When commercial real estate property owners in the Seattle and Puget Sound area prepare for a major exit, capital gains taxes are often the biggest hurdle to preserving net proceeds. Between federal capital gains, depreciation recapture, and Washington’s local real estate excise taxes (REET), an
Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) Guide
The unincorporated business tax (UBT) remains a crucial consideration for businesses operating as sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) taxed as partnerships, and trusts in specific localities. This levy, imposed at the local level rather than federally, applies to
Do I Need to Pay Taxes Quarterly as a 1099 Contractor?
Transitioning from a standard W2 paycheck to 1099 status is one of the most common leaps for independent professionals in the Puget Sound area. While being your own boss brings flexibility, it also means taking full ownership of your tax obligations. Without an employer automatically withholding
Personal vs Business Expenses: Where’s the Line?
One of the most common crises small business owners face is the separation of personal vs business expenses. Especially when you're starting out as a sole proprietor, you may not immediately create a separate bank account or even apply for a business credit card. However, that's usually where the
The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act for Small Businesses
Small business owners in 2026 must navigate key provisions originating from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) alongside recent legislative updates. While TCJA was enacted in 2017, its long-term framework -- including permanent corporate adjustments and updated pass-through rules -- shapes current tax
Cultivating an Urban Farm: Sowing Seeds for a New Business or Digging Into a Tax Trap?
For many homeowners and land investors in Washington State, the dream of self-sufficiency often blossoms into a business idea. Whether you own an empty multi-use lot or have a generous backyard in the Puget Sound region, turning an open plot of land into a micro-farm to sell fresh produce, herbs, or
How to Form an LLC Online: The Simplest Way to Start Your Business
Starting a business is exciting. Choosing a name, finding your first customers, and making your first dollar can feel like huge milestones. But before most entrepreneurs can officially operate, they need to decide how to structure their business. For many small business owners, freelancers,
How to Handle Health Insurance When You’re Self-Employed
One of the biggest adjustments when you leave a traditional job is losing employer-sponsored health insurance. For self-employed individuals, that responsibility shifts entirely onto you, and it can feel expensive, confusing, and easy to get wrong. The good news is that there are multiple options