Washington § 51.48.055 - Termination, dissolution, or abandonment of business — Personal liability for unpaid premiums.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 51.48.055 — Termination, dissolution, or abandonment of business — Personal liability for unpaid premiums., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 51.48.055. Termination, dissolution, or abandonment of business — Personal liability for unpaid premiums.

(1) Upon termination, dissolution, or abandonment of a corporate or limited liability company business, any officer, member, manager, or other person having control or supervision of payment and/or reporting of industrial insurance, or who is charged with the responsibility for the filing of returns, is personally liable for any unpaid premiums and interest and penalties on those premiums if such officer or other person willfully fails to pay or to cause to be paid any premiums due the department under chapter 51.16 RCW.
For purposes of this subsection "willfully fails to pay or to cause to be paid" means that the failure was the result of an intentional, conscious, and voluntary course of action.
(2) The officer, member, manager, or other person is liable only for premiums that became due during the period he or she had the control, supervision, responsibility, or duty to act for the corporation described in subsection (1) of this section, plus interest and penalties on those premiums.
(3) The officer, member, manager, or other person is not liable if that person is not exempt from mandatory coverage under RCW 51.12.020 and was directed not to pay the employer's premiums by someone who is exempt.
(4) The officer, member, manager, or other person is not liable if all of the assets of the corporation or limited liability company have been applied to its debts through bankruptcy or receivership.
(5) Any person having been issued a notice of assessment under this section is entitled to the appeal procedures under RCW 51.48.131.
(6) This section does not relieve the corporation or limited liability company of its liabilities under Title 51 RCW or otherwise impair other tax collection remedies afforded by law.
(7) Collection authority and procedures prescribed in this chapter apply to collections under this section.
[ 2004 c 243 s 3.]

Notes

Adoption of rules—2004 c 243: See note following RCW 51.08.177.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 51.48.055

What does Revised Code of Washington § 51.48.055 cover?

Section 51.48.055 ("Termination, dissolution, or abandonment of business — Personal liability for unpaid premiums.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 51.48.055?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 51.48.055" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 51.48.055 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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