Redmond businesses of all sizes benefit with combined licensing

Microsoft headquarters is at
 1 Microsoft Way in Redmond.

The hometown of Microsoft today is the newest partner of the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS).

Redmond is connecting its nearly 6,000 business licenses to the same system used by neighbors Kirkland, Issaquah, Woodinville, and others. BLS collects and transfers local licensing fees to cities in the same process used for sales tax revenues. Businesses of all sizes will experience the advantages of Redmond’s enhanced licensing service. Microsoft manages many locations in Redmond that are now linked by BLS that licenses its Quincy data center and its retail store in Tukwila’s Southcenter Mall.

Smaller businesses, like PinkaBella Cupcakes, also will benefit from Redmond's new licensing partnership. PinkaBella employs teen workers – a process supported by minor work permits connected to BLS.

“Revenue’s online licensing system is familiar and easy to use,"  said Margo Engberg, owner of PinkaBella Cupcakes. "Reducing steps for licensing simplifies our work as an employer and an enterprise where saving time can help boost our bottom line.”

BLS partners with more than 160 municipal partners and many state regulatory programs. It is connected to the system where businesses report taxes and can apply for hundreds of other state and local licenses.

Redmond is the 21st city partner in King County.

“Creating efficiencies for our businesses is a priority," said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. "Our community will greatly appreciate this new and much more convenient process,” 

"Creating efficiencies for our businesses is a priority."
~ Redmond Mayor Angela Birney

BLS partner cities comprise a statewide network of communities that will include more than 200 partnerships in 2022. A list of current partners is at https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/city-license-endorsements.