Ways to Say NO ... Including MAYBE (Probably No).

This blog post will grow!

For now, here are some great ways to say NO … including MAYBE (Probably No).

Basic No-s

No thank you, I’m going to pass on this.
Thank you for inquiring … I’m going to pass.
Hmmm… I think I need to pass on this.

Oh bummer, I’m actually phasing out that service … so I have to say no.
I’m not currently set up / prepared / ready for that type of project, so need to say no.

No thanks.
Thanks, but no thanks.
I’ve got to say no for now, but thanks for asking.
I’d rather not, but thanks for asking. 
I appreciate you asking. I need to say No at this time.

Oh shoot, that’s a hard no.
Oh sorry, that won’t work for me.
I need to RSVP no for this event.

I wish there were 2 of me, in that case I would say yes!

I need to bow out this time.
Sorry, no. Nat at this time.

I’m otherwise engaged, sorry!
Ooh, it’s not likely I can make that work. I’ll let you know if anything changes.
I’m sorry, I’m all booked up that week/month.
I’m booked up until the end of the year.
Oh shoot, I’m already committed that ___[evening/week/etc.]____.
I’d love to, but my plate is totally full right now!
I’m honored that you asked! Currently, I’m at capacity, so have to say no. If I had a clone, I would totally do it.

What you need is beyond my wheelhouse / my scope / my expertise…sorry, I need to say no.
Sounds tempting, but I need to pass.
If you asked me __ month/years ago … I would have said yes! But now, I’m doing something different, and have to say no.
Thank you for asking. I’m not able to take this project on right now.

I wish I could make this work right now, but need to pass.
Oh man, it’s just not possible for me to take that on right now.

Helpful No-s

My business has changed, and I no longer offer that service. Here’s a referral … or All the best with your search.

What you need is beyond my wheelhouse / my scope / my expertise…and I want you to get what you need and deserve. So, I need to say no.

Sorry no, I can’t do that. But here’s what I can do….

 Ask Me Later

Oh wow, that’s a cool opportunity. At this time, I need to say no / pass. Please ask me again in the future!

Maybe someday I can say yes. For now, I need to say no.
I need to say no for now, maybe another time?

I’m at capacity, and currently not booking any future work. Feel free to check back with me in __ months.

I need to bow out this round.
Thank you for thinking of me, I need to pass this round.

Oh bummer, I’m just not able to fit that in currently. Feel free to check back with me later.
Can I take a rain check?

Maybe (Probably No)

Hmm. Let me think on that, and I’ll get back to you.

I’ll check my calendar later – when I get home / during my office hour – and will get back to you by _____.

If you don’t hear back by this date, then I’m a no.

Hmm, I’m guessing that I’m booked already. So I’ll say no for now, and if something changes, I’ll let you know!

♥

How to Close a Business in Seattle

DRAFT FORM

Time to close up shop?
I’ve got you covered.
Checklist for download - coming soon!

There are two major things to do:
Alert all agencies - to close the business
+
Do the final tax reporting.

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Part One - Alert all Agencies / Closing the Business

1 - IF Relevant to you - Close your LLC/PLLC

With the Secretary of State
Referred to as filing a “Certificate of Dissolution”

Paper form - click this link for the form (if this doesn’t work, search on the SOS.wa.gov site for “close LLC”)
Online - sign into the Corps and Charities Filing System. Look on the left nav for “Dissolution/Withdrawal” link. Search for your LLC/PLLC. Select yours, then follow the instructions.

2 - Close WA State Business License

With Washington DOR (Dept. of Revenue)
Referred to as “Close my Account”

Paper Form - Business Information Change Form. Mailing info on the form.
Online - sign into MYDOR. Click “Get Started” or navigate to your “Excise Tax Account” page. Scroll down, at the bottom, you’ll find a link for “Close License Account.”

3 - Close City of Seattle Business License

With City of Seattle
Referred to as “Cancel a License”

Paper - Write a letter, include this info (Name and phone number, Customer number, Legal name of business, Date business closed). Mail to: Finance and Administrative Services, PO Box 94689, Seattle, WA, 98124-4689
Email - Send an email with the info listed above, to: tax@seattle.gov
Online - Fill out an online form. Click here. If it doesn’t work, please call: 206.684.8484

4 - IF Relevant to you - Close your Account with King County

With King County Department of Assessments
Referred to as “Close Account”

Paper Form - Fill out the Advance Tax Request Form. Click here to download. Address on the top of the form. Need more help? Call 206.296.5126 or email: personal.property@kingcounty.gov

NOTES

•  Have any special permits? Or licenses? Please contact the issuers of those to find out how to cancel.

• There is NO need to notify the IRS

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Part Two - Final Tax Reporting

1 - Make final report to WA State

Due within 10 days after closing your license.

Note - Some of you file ANNUALLY, some of you file QUARTERLY. You will need to make sure that all reports are complete.

Options:
• Go onto MYDOR, log into your account. Navigate to: “Manage Payments and Returns”. Find all reports that are still due - and complete these. If you need help, call 360.705.6705.
• Call the DOR and ask them to help you. 360.705.6705.
• If you use paper forms, these will likely be mailed to you. You can call the above number for assistance.

2 - Make final report to City of Seattle

DUE - Seattle will let you know. Standard due date is by April 30th of the next calendar year.

Options:
Online - Sign into FileLocal to complete your annual report
Paper - You can request paper forms by emailing tax@seattle.gov or, make the request as part of the Online Form for canceling your license.

3 - IF Relevant - Make final report to IRS

If your business had any activity - whether you had a profit or loss, you will need to report it as part of that year’s taxes. If you are a Sole Prop or Single-Member LLC, then it is reported along with your individual taxes … on the Schedule C form. See this page for info on IRS taxes.

For example, let’s say Meghan closes her music business in June of 2021. She made a small profit of $800. Meghan will need to report her business info next year, before April 2022 along with her personal taxes.

If your business had NO activity in its final calendar year, then there is NO need to report anything with the IRS next April.

NOTE

• Final report to King County was covered earlier, with the Advance Tax Request Form
• NO need to do any financial reporting to the LLC / PLLC. (That is done through your WA state business license.)

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Phew! Well done. Be sure to give yourself a nice reward for finishing this chapter - whether it was a short experiment, or on-going side gig, or a major career! It’s worth marking the change, and it’s important to treat yo’self for following through all the way to the end. Need some ideas? Click here for a Reward Menu.