Residents
- AccessibilityLearn about services for persons with disabilities
- Animal Care and ControlLicense your pets and find resources for animal care
- Noise ComplaintsSubmit a noise complaint using TacomaFIRST 311
- City NewsRead City news, watch videos and live webstream
- Community CleanupsGet connected with community cleanups
- Community GardensJoin a community garden in your neighborhood
- Contact UsContact the City of Tacoma
- Crime StatisticsView crime data in your neighborhood
- Customer Support ServicesYour one-stop shop for City services
- Emergency ManagementLearn how to be prepared in an emergency
- Garbage, Recycling, and Yard WasteLearn about residential waste management services
- Neighborhood Council ProgramConnect with Tacoma's neighborhood councils
- Online Citizen ReportingMake a non-emergency City service request
- Police ProtectionLearn about Tacoma Police Department services
- Senior ServicesLearn about what’s happening at our senior centers
- TV TacomaTune in to your City government access channel
- UtilitiesPay your bill and get information on utility services
- Utilities Rebates and IncentivesLearn how to save money on your utilities
Services
- Birth and Death RecordsRequest a birth or death record
- Call-2-HaulSchedule a collection of large household items
- Community Based ServicesHelp improve and preserve your neighborhood
- Community Liaison OfficersConnect with your Community Liaison Officer
- Fire and EMS ServicesLearn about Tacoma Fire Department services
- Graffiti CleanupLearn about ways you can help combat graffiti
- Homeowner Assistance ProgramsHome repair, rehab loans, and homebuyer programs
- Landlord-Tenant ServicesDispute resolution programs, training and referrals
- Library ServicesLearn about what's going on at your local Public Library
- Municipal CourtLearn about Court services and pay citations online
- Online ServicesAccess an interactive list of City services
- Parking ServicesGet information on parking options around the city
- Police ProtectionLearn about Tacoma Police Department services
- Special Event PermitsSubmit a request for a special event permit
- Street OperationsStreet maintenance and other Public Works services
- Tacoma EnviroNewsSign up for the environmental news listserv
- Tacoma Public UtilitiesPower and water services
- TAGROLearn about TAGRO products for your lawn and garden
Government
- Appear Before the CouncilSubmit a request to make a presentation to City Council
- Committees, Boards, and CommissionsLearn about boards and commissions and how to join
- Budget and FinanceView budget document and financial reports
- Ceremonials and ProclamationsRequest a City proclamation or special recognition
- City CharterView the City of Tacoma Charter
- City Council Agendas and MinutesView meeting agendas, minutes and videos
- City Council OfficesMeet the Tacoma City Council members
- City Departments and OfficesView a list of all City departments and offices
- City HolidaysView a list of City holiday closures
- City Manager's OfficeMeet the Tacoma City Manager
- Council Standing CommitteesAccess meeting agendas, handouts, and audio
- Mayor's OfficeMeet Tacoma's Mayor
- Municipal CodeSearch the City's current municipal and ethics codes
- Municipal Election InformationGet information, find voting locations, and register to vote
- Ordinances and ResolutionsAccess City ordinances and resolutions
- Other Government EntitiesView a list of municipal organizations and public agencies
- Public Disclosure RequestsRequest records from the City
- Title VICivil Rights Act of 1964
Business
- Available Sites and BuildingsAccess a list of available surplus properties
- Building Codes and PermitsBuilding permits, inspections and building codes
- Business IncentivesTax credits, loan options, and other business incentives
- City Capital ProjectsView and map current and planned construction projects
- Complete StreetsComplete Streets program and guidelines
- Film and Movie Location AssistanceApply for a film permit, get assistance on locations
- GIS Data and MapsDownload maps and demographic information
- Green BuildingEnvironment and energy-conscious building design
- Historic PreservationView historic districts, apply for a project design review
- Local Employment & Apprenticeship Training & support services for apprenticeship programs
- Neighborhood Business DistrictsView a list of Tacoma's business districts
- Planning and Development ServicesLearn about permits, site development and zoning
- Requests for Bids and ProposalsView the City's bid and contracting opportunities
- Equity in Contracting ProgramCity of Tacoma Equity in Contracting Program
- Small Works Roster ProgramRegister your business for small public works projects
- State and Federal Business ResourcesState and federal business development resources
- Make It TacomaA one-stop portal for your business needs
- Tax and LicensePay B&O taxes, establish or renew a business license
Visitors
- Arts ProgramTake a public art tour or join the TacomaArt listserv
- Dining and NightlifeFind dining options, pubs and night spots
- Farmers MarketPlan a trip to purchase fresh, local produce, and goods
- GolfingBook a tee time, find a game, or schedule lessons
- Greater Tacoma Convention CenterPlan your next meeting, conference, or event
- Hiking and Biking TrailsExplore the beauty of Tacoma on an outdoor adventure
- Metro ParksFind parks and recreational activities for the entire family
- MuseumsVisit one of Tacoma's world class museums
- Performing ArtsSee a show at Tacoma's performing arts theaters
- Point Defiance Zoo and AquariumExplore animal exhibits and more
- Ruston Way WaterfrontEnjoy great views of Commencement Bay
- SeaTac AirportFlight information, parking, and passenger services
- ShoppingDiscover unique boutiques, specialty shops, and malls
- Special EventsView Tacoma's major events, festivals, and activities
- Tacoma DomeGet information on upcoming concerts, events, and more
- Tacoma RainiersCheck out the Rainers team roster, schedule, and stats
- TourismStay, play, and dine during your visit to Tacoma
- TransportationTransportation options to help you get around town

Tax and License

Click to subscribe

Mission Statement

The Tax & License division acts with Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Equity in administering Tacoma's tax, license, and employment standards regulations - providing for a fair, equitable, and safe business and working environment while delivering high-quality customer service.

Business License Information

Apply for New Business License

Business & Occupation Tax Information

Need to Visit Tax & License?

All Tax & License services can be done over the phone and/or online. Payment options are available anytime of the day.

Business licenses and tax:

Online: FileLocal-wa.gov
By Phone: (253) 591-5252
By Mail: PO BOX 11640, Tacoma, WA 98411

Pet licenses:

Online: Renew a Pet License
By Mail: PO Box 11397, Tacoma, WA 98411

If an in-person visit is needed, making an appointment is highly encouraged. Appointments can be scheduled Monday - Friday between 9 AM to 4 PM. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about all customer service options available.