New online options available for Bellingham business licenses, tax payments

Written by Dave Gallagher | The Bellingham Herald | September 26, 2012

New online services for Bellingham businesses offer simple, convenient ways to meet licensing requirements and make tax payments.

“We are very pleased to provide new online services for businesses. These new options for registering and making tax payments simplify these important functions while saving businesses time and effort,” said John Carter, City of Bellingham Finance Director, in a news release

The City of Bellingham recently launched a new online service for businesses that are already registered with the City and are subject to local Business and Occupational  tax.  The web service enables businesses to update their contact information and pay B&O taxes, including any outstanding balances.  Each business using the service receives a secure PIN number that renews each filing period. This free service is the easiest way for businesses to comply with local B&O tax filing obligations.

For new business registrations, the city has partnered with the state Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service.  The new unified structure allows any applicant seeking a Bellingham business registration and a state business license to apply at the same time and place.  While applicants can apply for both licenses at any local state office or at Bellingham City Hall, applying online is the fastest and cheapest method to register.

These two new web services, as well as other resources available to support and serve Bellingham’s local businesses, are available at cob.org/business.