Business Licensing for the District of Columbia

How to Get a Business License in the District of Columbia:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact Internal Revenue Service to get an Employer ID Number (EIN), and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• File your corporate registration and trade name registration with Consumer & Regulatory Affairs.
• Check to see if your business needs a District of Columbia business license and learn about application procedures.

District of Columbia Sales Tax:

• The District of Columbia has a sales tax of 5.75%
  • 5.75% for tangible personal property
  • 9% for alcohol sold for off-premises consumption
  • 10% for restaurant meals, take-out foods, rental cars and telephone calling cards
  • 12% for commercial parking
  • 14.5% for hotel and motel rooms
  • Groceries, prescription and nonprescription medications and residential utility services are exempt.

Useful Links:

• District of Columbia Licenses & Permits
• District of Columbia Business Resource Center
• Washington, D.C. SBA
• The Washington, D.C. Small Business Development Center
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business