) using location code 0665 instead of the location code used elsewhere in the City (0605). The tax rate has not changed. Questions? Please go to http://dor.wa.gov/.

Upcoming Change to Washington State Sales Tax

Effective July 1, 2008, Washington retailers delivering goods to customers in Washington must start collecting sales tax based on where the customer receives the merchandise -- the "destination" of the sale. To learn more about the destination-based sales tax, go to: http://destinationtax.dor.wa.gov/

Read the basics of doing business in Vancouver below:

Unless exempt, anyone conducting any business in Vancouver must have a current and valid Vancouver business license. (Possible exemptions are listed on the Determination of Exemption Checklist form.)
Special Licenses are also required for some businesses in addition to the Vancouver business license. See Special Licenses link.
Business locations within the Vancouver city limits must be in compliance with City fire, zoning, and building codes.
If you are not sure if your business is located in the City limits, please check the Clark County Property Information Center online or call (360) 619-1010 ext 3.
As of January 1, 2007, the Business License fee for each location is $125 plus a surcharge of $50 per employee (or full-time equivalent) for up to 400 employees (or full-time equivalents).
Home-based businesses also require a Home Occupancy Permit for a one-time fee of $113.71. See Home Occupation Permit link.
Each license must be clearly posted at the address for which it was issued.
Change of Business Name or Address: If the name or the location of the business changes, a new license reflecting these changes is required. There is no fee for the reissued license.
No business shall use or display the license other than the one to whom the license was issued .
A business license is valid for one year and expires on the last day of the month on the same month it was issued. Example: A license issued on July 12, 2009 expires July 31, 2010.
The license is not transferable to a new owner. New owners must apply for a new business license.
License renewal: Renewal Invoices that include a section to calculate the surcharge are mailed one month prior to the expiration date. Return the completed Renewal Invoice and the appropriate fee prior to the due date to keep your license current. A new license will be mailed to you after receipt.
The Business and Occupation Tax was eliminated effective January 1, 2002.

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City of Vancouver, Washington

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Download Business License Forms

Business License Forms & Information

New DOR Locaton Code for Revenue Development Area

Upcoming Change to Washington State Sales Tax