Washington LLC Cost

How do I form my LLC in Washington?

Now you know the answer to the question, What does it cost to start a business in Washington? Here are the steps you need to take to make it happen.

1. Name Your LLC 

Washington Business Name Rules 🗎

Naming your business can be fun, but the name must comply with Washington law. A Washington LLC’s name must:

• Be different from other LLC names reserved or registered in Washington
• Contain the words “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Liability Co.,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC”
• Not include any words like “corporation” that suggest the LLC is another business form

The name also can’t contain any words or phrases that violate any state statutes. 

Washington Business Name Checker

You also want the name of your business to match your website’s domain name. If your website is too different from your LLC’s name, customers might confuse it with another company or have trouble finding your website.

So before you register your business name, run it through our Business Name Checker to see if the domain name is available. 

2. Choose a Registered Agent  

All Washington LLCs must have a registered agent, and the person or entity you choose has to consent in writing.

What is a registered agent?

The registered agent is the point of contact for your business. This person or entity has to be available during business hours to receive notices, demands, and service of process.  

Registered Agent Options

You can serve as your own registered agent or have another noncommercial agent do it for you, but the registered agent must provide a physical street address in the State of Washington.

If you choose a commercial registered agent that is already registered with the Secretary of State, you don’t need to provide an address. 

Deciding on a Registered Agent

If you’re just starting up, it can be difficult to have someone in the office all the time. Getting served with a lawsuit in front of clients also could be embarrassing. For these reasons, it’s often best to hire a registered agent.

3. File Your Certificate of Formation

You need to file your Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State to get authorization to legally operate your Washington LLC. You can file online (with your $200 filing fee) or by mailing it (with your $180 filing fee) to:

Washington Secretary of State

PO Box 40234

Olympia, WA 98504-0234 

The address for hand-delivered or overnight deliveries is:

Washington Secretary of State

801 Capitol Way S

Olympia, WA 98501-1226

Again, expedited paper filings cost an extra $50.

4. Create an Operating Agreement

Washington does not require LLCs to have operating agreements, but it’s a good idea to draft one. Most importantly, an operating agreement makes clear that your LLC is a separate entity. This helps provide you with the limited liability you want.

Operating agreements also help avoid misunderstandings about duties and finances.

If you’re looking for ideas for a framework for your operating agreement, our Operating Agreement Template is a good place to start.

5. Get an EIN 

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) registers your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Also referred to as a Federal Tax ID Number, an EIN is necessary to file your taxes if you don’t want to use your social security number. Banks and insurance companies also require an EIN when you open a business bank account or apply for insurance coverage.

If contacting the IRS sounds intimidating, we can take care of the paperwork for you with our Employer ID Number Service. 

Check Washington Annual Requirements     

Remember when we said Washington requires you to file an Annual Report and renew your business license every year? If you submit them together, the renewal licensing fee is only $10. 

You also need to file a state excise tax return. The Department of Revenue will let you know if you have to file your excise tax return monthly, quarterly, or annually. Depending on how your business is classified, you will need to pay things like:

• Business and occupations tax 
• Sales and use tax

If this sounds overwhelming, here is easy-to-digest information about Washington business taxes.

Stay Legally Compliant

Remember that you need to let the Washington Secretary of State know if you make changes to your limited liability company. This includes things like changing your business address or switching to a new registered agent. The Secretary of State’s website provides forms covering all these changes. 

We can help!

We know starting an LLC and running a business sound daunting, but they don’t have to be. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our services and resources will help you avoid expensive mistakes and penalties so you can focus on what really matters – growing your business.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.