BELLINGHAM - The city has a new online service for businesses that offers simple, convenient ways to meet licensing requirements and make tax payments.

"We are very pleased to provide new online services for businesses," John Carter, Bellingham's finance director, said in a news release. "These new options for registering and making tax payments simplify these important functions while saving businesses time and effort."

Bellingham recently launched a new online service for businesses that are already registered with the city and are subject to the local Business and Occupational tax. The web service enables businesses to update their contact information and pay B&O taxes, including any outstanding balances.

For new business registrations, the city has partnered with the state Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service. The new unified structure allows any applicant seeking a Bellingham business registration and a state business license to apply at the same time and place.

The two new web services, as well as other resources available to support and serve Bellingham's local businesses, are available at cob.org/business.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.