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Seattle Tax and Financial Services for Business Owners
Seattle’s tax environment is unique: Washington State has no personal or corporate income tax, but businesses pay the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts. Understanding this structure and working with a Seattle-savvy CPA can save your business thousands annually. Here’s what you need to know.
Washington State Tax Basics for Businesses
- No state income tax: Washington has no personal or corporate income tax — a major advantage for business owners
- Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax: Levied on gross receipts, not profits. Rates vary by business classification (retail: 0.471%, services: 1.5%, etc.)
- Sales Tax: Washington has a 10.25% combined sales tax rate in Seattle (state + King County + city)
- Use Tax: Applies to purchases made out-of-state for use in Washington
- Seattle payroll expenses tax: JumpStart Seattle Tax applies to businesses with $7M+ payroll
- Washington Paid Family Leave: Employer/employee shared contributions required
Top CPA and Tax Firms in Seattle
Clark Nuber PS
Specialty: Small to mid-size businesses, nonprofits, high-net-worth individuals
Why they stand out: One of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected regional accounting firms. Clark Nuber works heavily with Seattle’s tech, real estate, and nonprofit sectors. Strong business advisory services alongside tax compliance. Bellevue-headquartered with deep Seattle client base.
Moss Adams LLP (Seattle Office)
Specialty: Mid-market businesses, technology companies, real estate
Why they stand out: West Coast powerhouse with deep Pacific Northwest roots. Moss Adams is particularly strong for tech companies navigating complex equity compensation, R&D tax credits, and multi-state filing. Seattle office handles clients from startup through enterprise level.
Perkins & Co (Seattle Office)
Specialty: Startups, technology, entrepreneurs, venture-backed companies
Why they stand out: Known for working with high-growth tech companies and their founders. Strong on Washington B&O tax planning, equity compensation strategy, and R&D credits. Good fit for startups who need a CPA that understands the VC/startup world.
Peterson Sullivan LLP
Specialty: Real estate, construction, manufacturing, closely-held businesses
Why they stand out: Seattle-founded firm with deep expertise in Pacific Northwest industries. Strong for real estate investors, contractors, and family-owned businesses. Practical, relationship-oriented approach to tax strategy.
Sweeney Conrad PS
Specialty: Business accounting, tax planning, wealth management
Why they stand out: Bellevue-based firm serving the greater Seattle metro. Works with entrepreneurs, medical practices, law firms, and technology companies. Integrated approach combining tax, accounting, and financial planning under one roof.
Jacobson Jarvis & Co. PLLC
Specialty: Nonprofits, small businesses, social enterprises
Why they stand out: Seattle specialty firm focused on mission-driven organizations and small businesses. If your business has a social impact component or you’re navigating nonprofit structure alongside a for-profit entity, they have niche expertise few firms match.
Bookkeeping Services in Seattle
- Bench Accounting: Seattle-founded online bookkeeping platform, great for small businesses
- Seattle Bookkeeping: Local boutique bookkeeping firm for small business owners
- KPMG Spark: Tech-forward bookkeeping for growing Seattle businesses
- Xendoo: Online bookkeeping with Seattle-knowledgeable staff
Key Washington State Tax Deadlines
- B&O Tax: Filed with Washington DOR — monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on volume
- Sales Tax: Due 25th of month following reporting period
- Federal business taxes: March 15 (S-Corp/Partnerships) or April 15 (C-Corp/Sole proprietors)
- Washington Annual Report: Filed with Secretary of State by anniversary month of formation
Financial Resources for Seattle Business Owners
- Washington State Department of Revenue: dor.wa.gov — B&O tax registration and filing
- Seattle Office of Economic Development: Free financial consulting for small businesses
- SCORE Seattle: Free CPA and CFO mentoring sessions
- Washington SBDC: Free financial analysis for small business owners
Get your Seattle finances right from day one. Join Hustler’s Library free for vetted tax and financial resources for Seattle entrepreneurs.
