Legal Question in Business Law in Washington

business license

I plan to host a monthly short story contest, where local writers send a story with a fee (say ten dollars) for the chance for a cash award. The submissions would be mailed. Would I need a business license for this? Also, could I run this out of my home, and not a special business location?

Thank you for your time, and your website.


Asked on 2/02/09, 7:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Susan Beecher Susan L. Beecher, Atty at Law

Re: business license

If this is a business, you should get a business license. Some organizations will run writing contests once a year or so, and such activity is not really considered a business in those cases. However, if this is something you are doing every month to generate an income, it would be considered a business. A master business license for this business would most likely only run $15.

Each city and county has its own laws about what kind of business can and can't be run from a private home. Check with your local authorities. However, if submissions are done by mail, there are no traffic impacts on your neighborhood and no other impacts (noise, air pollution, additional buildings, etc.), it is very probable that you would be permitted to run this business from your home.

Good luck with your venture.

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Answered on 2/02/09, 10:57 pm


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