Tax laws in Washington state can be puzzling to even the most savvy of business owners. It's hard enough just to file your taxes on time, but you also need to keep up to date with any changes to the Washington tax law.

Yet, it's very important for you to keep up to date with the available information about Washington tax laws. In fact, it is essential for the success of your business. Many business owners choose to hire tax law legal professionals in Washington to help them with their tax issues. This allows them to focus on other important areas of the business.

When you think about Washington business tax law, you should know:

1. You may not need the full-time services of a Washington tax attorney. Many attorneys work on a retainer or per-hour basis, which means that you only have to pay when you need their services.

2. You may be able to take care of some tax issues on your own. There are many Washington tax solutions that help you to do this.

3. You may have to pay taxes several times a year, based on your salary.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay up to date with Washington tax laws

All business owners should understand the basics of tax law, even if they plan to hire Washington tax lawyers and other professionals.

I recommend: The Washington State Department of Revenue is the main source of information about tax laws in Washington. There you can read industry specific guides to doing business in Washington. You can also attend a workshop either in person or online.

File taxes without the use of Washington tax lawyers

Some business owners can easily take care of accounting and filing taxes in-house, especially if they are small or do not have complicated situations. This is a great way to cut costs.

I recommend: Download any forms you may need to file your taxes from the Washington State Department of Revenue. You can also file taxes online. When you do your own taxes, it's very important that you keep good financial records. Quicken is a popular software program that keeps track of your financials. It integrates with TurboTax, a tax-related software program that may help you find additional deductions.

Hire tax law legal professionals in Washington to help

If you don't particularly care to know the ins and outs of Washington tax law, you are not alone. Fortunately, it's never been easier to find a good Washington tax attorney or accountant to do the dirty work.

I recommend: Through the Washington State Bar Association, you can find Washington tax attorneys in your area. It is also a good idea to hire a professional accountant, either on a full-time or part-time basis. Look for qualified CPAs with the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you don't think you will need the services of a Washington tax attorney very often, try to find one that charges on a per-hour basis. This will ensure that you are only paying for the time that they work for you.