HR and payroll for Tacoma employers — handled remotely
Tacoma asks more of employers than most Washington cities. It runs its own business license, its own B&O tax and its own paid sick leave ordinance, and in fall 2026 the city council is weighing a $20 minimum wage. Small businesses near the port, downtown or along 6th Avenue are expected to keep up with all of it.
We work with Tacoma employers remotely. Payroll, HR policies and Zoho systems are online work, so you get the same service our local clients do — we just do it from Thurston County.
What's different about running a business in Tacoma
The local rules and situations we see most with Tacoma employers.
Watch the minimum wage debate
Tacoma's minimum wage currently matches the state's $17.13 an hour. As of September 2026, Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell is drafting an ordinance to raise it to $20, possibly starting in 2027 or phased in over two to three years, with a council vote targeted before the end of 2026. We'll update pay rates and budgets the moment anything passes.
Tacoma paid sick leave
Tacoma has had its own paid sick leave ordinance since February 2016, covering employees who work 80 or more hours a year inside city limits — even if your business is based elsewhere. Washington state sick leave applies too, so your policy has to satisfy both.
City license and B&O tax
Tacoma's general business license runs on the calendar year and is due January 31. Tacoma also levies a city B&O tax — the city's form exempts businesses with less than $250,000 in gross income for the year — filed with the city, separate from your state return.
Washington basics for 2026: the minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, Paid Family & Medical Leave premiums are 1.13% of wages (employers with fewer than 50 employees owe only the employee share), and L&I workers’ comp is reported quarterly by hours worked.
How we help Tacoma businesses
Payroll Administration
On-time payroll through Cascade Payroll or Gusto, with L&I, ESD, Paid Leave and WA Cares reporting handled.
Fractional HR
Offer letters, handbooks, leave policies and employee questions — HR expertise without a full-time hire.
Zoho One Consulting
Zoho CRM, Books, People and Flow set up around how your business actually runs.
Looking for a bookkeeper in Tacoma?
Our Washington bookkeeping service has its own home. See bookkeeping in Tacoma on WashingtonBookkeeper.com.
Questions from Tacoma business owners
Do you work with Tacoma businesses in person?
If Tacoma passes a $20 minimum wage, what changes for us?
Where do I get bookkeeping in Tacoma?
Local rules checked October 2026. Rules change — confirm with the agency before acting. We don't prepare tax returns.
Also serving Washington
Talk to us about your Tacoma business
Free consultation by phone or video.