Start an LLC in District of Columbia with these Five Easy Steps
- Step 1. Name Your Washington D.C. LLC
- Step 2. Choose a Registered Agent
- Step 3. File the Articles of Organization
- Step 4. Create an Operating Agreement
- Step 5. Get an EIN
Or Simply use a professional service:
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Starting an LLC in Washington D.C. is Easy
To start a Limited Liability Company in Washington D.C., you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, which costs $220. You can apply online, in-person, or by mail. The Articles of Organization is the legal document that officially creates your DC LLC.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to form a Washington D.C. LLC today and get your business up and running. To learn more about LLCs and their benefits, please read our What is an LLC guide.
STEP 1: Name Your Washington D.C. LLC
Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in starting your LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Washington D.C. naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.
1. Follow the naming guidelines for a DC LLC:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
2. Is the name available in Washington D.C.? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the DC website.
To learn more about searching for a DC LLC name, read our full guide.
3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to start a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
After registering a domain name, consider setting up a professional email account (@yourcompany.com). Google's G Suite offers a business email service that comes with other useful tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and more. Try it for free
Not sure what to name your business? Check out our LLC Name Generator. Then, create a logo with our Free Logo Generator.
FAQ: Naming an LLC
What is an LLC?
LLC is short for Limited Liability Company. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. For more information, read our What is an LLC guide.
Watch our video: What is an LLC?
Do I need to get a DBA or Trade Name for my business?
Most LLCs do not need a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA guide.
STEP 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Washington D.C.
You are required to nominate a Registered Agent for your Washington D.C. LLC.
What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.
Who can be a Registered Agent? a Registered Agent must be a resident of Washington D.C. or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to conduct business in Washington D.C. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.
To learn more about DC Registered Agents, read our full guide.
Recommended: ZenBusiness provides the first year of registered agent service free with LLC formation ($39 + State Fees)
FAQ: Nominating a Washington D.C. Registered Agent
Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your LLC.
Read more about being your own registered agent.
Is a Registered Agent service worth it?
Using a professional Registered Agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
For more information, read our article on District of Columbia registered agents.
STEP 3: File Your Washington D.C. LLC Articles of Organization
To register your LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. This can be done online, by mail, or in-person.
Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.
File the Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With Washington D.C. CorpOnline
- OR -
OPTION 2: File by Mail or In-Person
State Filing Cost: $220 Payable to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (Nonrefundable)
Mail to:
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
PO Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
Submit In-Person:
Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs
1100 4th Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
Walk-in customers will be charged an additional $100.
For help with completing the form, visit our Washington D.C. Articles of Organization guide.
If you’re expanding your existing LLC to Washington D.C., you will need to form a Foreign LLC.
FAQ: Filing LLC Documents
What is the processing time to form my DC LLC?
5 to 7 business days online, up to 3 weeks by mail, but may be expedited for an additional fee.
What is the difference between a domestic DC LLC and foreign LLC?
An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.
How much does it cost to start a Washington DC LLC?
The cost to start a Washington D.C. LLC is $220.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a Washington DC LLC.
STEP 4: Create Your Washington D.C. LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is not required in Washington D.C., but it's a good practice to have one.
What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information on operating agreements, read our Washington D.C. LLC operating agreement guide.
Recommended: Download a template or create a Free Operating Agreement using our tool.
FAQ: Creating an Operating Agreement
Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
STEP 5: Get a Washington D.C. LLC EIN
What is an EIN? EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. EINs are a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help identify businesses for tax purposes. It is essentially a Social Security number for a business.
An EIN is sometimes referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required to:
- Open a business bank account
- File and manage Federal and State Taxes
- Hire employees
What if I already have an EIN for my sole proprietorship? The IRS requires that sole proprietorships get a new EIN when converting to an LLC.
Where do I get an EIN? You can get an EIN for free from the IRS. Getting an EIN is an easy process that can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL EIN APPLICANTS: You do not need a SSN to get an EIN. For more information, read our How to Get an EIN as a Foreign Person guide.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
- OR -
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting a Washington D.C. LLC EIN
How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?
A social security number is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application. Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.
What tax structure should I choose for my Washington D.C. LLC?
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs S Corp guide.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
Have a question? Leave a Comment!
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Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?
We reviewed and ranked the top 5 LLC formation companies.
Find out which is best LLC service for you.
Important Steps After Forming an LLC
Separate Your Personal and Business Assets
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your Washington D.C. LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing the corporate veil.
You can start protecting your LLC in Washington D.C. with these steps:
1. Opening a business checking account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Need help finding your EIN for your bank application? Visit our EIN Lookup guide for help.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank, credit union, business-loan friendly banks, one with many brick-and-mortar locations, and more.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
- Builds your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise capital (e.g., small business loans) later on.
Recommended: Learn more about the best small business credit cards.
For other important steps to protect your corporate veil, like properly signing legal documents and documenting company business, please read our corporate veil article.
3. Hiring a business accountant:
- Prevents your business from overpaying on taxes while helping you avoid penalties, fines, and other costly tax errors
- Makes bookkeeping and payroll easier, leaving you with more time to focus on your growing business
- Manages your business funding more effectively, discovering areas of unforeseen loss or extra profit
Recommended: Find out how much you could be saving today by scheduling a consultation with a business accountant.
For more business accounting tools, read our guide to the best business accounting software.
Get Business Insurance for Your Washington D.C. LLC
Business insurance helps you manage risks and focus on growing your LLC. The most common types of business insurance are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Washington D.C., businesses with one or more employees are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance.
Read our review of the best small business insurance companies.
Create Your Business Website
Creating a website is a big step in legitimizing your business. Every business needs a website. Even if you think that your business is too small or in an offline industry, if you don’t have a website, you are missing out on a large percentage of potential customers and revenue.
Some may fear that creating a business website is out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own and control.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Using our website building guides, the process will be simple and painless and shouldn’t take you any longer than 2-3 hours to complete.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Send Out a Press Release
Press releases are among the easiest and best ways to promote your business. They are also one of the most cost-effective strategies as they:
- Provides publicity
- Establish your brand presence on the web
- Improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO), driving more customers to your website
- Are a one-time cost in terms of effort and money
- Have long-lasting benefits
Recommended: TRUiC has negotiated a 25% discount for you on a service that will write and distribute press releases for you.
Read our review of the best press release distribution services.
Join the Conversation
We are here to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey, and are always looking at your feedback. Share your experiences in our comment box, chat with other entrepreneurs, or simply let us know how we're doing.
Keep Your Company Compliant
Washington D.C. LLC Business Permits and Licenses
Do I need business licenses and permits?
To operate your LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.
The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.
Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.
Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:
- Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide.
- State: Apply for and learn more about Basic Business Licenses and registration with My DC Business Center on the DC Business Center website.
- Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.
Recommended: If you are a first-time entrepreneur, consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review on Startup Savant.
Washington D.C. LLC Tax Filing Requirements
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.
Washington D.C. Sales Tax
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Washington D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue website.
This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.
Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.
Read our Washington D.C. sales tax guide to find out more.
Washington D.C. Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Washington D.C., you will have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Department of Employment Services. You will also need to sign up for Withholding Tax through the Office of Tax and Revenue.
FAQ: Additional Taxes
What is the Washington D.C. Franchise Tax?
There is a Franchise Tax for each LLC formed in Washington D.C. which varies depending upon your LLC’s income.
Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements
Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:
- Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
- Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)
How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.
Read our LLC Tax Guide to learn more about federal income taxes for LLCs.
Washington D.C. Franchise Tax
Washington D.C. LLCs are required to pay an annual Franchise Tax.
File the Annual Franchise Tax With Washington D.C.
OPTION 1: File Form D-30 (for all LLCs with gross income more than $12,000)
- OR -
OPTION 2: File Form D-65 (only for multi-member LLCs with gross income of $12,000 or less)
State Filing Cost: Free to file. Franchise tax payments should be made payable to the DC Treasurer.
Due Date: Due on April 15th for calendar-year filers, otherwise on the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of the tax year for fiscal filers
Late Filings: For all late payments, the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue will charge:
- a penalty of 5% per month, up to 25% of the total tax due,
- an interest penalty of 10% per year, compounded daily, and
- a collection fee of 10% the tax balance due after 90 days.
FAQ: Washington D.C. Franchise Tax
What are the rates DC LLCs pay for franchise tax?
The District of Columbia levies a franchise tax on all LLCs with more than $12,000 in gross receipts, and which are not otherwise exempt. The tax is 9.0% of all taxable income. Taxable income is derived from your LLC’s net income, minus a $5,000 exemption for unincorporated entities and a 30% salary allowance for the owners of your LLC.
The minimum tax rate is $250 for companies with DC gross receipts under $1 million, and $1,000 for companies with DC gross receipts over $1 million.
File Your LLC Biennial Report
Washington D.C. requires LLCs to file a biennial report with the Superintendent of Corporations of DCRA.
File your Biennial Report
OPTION 1: File Online With Washington D.C. CorpOnline
- OR -
Fee: $300 Payable to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (Nonrefundable)
Submit In-Person:
Business License Center
1100 4th St., SW
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Due Date: The first report is due on April 1st of the year following LLC formation. Thereafter, a new report must be filed every second year by April 1st.
Late Filings: Washington D.C. charges a $100 penalty for failure to file on time.
Walk-in: submitting the report in person will cost an extra expedited fee $100.
Avoid Automatic Dissolution
LLCs may face fines and even automatic dissolution when they miss one or more state filings. When this happens, LLC owners risk loss of limited liability protection. A quality registered agent service can help prevent this outcome by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines and by submitting reports on your behalf.
Recommended: ZenBusiness offers a reliable registered agent service and excellent customer support. Learn more by reading our ZenBusiness Review.
Hiring Employees in Washington D.C.
If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:
- Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
- Report employees as "new hires" to the district
- Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
- Withhold employee taxes
- Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your workspace
Find out more information at the Washington D.C. Directory of New Hires.
Recommended: Check out our Hiring for your Small Business Guide for resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.
FAQ: Hiring Employees in Washington D.C.
What is the minimum wage in Washington D.C.?
The minimum wage in Washington D.C. is $15.00 per hour.
How often do I need to pay employees?
Washington D.C. requires wages to be paid regularly at least twice per month.
Get Help Starting a Business in Washington D.C.
We understand that creating an LLC and getting your business up and running comes with many challenges. To help you succeed, we compiled the best local resources in Washington D.C. You can get free assistance throughout the district:
Small Business Resources
Women in Business Tools and Resources
If you have a woman-owned business, many resources are available to help you concentrate on your business’s growth:
- Funding - (ie. grants, investors, loans)
- Events - (ie. conferences, meetups)
- Guides - (ie. business formation, personal growth)
- Support - (ie. advice, communities, business strategies)
Our information and tools will provide educational sources, allow you to connect with other women entrepreneurs, and help you manage your business with ease.
Free LLC Legal Forms
TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms to help with creating documents like:
- Operating agreements
- LLC resolutions
- Hiring documents, including:
- Employment contracts
- Independent contractor service agreements (ICSA)
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDA)
All you’ll need to do to download the forms is sign up for the TRUiC Business Center, which is also free, forever.
How to Make a Website
Check out our how to build a website guide to learn how creating a website isn’t as difficult as it might seem. With the right tools, a good guide, and a bit of patience, you can learn how to make a website for your business in no time.
Recommended: Read our review to find the best website builder for small business.
How to Build Business Credit
Learning how to build business credit can help you get credit cards and other business funding options in your business's name (instead of yours), with better interest rates, higher lines of credit, and more.
TRUiC’s Small Business Tools
TRUiC believes business tools should be free and useful. Our tools help solve business challenges, from finding an idea for your business, to creating a business plan, writing an operating agreement for your LLC, and more.
Check out TRUiC’s small business tools:
More Washington D.C. LLC Information
Washington D.C. Foreign LLCs
Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. If you have an existing LLC and want to do business in Washington D.C., you will need to register as a foreign LLC. This can be done online or by mail.
Register as a Foreign LLC in Washington D.C.
OPTION 1: File Online With Washington D.C. CorpOnline
- OR -
OPTION 2: File by Mail
Fee: $220, payable to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (Nonrefundable)
Mail to:
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
PO Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Washington D.C.
A Certificate of Good Standing verifies that your LLC was legally formed and has been properly maintained. Several instances where you might need to get one include:
- Seeking funding from banks or other lenders
- Forming your business as a foreign LLC in another state
- Obtaining or renewing specific business licenses or permits
You can order a Washington D.C. Certificate of Good Standing online.
Order a Certificate of Good Standing
How to Dissolve an LLC in Washington D.C.
If at any point in the future you no longer wish to conduct business with your LLC, it is important to officially dissolve it. Failure to do so in a timely fashion can result in tax liabilities and penalties, or even legal trouble. To dissolve your LLC, there are two broad steps:
- Close your business tax accounts
- File the Articles of Dissolution
When you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our Washington D.C. LLC Dissolution Guide.
Read More about LLCs & How to Run a Business
Key Terms for Entrepreneurs
LLC: An LLC is a US business structure that offers the personal liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a sole proprietorship or partnership.
DBA: A DBA, or doing business as name, is any name a business operates under that isn't its legal name.
Partnership: A partnership is an informal business structure owned by more than one individual that doesn't provide personal liability protection.