Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax: Washington imposes a B&O tax on gross business receipts with no deductions for costs of doing business. Construction contractors in Spokane are typically classified under the retailing B&O category for work that includes materials, or under the service category for labor-only contracts. Proper classification is critical because rates differ by category. FinTruction helps Spokane contractors accurately classify revenue streams, track gross receipts by project, and file B&O tax returns correctly to avoid penalties and overpayment.
Prevailing Wage under RCW 39.12: Contractors working on public works projects in Spokane must pay prevailing wages as determined by the Department of Labor and Industries. This includes city infrastructure projects, school construction, public facility renovations, and publicly funded healthcare projects. Wage rates include base hourly rates, fringe benefits, and travel allowances that vary by trade and Spokane County rates. Our accounting team tracks applicable rates, prepares certified payroll reports, and ensures your records meet L&I audit requirements.
L&I Contractor Registration and Licensing: Washington requires all contractors to register with the Department of Labor and Industries. Registration includes maintaining a contractor bond, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. Spokane contractors working across the Idaho border must also understand cross-state licensing requirements. Our accounting systems track licensing fees, bond premiums, insurance costs, and subcontractor verification as part of your project-level financial management.
Seismic Building Requirements: While Eastern Washington has a lower seismic risk classification than the Puget Sound region, Spokane still falls within a seismic zone that requires buildings to meet structural standards for earthquake resistance under the International Building Code as adopted by Washington. Seismic compliance costs for engineering, materials, and specialized construction must be tracked within job costing systems to ensure accurate project budgets and margin analysis.