FAQs
Finance
B&O TAXES: Can I file and pay my tax return online?
The City does not have an electronic filing option at this time. Cash or check payments are the only acceptable forms of payment.
B&O TAXES: Can I file my City taxes jointly with my state taxes?
The City’s B&O tax is separate from the Washington State B&O tax. You are required to file both returns.
B&O TAXES: Can I take any deductions?
City-allowed deductions and exemptions are listed on the back of the return. Review any deductions you are claiming to ensure that they fall into one of the listed categories.
B&O TAXES: Do I have to file B&O taxes?
Any business generating at least $100,000 in revenue inside the City of Port Townsend is required to file a B&O tax return. See gross revenue amounts below relevant to your business.
If your gross revenue is over $100,000: You are required to file a quarterly return.
If your gross revenue is under $100,000: You are not required to file a B&O tax return.
B&O TAXES: How do I amend my return?
File a copy of the amended return with the words “AMENDED” written at the top and highlight it. Enclose payment for taxes due or request a refund of taxes previously paid.
B&O TAXES: How do I change my address / phone number?
Cross out incorrect information and print updated information on the form before returning to update your City tax account. You will need to update information with the State for your master business license.
B&O TAXES: How do I close my business?
If your business is no longer active in Port Townsend, you must file a return for all revenue through the closing date. Enter the closing date at the bottom left of the form and return to the City by the due date.
B&O TAXES: How much tax do I owe?
The amount of B&O tax owed is .2% of the taxable amount of gross revenue received during the reporting period.
B&O TAXES: What do I have to do before submitting my return?
Remember to sign and date your return before submitting to the City.
Any return that is missing the revenue amount, has invalid deductions, or is missing the signature will be returned.
Returns filed without a payment are considered delinquent until the payment is received and may be subject to penalties if not received by the due date.
B&O TAXES: When is my return due?
Returns are due on the last day of the month following the end of each quarter. Quarters and due dates are listed on the back of the return. Returns must be postmarked by the due date or a minimum $5.00 penalty will be assessed on past due taxes
BUSINESS LICENSE: Do I need a City license even if my business location is outside the City?
Yes. It doesn't matter where your business is located. If you conduct any business activities inside City limits such as: meeting clients; giving estimates; performing service calls; selling products at farmers markets, festivals or local stores; etc., you are required to have a valid city license.
BUSINESS LICENSE: How and when do I renew my business license?
When the City partnered with the state, the Department of Revenue (DOR) assumed all responsibility for business license activity on both state and local levels. Your license may be renewed annually through the state, and the Business Licensing Service (BLS) will notify you annually of your renewal due date.
BUSINESS LICENSE: How do I apply for a business license?
The City of Port Townsend has contracted with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) to provide business license services. Businesses are able to apply for a City of Port Townsend business license when they apply with the state for their Unified Business Identification number (UBI). You must have a State of Washington business license (UBI) to obtain a City of Port Townsend business license.
To register for a state business license (UBI) go to http://bls.dor.wa.gov and add the City of Port Townsend license endorsement during this process.
If you already have a state license and only need to add the city license, go to http://bls.dor.wa.gov/cities/porttownsend.aspx
For help with the DOR website or general questions relating to your business license call (800) 451-7985 or visit their website.
BUSINESS LICENSE: What if I need to update my license information?
Any questions regarding your state and local application or updates to your city license information such as change of address, ownership, phone numbers, business structure, etc., should be directed to the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service (BLS) at 800-451-7985 or online at business.wa.gov/BLS.
BUSINESS LICENSE: What if I stop doing business within the City of Port Townsend?
You should notify both the State and the City when terminating your city license. If applicable, final B&O tax returns will need to be filed in order to close your account.
BUSINESS LICENSE: What is the cost of a City business license?
Businesses reporting gross receipts < $20,000 = $30/year
Businesses reporting gross receipts > $20,000 = $75/year
UTILITY: Does the City offer a low-income discount?
The City of Port Townsend offers a program to qualifying residents that provides a reduced rate for the water, sewer and storm services provided by the City. For a more detailed explanation of the program and requirements, please see the Port Townsend Municipal Code 13.02.
UTILITY: How are utility rates determined?
Utility rate studies are conducted regularly by an independent party to ensure rates adequately cover the costs of providing utility services. Rates need to ensure adequate long-term funding of operations, including maintenance and improvements in infrastructure.
UTILITY: How do I close my account?
Call (360) 385-2700 at least one business day prior to the day you wish to discontinue service. Please have your forwarding address available when you call.
UTILITY: How do I make a utility payment?
Cash, Check or Money Order/Cashier's Check:
Payments are accepted at City Hall (located at 250 Madison Street) by mail or hand-delivered. For your convenience, there is a payment dropbox at City Hall, sunken into the brick wall to the right of the front entrance doors. City Hall Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-4:00pm.
Credit/Debit Card or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):
Payments may be made online thorugh your bank or credit card. For more information, click here.
Online banking:
Please contact your financial institution about their online banking services. Please include your utility account number to ensure you are properly credited for your payment, and allow five to seven business days for your payment to reach the City.
Important note: electronic payments are not instant transactions. To avoid penalty or a possible service disconnection, please allow enough transit time (typically five to seven business days) for your payment to reach the City.
UTILITY: How do I set up a Utility Account?
Please contact the City Finance Department at 360-385-2700. A completed authorization form is required for all accounts.
Forms can be found on our Utility Billing page.
UTILITY: How often does the City bill for utility services?
The City bills monthly for all utility services. Bills are mailed on the last day of each month and due on the 20th of the following month.
UTILITY: If I go out of town, am I charged for utility services?
Yes, the City charges a monthly base rate for all meters connected to City utility infrastructure. Base fees allow the City to identify any unexpected activity, such as a leak, as well as maintain the infrastructure that delivers services to your property and allows you to continue to reserve capacity in our system. Whether you use it or not, the city is required by state regulations to provide you with that capacity and your account is charged accordingly. Base Fees are necessary to recover the ongoing expenses required to keep service available at the property even if there is no water usage. The City must operate and maintain the water and wastewater treatment plants and these costs continue to be incurred regardless of actual water consumption and are allocated to all utility customers.
UTILITY: If I have a leak, how do I get an adjustment from the City?
Customers must apply for a water leak adjustment, in writing, within 30 days of the City's issuance of the water bill sought for adjustment. You must provide a detailed explanation of when and where the leak or break occurred and what action was taken to repair it (you will need to provide proof of the repair such as photos, receipt from a licensed plumber, etc.).
UTILITY: Is there a utility deposit?
No, but there is a non-refundable $10.00 start-up fee for new accounts which is reflected on the first bill as an “Additional Billing”.
UTILITY: What are the capital surcharges on my bill and will they go away?
State and Federal mandated health rules required the City to build a new water treatment facility and water storage tank. The capital surcharges address the associated utility infrastructure debt. While City Council has approved rates through 2023, the majority of the debt is for 20 years, so it is expected that some level of capital surcharges will continue beyond 2023.
UTILITY: What do I do if I think I have a leak?
Water leaks between the street and meter are the City’s responsibility to repair. Leaks in the home or in the line between the meter and the home are the customer’s responsibility. Customers may repair leaks on their side of the meter or contact a plumber for assistance.
UTILITY: What does the City charge for sewer services?
Most residential accounts have a flat rate usage charge while multi-family & commercial accounts have a base rate determined by meter size Utility Rate Schedule in addition to a volume/usage charge.
UTILITY: What does the City charge for storm services?
Stormwater charges are calculated using square foot measurements and are assessed on that area of your property designated as impervious surface. This means areas that are paved or otherwise do not let water pass through (i.e., your driveway and/or area covered by your house or other structures). City Ordinance allows for Storm charges even though you may not actually have storm drains on or near your property. The charges cover construction and maintenance of the entire city-wide system. The minimum fee for impervious surfaces ≤ 3,000 square feet is $8.93. Utility Rate Schedule
UTILITY: What does the City charge for water services?
Your total monthly water fee is comprised of two charges; the Base Rate and a Usage Fee. See the Utility Rate Schedule for the base charge related to your specific meter size. Typical single-family homes have a ¾” meter.
Water consumption is rounded down to the nearest thousand gallons, i.e., use of 3,268 gallons will be billed for 3,000 gallons, the balance of 268 gallons will roll over to next month’s reading.
UTILITY: What is the charge for late payments?
$5.00 or 1½% of the balance owed, whichever is greater.
UTILITY: What utilities are provided by the City of Port Townsend?
Water, sewer, and stormwater services:
Provided by the City. Depending on the location of your service address, water-only services are available.
Garbage and recycling services:
Required for all city residents, are provided by Olympic Disposal. Contact Olympic Disposal at (360) 385-6612 for service.
Electricity:
Provided by the Jefferson County PUD. For more details, contact the Jefferson County PUD at (360) 385-5800.
UTILITY: When is my meter read?
Port Townsend water distribution personnel read all meters in the first two weeks of each month.
