INITIAL STARTUP CONSIDERATIONS
1 STEP 3: MAKING YOUR
BUSINESS LEGAL
A CORPORATE REGISTRATION
See Ch. 2: Registration & Licensing
• In order to operate legally in DC, all businesses must
be registered with the Department of Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs.
• Identify the most appropriate ownership structure of
your business. See the chart on the following pages for
ownership structure comparison information.
• Visit the DCRA office at 1100 4th Street, SW, or apply
online at business.dc.gov.
B REGISTRATION WITH THE DC OFFICE
OF TAX AND REVENUE
See Ch. 4: Business Taxes
• For-profit businesses must complete form FR 500 (Notice
of Business Tax Registration).
• Not-for-profit companies must complete forms FR 500
(Notice of Business Tax Registration) and FR 164 (Notice
of Business Tax Registration).
• Visit otr.cfo.dc.gov for more information.
C REGISTRATION WITH THE
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
See Ch. 2: Registration & Licensing
• If operating your business out of a physical location
within the District that is not your home, you must
ensure that the address is zoned for your specific type
of business. Complete the Certificate of Occupancy if
operating out of an office location in the District.
• If operating a home-based business, complete the Home
Occupation Permit.
DC DOING BUSINESS GUIDE 2018/2019 19
D CLEAN HANDS CERTIFICATION
See Ch. 2: Registration & Licensing
• Complete this affidavit stating that you do not owe more
than $100 to the DC government.
• If you owe more than $100 to the DC government, you
will need to resolve the outstanding debt before you
can proceed.
• Visit bit.ly/dcraCleanHands for more information.
E BASIC BUSINESS LICENSE
APPLICATION (BBL)
See Ch. 2: Registration & Licensing
• Most retail and office operations will require a Basic
Business License, but DCRA also issues specialized
license categories for food establishments, industry, and
specific services.
• Visit business.dc.gov for more information about the 165+
types of business licenses to determine which one(s) may
be necessary based on your business activities.
/business.dc.gov
/business.dc.gov
/otr.cfo.dc.gov