Shoreline Business License and Tax Frequently Asked Questions

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Below you will find a list of common questions relating to Shoreline business licensing and tax. If you do not find an answer to your question on this page, please contact businessoutreach@shorelinewa.gov.

Business License FAQ

Where do I find my City Account Number or License Number?

Who needs a business license in Shoreline?

How long does it take to get a license?

Outside of Shoreline: Businesses located outside of Shoreline who come into the city to generate revenue are approved automatically.

Inside of Shoreline: Businesses located within city limits must go through an internal review from our Planning and Community Development department to ensure the business meets our building and zoning codes. This review typically takes 2-3 weeks and then a license copy is emailed to the business
- Please note, if a Planner reaches out for additional information regarding the application, the business has 30 days to respond before we consider the application abandoned and close out the license request. At this point, the business will need to reapply and pay the application fee again.

Exempt Businesses

Businesses that only deliver goods purchased outside of the City by common carrier.
Retail sales at events sponsored by the City or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that occur six days or less and gross $5,000 or less yearly within the City.
Recreation instruction or performance service at events sponsored by the City or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that grosses $5,000 or less per calendar year within the City.
Businesses requiring a regulatory license.

Common Business Types

Nonprofit Businesses are required to register for a business license but do not pay a registration fee.

Short-Term Rentals (fewer than 30 consecutive days) are required to hold a general business license if they will generate more than $4,000 in Shoreline based revenue annually OR if a listing company requires proof of licensing. Shoreline does not require any additional regulatory licenses for short-term rentals at this time. Short-term rental revenue is subject to the Shoreline Business and Occupation tax.

Long-Term Rentals (30 days or more) are exempt from City business licensing.

Mobile Food Vendors (food trucks) are required to hold a general business license if the business generates more than $4,000 in Shoreline based revenue annually. Food trucks that are an extension of a brick-and-mortar store can be operated under the same license as the brick-and-mortar and do not require separate licensing.

Home-based Businesses - Please refer to SMC 20.40.400 for requirements on home-based businesses.

City contractors must be licensed if they will generate more than $4,000 in Shoreline based revenue annually.

When do business licenses expire?

Where do I get a license copy?

How do I close a business license?

Business license accounts do not automatically close at expiration. You must reach out in writing to close an account, otherwise the account will stay open and accrue late fees. To close, please email BusinessOutreach@ShorelineWA.gov with your license number, UBI, or legal business name and the close date. Alternatively, you can fill out the closure box on our renewal form and mail that into our office at the PO Box listed on the form.

Business Taxes FAQ

Who needs to file Business and Occupation Tax in Shoreline?

Anyone who holds a Shoreline business license is required to file a Shoreline B&O Tax return unless otherwise requested. If a business is generating under $500,000 in Shoreline based revenue, they can request to be placed on Active Non-Reporting status. This status exempts a business from having to file a Shoreline B&O Tax return. To request this change, please email BusinessOutreach@ShorelineWA.gov.

If I file Utility Tax or Gambling Tax, do I still need to file B&O Tax?

I already pay B&O Tax to a different city, do I still need to file for Shoreline?

Where do I find tax forms for Shoreline?

How do I amend a tax form?

FileLocal FAQ

Can I apply for multiple city licenses at once?

How do I update my address on FileLocal?

Navigate to Account Center and then My Account.
You should see a list of locations with the option to edit off to the right.
Select “Edit”.
Update address and select “Save”.

PLEASE NOTE: Updating your address in FileLocal DOES NOT update it on your official Shoreline business license account. Our internal systems do not receive address updates from FileLocal. To update the address on your license, please reach out to clk@shorelinewa.gov. We will update your address and provide a new license copy.

How do I reset my password?

How do I link a license on FileLocal?

How do I apply for a license on FileLocal?

In the pop up select “Apply for a License” or under “My License Forms” select “Apply for General Business License”.
Read through and select “Save & Next” on Welcome screen.
Select location from drop down and cities will appear. Select Shoreline.
Continue with application. It will instruct you to pay at the end. We do not receive applications until 2-3 days after payment is submitted.

My payment failed on FileLocal. What do I do now?

Payments that are rejected on FileLocal must be paid by mail or in person with a check. You will only need to repay the tax or license fee portion including any penalty and interest paid. You do not need to include the $4-5 service fees on the original payment. Please mail this with a copy of your tax return or license receipt showing your license number to:

City of Shoreline – Licensing and Tax
17500 Midvale Ave N
Shoreline, WA 98133

Who do I contact with questions about the FileLocal portal?