Operating in the District of Columbia requires mastery of the CorpOnline portal and the MyTax.DC system. States Business Consulting ensures your D.C. entity maintains "Good Standing" within the capital's complex administrative framework.
I. District Entity & Licensing
CorpOnline Registration
Form your LLC or Corporation via the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). All entities must appoint a registered agent located physically within the District.
D.C. CorpOnline PortalBasic Business License (BBL)
Most D.C. businesses require a BBL. You must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Home Occupation Permit (HOP) before applying for your license endorsement.
D.C. BBL RequirementsClean Hands Certification
D.C. Law requires a "Clean Hands" certification for all licenses. You must certify that you do not owe more than $100 to the District government (taxes, fines, or fees).
Verify Clean Hands StatusII. Compliance & Biennial Reporting
Biennial Reports (Form BRA-25)
Reports are due April 1st every two years. Your first report is due April 1st of the year following formation, then every even/odd year thereafter. Fee: $300.
File Biennial ReportDistrict Tax Obligations
- D.C. Franchise Tax (Form D-20/D-30)
- Sales & Use Tax Reporting
- Personal Property Tax (Form FP-31)
- FinCEN Beneficial Ownership (BOI)
III. Workforce & Employer Systems
Employer mandates in the District are managed by the Department of Employment Services (DOES):
Paid Family Leave (PFL)
For 2026, the PFL tax rate is 0.75% of gross wages. This is an employer-funded tax reported quarterly via the ESSP portal.
D.C. Paid Family LeaveUnemployment Insurance (UI)
D.C. employers must contribute to the UI Trust Fund. Wage reports and taxes are handled through the Employer Self-Service Portal (ESSP).
DOES ESSP PortalNew Hire Reporting
D.C. law requires all employers to report new and rehired employees within 20 calendar days to the D.C. Directory of New Hires.
D.C. New Hire Registry