Learn first. Ask better questions. Choose the next step with clarity.

Navigator Strategy

Business Resource Desk

What are you trying to get done?

Start with a task. Get a useful first step and a direct link to the official source. These resources are available without submitting a Navigator form.

Choose a task
Show resources for

These choices describe this starting collection. They do not set Navigator Strategy's service area. State and local resources may differ. If the work happens outside Washington, use the state labor office directory where a workplace question is involved.

Hire & onboard

Start with a named owner for the handoffs: hiring documents, payroll setup, access, and the first-day plan. Use current agency instructions for the forms and reporting that apply to your hire.

Optional: use the new-hire handoff checklist.

Want help deciding what deserves a second look?

Run payroll

Know who prepares, approves, files, pays, and checks. If another company handles payroll, confirm the responsibilities in your arrangement and how you can verify the work.

Optional: review questions before changing payroll or HR providers.

Want help deciding what deserves a second look?

Review benefits & leave

Separate your coverage choices from your leave obligations. For benefits, compare employer cost, employee cost, access, and administration. For leave, check current guidance for the workforce and location involved.

Optional: use the benefits renewal questions.

Want help deciding what deserves a second look?

Handle taxes & licensing

Start with the agency responsible for the task and the period you are addressing. Gather the relevant records and confirm what applies with your tax professional before filing or claiming a credit.

Optional, for restaurants reviewing tip-credit questions.

Want help deciding what deserves a second look?

Check workplace rules

Identify the topic and work location first. Use the relevant agency's guidance, then assign an owner for the next step. A poster download or checklist does not cover every workforce requirement.

Check workplace rules · Washington

Get free L&I workplace posters (opens in a new tab)

Washington Department of Labor & Industries

Download or order the posters supplied by L&I. Check separately for other federal, state, or local posting requirements that apply.

Optional: explore compliance and workforce risk.

Want help deciding what deserves a second look?

Compare payment costs

Compare the full written arrangement: processing charges, recurring fees, equipment, contract length, and exit costs. Use comparable statements and ask about any charge you cannot explain.

Optional: review merchant-processing costs.

Want help deciding what deserves a second look?

View all resources

Hire & onboard

Run payroll

Review benefits & leave

Handle taxes & licensing

Check workplace rules

Check workplace rules · Washington

Get free L&I workplace posters (opens in a new tab)

Washington Department of Labor & Industries

Download or order the posters supplied by L&I. Check separately for other federal, state, or local posting requirements that apply.

Compare payment costs

This is a practical starting collection, not a complete list of requirements. Rules and agency pages can change. Use the official source for current instructions, and consult the appropriate professional about your situation. Navigator Strategy is independent of the government agencies linked here.

Official links in this collection were checked on October 22, 2026. A link check confirms the destination listed here. It is not a professional review of the guidance or a compliance certification.