Doing business in the Washington Metropolitan Area District

SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in the District of Columbia. If you need small business information for the state of Virginia, visit the Doing business in the Virginia District page. If you need small business information for the state of Maryland, visit the Doing business in the Baltimore District page.

Business name and registration

Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

Business licensing and zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in industrial activity in a retail district.

Taxes

IRS District of Columbia Taxpayer Assistance Center
77 K St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-803-9000

DC Office of Tax and Revenue
1101 4th St. SW, Room 270
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202-727-4829

Health and safety

Department of Employment Services
4058 Minnesota Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: 202-671-1900

DC OSHA
4058 Minnesota Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: 202-671-1800

Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.