Forming an Washington LLC
(2025 Guide)
2025 LLC Guide
How to Start an LLC in Washington (Step-by-Step Guide)
Discover how to start an LLC in Washington, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.
To establish an LLC in Washington state, submit a Certificate of Formation & Initial Report to the Washington Secretary of State. The process costs $200 and approval takes about 14 days. Follow these 6 steps:
Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File a Certificate of Formation & Initial Report
Create an Operating Agreement
Get an EIN
Obtain a Business License
If you prefer to form your LLC on your own, consult our free guide below.
For those who would like assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
What is the cost of starting an LLC in Washington?
The initial cost to establish an LLC in Washington is $200. After that, there is an annual fee of $60. What do these fees cover? The $200 fee is for filing the Certificate of Formation, which officially creates the LLC. The $60 annual fee is for the Annual Report, a required submission to maintain good standing for your LLC. For more information, refer to LLC Costs in Washington.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
If you choose to file by mail, expect approval within 5-6 weeks, not including mailing time. Opting for online filing will result in approval within 12-14 business days. For the most current processing times, check How long does it take to get an LLC in Washington for any potential delays.
Here’s how to establish an LLC in Washington
1. Conduct an LLC Name Search
Begin by checking the availability of your LLC Name within the state. This step is essential as no two businesses can share the same name in the same state. Start by searching your desired business entity name and comparing it with current businesses in Washington. You can verify the uniqueness of your LLC Name through the state’s Advanced Business Search.
Next, acquaint yourself with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name is approved. We’ll provide a more detailed explanation here: Washington LLC Name.
2. Select a Washington Registered Agent
The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Washington Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Washington Limited Liability Company.
Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:
You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service
Washington mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.
If you lack an address in Washington or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We suggest Northwest Registered Agent
One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.
Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.
3. Submit LLC Certificate of Formation & Initial Report
To establish an LLC, the Washington Certificate of Formation and Initial Report must be submitted. This documentation is filed with the Washington Secretary of State. Filing the LLC Certificate of Formation and Initial Report online costs $200.
Pro Tip: Filing online is recommended as it is more convenient, quicker, and less expensive. If you choose to file by mail, the cost is $200 for the Certificate of Formation plus an additional $30 for the Initial Report, and you’ll need to file them separately. This is a one-time filing required to form your LLC.
If you want to handle this process on your own, check out our step-by-step guide: Washington Certificate of Formation. Alternatively, you can hire a company to manage it for you.
4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.
Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.
Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Washington Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.
5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC
The following step is to secure a Washington EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.
An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.
How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.
How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
6. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Every business operating in Washington must secure a general business license from the state authorities.
Additionally, your LLC might require a local business license or permit based on its location. For instance, establishing a daycare may necessitate obtaining a business license from the city or county. More information is available on our Washington Business License page.
What should I do after my LLC is approved?
Once your LLC is approved, there are several important steps to take.
Get an LLC business bank account
Opening a business bank account for your LLC is crucial. It simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. A separate business account also safeguards your personal liability by keeping business finances distinct from personal ones.
File your LLC Annual Report
Every Washington LLC must submit an Annual Report each year to remain in good standing with the state.
What is the cost for a Washington LLC Annual Report? The filing fee for the Annual Report is $60 annually.
When is the Annual Report due? The report is due at the end of your LLC’s anniversary month, which is the month your LLC was approved. For instance, if your LLC was approved on March 16, your Annual Report is due by March 31 every year.
When is the first Annual Report due? The first Annual Report is due the year following your LLC’s approval. For example, if your LLC was approved on March 16, 2025, your first Annual Report is due by March 31, 2026.
How do I file my LLC Annual Report? You can file the report online or by mail. We recommend online filing for its ease. Follow our step-by-step guide here: Washington LLC Annual Report.
File and pay taxes
LLCs do not pay federal taxes directly. Instead, LLC Members report the LLC taxes as part of their personal tax returns.
How is my LLC taxed? By default, the IRS taxes an LLC based on its ownership:
– A Single-Member LLC is taxed as a Sole Proprietorship.
– A Multi-Member LLC is taxed as a Partnership.
You may opt to have the IRS tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Married couples can choose to be taxed as a Single-Member LLC (Qualified Joint Venture) instead of a Partnership, as Washington is a community property state.
Besides federal taxes, state and local income taxes and gross receipts tax also apply. Fortunately, Washington doesn’t levy a state-level income tax, so you don’t need to file a state-level income tax return with the Washington Department of Revenue for your LLC income. Nonetheless, all businesses must pay the Business & Occupation Tax (B&O Tax) annually. The B&O Tax is a gross receipts tax, meaning the tax amount is based on your LLC’s total annual earnings. Additional Washington business taxes may apply to specific industries and business types. Learn more in Washington LLC Taxes.
Helpful Resources
Washington Secretary of State
Washington Corporations and Charities Division
Phone: 360-725-0377
Hours: 8am – 5pm, M-F
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How to Start an LLC in Washington FAQs
Can I start an LLC online in Washington?
Yes, you can establish an LLC online in Washington. The Certificate of Formation costs $200. When filed online, it typically takes 12-14 business days for approval.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
One major advantage of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal possessions—such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain secure. This protection is available to all LLC Members, whether you own a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. Unlike Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, LLC owners aren’t personally liable for business debts. This makes LLCs a preferred business structure. Another benefit is pass-through taxation, where the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal taxes. Instead, profits pass to Members who report them on personal tax returns. Washington’s tax system mirrors the federal treatment. For details, see How are LLCs taxed.
Is Washington a good state to start an LLC?
Deciding if Washington is the right state to start an LLC depends on your location and business activities. If you reside or do business in Washington, it’s ideal to establish your LLC there. While some states offer tax perks, they’re irrelevant if you don’t live or work there. For example, forming an LLC in Delaware but operating in Washington means you must also register in Washington, incurring extra fees and taxes. This results in higher costs without benefits. In summary, if you live and operate in Washington, it’s a good choice. If not, it’s better to form your LLC where you live or work. One exception is real estate; purchase property outside Washington, and form your LLC where the property is located. For further details, see Best State to Form an LLC.
What is the difference between a Domestic LLC, a Foreign LLC, and a PLLC?
The differences between Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and PLLCs lie in formation location and business purpose. A Domestic LLC is formed in its “home state,” where the owner resides and operates. For instance, if you live and work in Georgia, your Domestic LLC is formed there. A Foreign LLC is formed outside its home state. If your Georgia-based LLC expands into Florida, you register it as a Foreign LLC in Florida. Essentially, LLCs are state-level entities. To operate in two states, you must establish or register an LLC in each. This typically involves forming a Domestic LLC in your home state and a Foreign LLC in the other.
What is a PLLC?
A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is a specialized LLC for offering “professional services.” These services require licenses, registrations, or certifications to operate legally, such as for architects, attorneys, social workers, doctors, and veterinarians. For more on PLLCs, including their requirements, refer to What’s a Professional LLC? For additional information on Foreign and Domestic LLCs, see: Foreign LLCs by State and Difference between Domestic LLCs and Foreign LLCs.
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