BLS Partner Pulse replaces Partner Post in 2025

In Fall 2024, the BLS Partner Post ceased publication. 

BLS Partner Pulse will be published quarterly.

Subscribe to the newsletter by emailing dorblspartner@dor.gov. 

BLS Partner Post - September 2024 update

 Revenue is joining business fairs in Puyallup and Pasco

The Department of Revenue will again participate in the Washington Small Business Fair this fall. The Pierce College campus in Puyallup will host an event on Saturday, September 21. 

And, for the first time, a Spanish-language fair in Pasco will be on Saturday, October 5 at Columbia Basin College. 

Attendees will gain business skills with easy-to-understand seminars led by industry experts. Complete information, including location addresses and schedules, is online at bizfair.wa.gov. All events are free.

BLS Partner Post - July 2024 update

Register for the Local Government Partnership Meeting

Revenue’s annual Local Government Partnership meeting is on Tuesday, July 23.

The meeting is open to those working in local governments and related public-sector stakeholders. CPE credits will be available for those who qualify. Each year, staff working in finance, community development, and compliance from dozens of cities, towns, and counties join the virtual event.
Register for your opportunity to share information and connect with agency staff and local government peers. Revenue staff will lead presentations on the state economic forecast, new laws, and public benefits available to businesses and individuals in your community. We will be joined by experts from the Association of Washington Cities and MRSC.
Complete information is at dor.wa.gov.

The Local Government Partnership meeting can be joined by Zoom at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23. Register now.

BLS Partner spring 2024 update

2024 tax and licensing system upgrade

In preparation for Revenue's Core 21 system upgrade to the ATLAS system, BLS Partnership Services will not be processing any Partner Change Requests (PCR) that require system programming until January 2025 or after.
This does not include simple fee changes or system defects. Staff will gratefully accept PCRs and will prioritize deployment based on need. More information will be provided in July 2024 in preparation for implementation in 2025. For questions, please contact dorblspartner@dor.wa.gov.
Partner requests for ATLAS system changes are suspended till 2025 after a planned upgrade is complete.

BLS December 2023 Update

Local government deposit dates set for 2024

The Office of State Treasurer has set its 2024 local government fund distribution dates. 

Find BLS's spreadsheet with helpful distribution and deposit linked at citypartners.dor.wa.gov. It can be downloaded. It is best viewed in the Microsoft Edge browser.

Funds collected by BLS are sent to the state Treasurer for deposit to cities, towns, and counties that partner with the service. In most cases, the deposits go to the same account as retail sales tax revenue. 

Liquor license fees adjusted for 2024

Several liquor license fees will revert to their full cost as a measure to reduce fees during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic expires this month.

In 2022, lawmakers approved House Bill 1359 to cut the costs of licenses. The bill passed with broad support and set an expiration date of December 31, 2023. Licenses renewed for January 2024 and after will reflect the up-to-date fee.

Egg handler/dealer licensing rules change in January

New standards for eggs sold at retail are set for 2024. In 2019, a law to address cage confinement for egg-laying hens was approved. BLS supports the state Department of Agriculture with issuing egg handler and egg dealer licenses. 

Businesses that renew one of those licenses or that will apply for one must agree to the updated information for 2024 and thereafter.

Many city fees updated for 2024

Several cities that are BLS local licensing partners are updating license fees for 2024. Web pages and information will be updated after January 1, 2024. 

A complete list of BLS city and town partners is https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/city-endorsements. Cities and towns listed below will reflect updated fees in 2024.

• 

  The City of Spokane is one of several cities with
  changes to business license fees in 2024.

  Bainbridge Island
• Bothell
• Brewster
• Burien (rental only)
• Concrete
• East Wenatchee
• Redmond
• Spokane
• Union Gap
• Vancouver

DOR online service maintenance from Dec. 15 to Dec. 18

DOR system maintenance starts Dec. 15

DOR online services including ATLAS, MyDOR, and Partner Portal will be offline from 5 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, to noon Monday, December 18, 2023.

Why is this happening?

Servers will be offline to make operating system version upgrades.

What is impacted?

External users will not be able to access My DOR, Business Lookup, or the Wizard.
Thank you for your patience while Revenue completes this critical maintenance.

BLS Fall 2023 Update

Revenue updates confidentiality forms

Revenue is introducing the newest version of the agency’s two most used forms, the Confidential Tax Information Authorization (CTIA) form 42-2446, and the Confidential Licensing Information Authorization (CLIA) form 700-002.

The forms are now in a more accessible-friendly template.
“We are pleased to introduce these forms in a format that is inclusive to a wider customer base,” said Janet Shimabukuro, Assistant Director for the agency’s Customer Experience and Communications (CEC) division.

 “The forms are easier to use for those who rely upon screen readers and provide an e-signature option so that they can be downloaded and completed without the need for printing.”

The forms also include updated authorization protocols related to confidential information as referenced in RCW 82.32.330.

While the most secure way to communicate with the agency is through the MyDOR portal, regular email and fax remain an option. These methods, while convenient, are not as secure. To protect our customers, the agency requires a signed pre-authorization form before discussing your private taxpayer or licensing information outside MyDOR. The CTIA and CLIA forms are also used to grant permission to share confidential business information with a third party.

 

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Penalty waiver in My DOR for eligible business licenses

Some licensees could get a break from late renewal penalty fees under a new law passed last spring. New features available through the My DOR login may simplify the waiver process.

One provision of the law, which took effect in July, would eliminate a penalty for those delayed in renewing a business license issued through BLS. 

The fee waiver would apply if the business has renewed all its licenses on time for the last 24 months. The business, however, would still need to pay penalty fees required by a regulatory agency or local government – such as a liquor license or city business license. BLS cannot waive those fees.

How do businesses request a late renewal penalty waiver?

1) Login to My DOR.

• The system will show if the business is eligible for the waiver. Follow the instructions.

2) Send a web message.

3) Or, send mail to:

Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Renewals received after the expiration date are charged a late penalty fee of half of the endorsement fees up to $150.

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Training available for agency and city staff

BLS works with more than 200 local governments and dozens of regulatory programs at nine state agencies. Staff turnover is inevitable and training refreshers can be valuable. BLS staff can help you keep your skills sharp whether is using ATLAS to administer licensing or using data available through the Department of Revenue. 

More than 200 staff members of our BLS partners have taken trainings since Spring 2022. 

Reach out to dorblspartner@dor.wa.gov if you or your coworkers need training, 

On-demand videos, detailed documentation, or scheduled interactive training may be available for your needs.