How to Start a Painting Business in Washington State
Here is some information on how to start a painting business in the state of Washington.
The state of Washington has a number of websites to help you get started with your business: http://business.wa.gov/start.html and http://bls.dor.wa.gov/startbusiness.aspx and http://www.oria.wa.gov/site/alias__oria/345/our_business_services.aspx
-Register your painting business name.
Find out more here: http://business.wa.gov/start.html#businessname
If you need help selecting a name for your painting business: Choosing a Painting Business Name
-Select your business structure.
Determine what business structure you wish to have: Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. http://business.wa.gov/start.html#businessstructure
-Register your painting business.
If you are forming an LLC or Corporation, you need to register your new painting business. http://business.wa.gov/start.html#getregistered
-Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your painting business with your new business name.
-Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.
You may want to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here: http://business.wa.gov/start.html#taxnumber and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .
-Get Liability Insurance.
We work with Contractors Liability because they’re the one-stop-shop for Painting Contractor Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get a Free Quote Now>
Find out more about liability insurance here: Painting Business Liability Insurance
-Register as a Contractor.
Find out if you need to register here: http://www.lni.wa.gov/tradeslicensing/contractors/howreg/default.asp
-Worker’s Compensation.
The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this. You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees. Get a Free Quote Now>
-Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
-Be aware of other regulations.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.