How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Washington?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Washington is $200. This fee is paid to the Washington Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Certificate of Formation.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Washington?
Washington LLC Online Filing Fee: $200
The main cost to start an LLC is the $200 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Formation online with the Washington Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Initial Report: Varies
All LLCs must file an initial report. If you register your LLC online, the initial report is included at no extra cost. If you register your LLC by mail, you can either file the initial report by mail for $10 or online for $30.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Washington
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Washington, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Washington.
The cost for registering a Washington foreign LLC is $200 online or $180 by mail. You can register a foreign LLC in Washington by filing a Foreign Registration Statement. This can also be done by mail.
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 180 days prior to LLC formation by filing a name reservation form and paying the $30 filing fee.
Foreign LLC Name Registration
Foreign LLCs can register names by filing a foreign name registration and paying the $30 filing fee.
Trade Name
File a Business License Application and pay the $24 filing fee to register a trade name other than your legal LLC business name. This can also be done by mail.
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Washington Ongoing LLC Costs
Maintaining a successful limited liability company (LLC) in Washington entails understanding and fulfilling the ongoing requirements and costs associated with compliance and legal standing.
Here are the primary ongoing requirements for a Washington LLC:
- Annual Report: Washington LLCs are required to file an annual report. This report serves to update the state with essential information about the LLC, including its ownership and management. The filing fee for the annual report is $60.
- Registered Agent: Though a required appointment by the state, there is no state-mandated fee for electing or maintaining a registered agent in Washington State. You can, however, choose to outsource the role to a professional service for a yearly fee (usually $100–$200).
By meeting these ongoing requirements and adhering to the applicable regulations, you can ensure the legal and financial well-being of your Washington LLC.
How to Register a Washington LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Washington is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service
Washington LLC Cost FAQ
To form an LLC in Washington, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. The submission can be done online or by mail. The cost of filing by mail is $180, whereas online filing is $200.
In Washington, a registered agent is required for your LLC. This is an individual or entity that agrees to receive legal and tax documents on behalf of your business.
Yes, in Washington, an LLC can operate under a trade name or a "doing business as" (DBA) name. This allows the company to conduct business under a name other than the one registered with the Secretary of State.
LLCs in Washington are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The fee for this is $60.
LLC formation services can greatly simplify the process of creating an LLC in Washington. These services handle all the paperwork and filing, saving you time and ensuring that everything is submitted correctly. Additionally, they often offer useful ongoing services, such as compliance reminders and registered agent services.
You can check the availability of a business name in Washington through the Business Search tool provided by the Washington Secretary of State's office.
A Certificate of Existence in Washington is a document issued by the Secretary of State that verifies your LLC's compliance with all state regulations and its good standing. This certificate may be required by banks, potential business partners, or other relevant entities when your LLC needs to prove its legitimacy.
Article Sources
Washington Department of Revenue:
https://dor.wa.gov/
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Washington Secretary of State:
https://www.sos.wa.gov/
Small Business Administration - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Washington Chamber of Commerce List:
http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Washington.html