Local Government Resources:

The official website of Kent Washington www.kentwa.gov.

Over 4,500 businesses call Kent home. Our prime location provides attractive and efficient access for product distribution as well as a highly skilled and centrally located labor force. With over 78,000 jobs and a diverse economic base, Kent has had very steady and strong increases over the past decade in gross business income, taxable sales, total employment and population. Totaling over $8 billion, Kent has the highest gross business income among its peer cities in King County, exceeding second-ranked Renton by more than $2.5 billion.

Kent has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, from agriculture to heavy manufacturing. The region has attracted nationally recognized companies as well as nurtured small neighborhood based businesses. Kent boasts a pro-business attitude and maintains a strong competitive advantage over neighboring communities. Kent’s newly restructured Economic and Community Development Department has implemented a business-friendly permit process, not only to attract new businesses, but to ensure the continued success of our existing businesses. The new process is predictable and flexible, allowing permits, licenses, and inspections to be timely and efficient.

Get more info about  taxes, licenses and permits at www.kentwa.gov.

To attract new business and ensure the continued success of existing businesses, the City of Kent has completely restructured its permitting process. A new Economic and Community Development Department oversees all aspects of permitting. Our permit and review fees, as well as our utility rates are competitive amongst our peer cities.

Our Permit Center is open to the public and located on the 1st Floor of the Centennial building at 400 West Gowe St. You can view more info online at

Get more info about business licenses at www.kentwa.gov.

If you engage in business activity within the City of Kent limits, a business license is required. The operation of two or more businesses at one location requires a separate license for each business. You can apply for a business license at the Customer Service counter located at 400 West Gowe Street, Suite 122 during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Get more info about city taxes at www.kentwa.gov.

City taxes are administered by the Finance Department Audit Division located in the Centennial Building [400 West Gowe Street, Suite 406]. The Audit Division can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or phone at 253-856-6266. If you are looking for information about the City of Kent taxes, including the new Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, this is the place.

Get more info about doing business with Kent at www.kentwa.gov.

The City of Kent provides this Procurement site for use by vendors to review and download information about bids, RFPs, and other procurement requests. This website does not contain all City of Kent procurement requests, bids, or RFPs, and is not the exclusive source for obtaining this information. You may contact departments individually to see if they have any procurement requests currently open.

Get more info about utility services at www.kentwa.gov.

The City of Kent operates the utilities of water, sewer, and storm drainage. However, not all of Kent is served by the Kent Water Utility. Other non-city owned utilities include Puget Sound Energy for electricity and gas, and Qwest for local telephone service. Garbage services are provided through Allied Waste.

Get more info about transportation at www.kentwa.gov.

If you are looking for information about getting to and from Kent, or information about Commute Trip Reduction incentive programs, or for information regarding Transportation infrastructure projects, this is the place.

Get more info about Department of Revenue at www.dor.wa.gov.

Learn important info about what affects your business – filing deadlines, legislative changes, tax reporting obligations, tax rate updates, rights and responsibilities, and more.

Get more info about Department of Labor at www.dol.gov.

US Department of Labor Employment Standards
1145 Broadway
Tacoma, WA 98402

Phone: (253) 428-3770

Access Washington

Doing business in Washington – State Business Portal – state and local licensing and registration requirements.
access.wa.gov

Need Help

There are many government agencies and organizations within the state of Washington that are able to provide information and assistance; however, knowing who to contact is not always clear. Fortunately, representatives with the Washington State Library are available to assist you with locating information and services to help meet your needs.

Washington State Library staff are prepared to answer questions Monday – Friday, 8AM to 5PM (excluding state-recognized holidays).

For more options, including walk-in locations, visit Ask a Librarian.

Directory Assistance

Do you need help with finding a telephone number or email address for a state government agency, college, school, local government, or individual government employee? Visit the Online Telephone Directory or dial 360-753-5000 / toll-free 1-800-321-2808 to speak with an operator.

Access Washington Website

To request that a resource be added, changed or removed on Access Washington, or to report a problem or give feedback regarding the website, please choose from the following:

Government Contacts by Topic

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Government Websites:

Additional Information

For additional information please call (253) 854-1770 or email us online.