How do I find a business in District of Columbia?

Posted on October 31, 2021

How do I find a business in District of Columbia? You can find information on any corporation or business entity in the District of Columbia or another state by performing a search on the Secretary of State website of the state or territory where that corporation is registered.

How do I verify a DC business license? 

Online via the Business License Verification system; By telephone at (202) 442 4311(Maximum of 3 requests per call); In Person, Business License Center, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024; and.

Roadmap

  1. Business Name;
  2. Tax Number (if available);
  3. Business Address;
  4. License Number; and/or.
  5. Business Activity.

How do I find a business entity in Washington DC? If you need to search existing business entities in Washington D.C., visit the Washington D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Business Entity Search and include any info you have on the business in the search cells.

Do I need to register my business in Washington DC? If your company is a DC corporation, DC partnership, or DC limited liability company, you need to be registered and in good standing with the DCRA Corporation Division. All business entities registered are required to have a Washington DC registered agent and office.

How do I find a business in District of Columbia? – Additional Questions

How much is a basic business license in DC?

Renewing Your DC Business License With the DCRA

All basic business license renewal application fees shall be deposited in the Basic Business License Fund. Assessment is done two times a year, and an annual fee of $200 is payable for the Basic Business License.

How much does it cost to register a business in Washington DC?

Sole Proprietorship

Though sole proprietorships typically operate under the owner’s surname, you can choose to file for a trade name. The cost to register a DBA in Washington D.C. with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is $55 and needs to be renewed every two years.

Who must register in DC?

The Corporations Division registers all entities, domestic (DC) or foreign (organizations formed outside of DC) that conduct business in the District of Columbia. This is the first step in business regulatory compliance.

What constitutes doing business in Washington DC?

“Conducting business” shall be defined as any trade, profession, or activity that provides, or holds itself out to provide, goods or services to the general public or to any portion of the general public, for hire or compensation in the District of Columbia.

How do I get a basic business license in DC?

You may apply for a Basic Business License in-person with cash, check, money order or a major credit/debit card by visiting the DCRA, Business License Center, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024. No appointments are required. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I incorporate my business in DC?

In-person documents are expedited and processed same-day.
  1. Choose a Corporate Structure.
  2. Check Name Availability.
  3. Appoint a Registered Agent.
  4. File Washington D.C. Articles of Incorporation.
  5. Establish Bylaws & Corporate Records.
  6. Appoint Initial Directors.
  7. Hold Organizational Meeting.
  8. Issue Stock Certificates.

How much does it cost to trademark a name in DC?

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once you confirm the availability of your business name and secure it, you can choose to apply for a trademark for your business. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.

How do I get a DC sales tax license?

Where to Register for a Washington, D.C. Sales Tax Permit. The best place to register for a sales tax permit in Washington, D.C. is on their website. You can get started here, https://mytax.dc.gov/_/#7.

How do I get articles of incorporation in DC?

To register domestic nonprofit corporation in the District, customer shall deliver articles of incorporation form DNP-1 to the Superintendent for filing either by web or by mail / walk-in. NOTE: Walk-in Customers will be charged expedited fee for one day service in the amount of $100 in addition to regular filing fees.

Is the District of Columbia still a corporation?

DC has its own flag and own independent constitution. The Act of 1871 passed by Congress created a separate “corporation” known as THE UNITED STATES & corporate government for the District of Columbia. Thus DC acts as a Corporation through the Act.

Does DC have a Secretary of State?

Incumbent

The current Secretary of State of the District of Columbia is Kimberly A. Bassett. The Secretary of State of the District of Columbia’s Office is composed of six divisions: The Ceremonial Services Unit processes requests for various ceremonial items such as proclamations.

Do DC nonprofits need a business license?

Every business in D.C., including nonprofit organizations, must have a Basic Business License. You must first complete the prerequisites for the license, including registration with the Office of Tax and Revenue. You may submit your application online or submit a paper application.

Can an LLC be a nonprofit in DC?

To start a nonprofit, you must first form an organization under D.C. law. Under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax-exempt organization can be a corporation, a trust, a limited liability corporation, or an unincorporated business association.

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in DC?

Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation
Agency: District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs – Corporations Division
Agency Fee: $80 + optional $50-100 expedite fee
Turnaround: ~15 business days. ~3 business days for $50 expedite fee. Same-day for $100 expedite fee.
Law: D.C. Code § 29-402.02

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in Washington DC?

The basic filing fee to incorporate a Washington DC nonprofit is $80, but the DCRA offers several expediting options and filing methods. Filers who submit online or by mail can pay either $80 for 15-day standard processing or $130 for 3-day processing.

How do I file for a 501c3 in DC?

To start a nonprofit in Washington D.C. and get 501(c)(3) status, follow these steps:
  1. Step 1: Name Your Washington D.C. Nonprofit.
  2. Step 2: Choose Your Registered Agent.
  3. Step 3: Select Your Board Members & Officers.
  4. Step 4: Adopt Bylaws & Conflict of Interest Policy.
  5. Step 5: File the Articles of Incorporation.

How do I register a charity in DC?

1. File entity formation documents with the D.C. Secretary of State. 2. Submit the online form or Charitable Organization Registration Form and all required attachments to apply for registration with the D.C. Attorney General – Consumer Interest Division.