How to Form an LLC in Washington in 8 Steps

When you first register your LLC by filing your certificate of formation, you will pay $200 if you file online (or $180 if you file by mail or in person). Each year your LLC remains registered with the state, you must file an annual report and pay $60.

The online filing fee for a certificate of formation is $200. If you file by mail or submit the certificate of formation in person, the filing fee is $180.

To keep your LLC compliant with Washington State law, you must file an annual report and pay an annual report filing fee of $60.

There are different types of LLCs in Washington State. Make sure that the business structure is right for your business.

Single-member LLC. Single-member LLCs are owned and managed by one member. They resemble sole proprietorships for federal tax purposes. The member is responsible for managing the business.

Multi-member LLC. Multi-member LLCs have two or more members or managers. They resemble partnerships for federal tax purposes. The members or managers retain limited liability and can shield their personal assets from the business's liability. It is often a good idea to have an operating agreement for a multi-member LLC.

Professional LLC. Washington State law allows for professional LLCs (PLLC), comprised of licensed professionals as members to render professional services. The suffix must be "Professional Limited Liability Company," Professional Limited Liability Co.," P.L.L.C.," or "PLLC." Note that dentists have a different set of rules.

Yes. When you create and register your LLC in Washington State, you must also file a certificate of formation with the Washington State Secretary of State. You can file online or by mail. The fee for filing online is $200 ($180 to file by mail or in person). This certificate proves your LLC's existence in Washington State and may be needed when opening a business bank account or applying for a permit.

A certificate of existence verifies your business is legal and continues to comply with state requirements. Other states call a certificate of existence a "certificate of good standing." Your LLC is not legally required to obtain a certificate of existence in Washington State. However, in some situations, you may need one when applying for a bank loan or registering as a foreign LLC in another state. You can obtain a certificate of existence online or by mail. The fee is $20.

There are not many formation requirements in Washington State, but you do need the following:

• An acceptable LLC business name with an LLC designator such as "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Liability Co.," "L.L.C., "or "LLC"
• A registered agent with a physical address within the state
• Completed certificate of formation
• Payment of filing fee

Your LLC must file an initial report with the Secretary of State within 120 days of its effective formation date. Each year your LLC wants to do business in the state, you must file an annual report and pay the required fee.

The following are the advantages of forming an LLC in Washington State:

• Limited personal liability for members for business debts and lawsuits
• Fewer reporting and recordkeeping requirements than other kinds of entities, including corporations
• Avoiding the double taxation—business and personal—of corporations if taxed as a pass-through entity

Each year your LLC is registered in Washington, you must file an annual report and pay the required $60 state fee.

No. The certificate of formation is the initial document you file with the Secretary of State to register your LLC. A certificate of formation is a document of public record. An operating agreement, however, is an internal company document. It's a written agreement between the members of the LLC and usually includes provisions about the roles, rights, and responsibilities of each member or manager. An operating agreement is not legally required, but it's a good idea to have one.

Yes. If your LLC is doing business under a different name, you can apply for a trade name or DBA with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Do a name search using the government agency's business lookup online tool to ensure the trade name is available. The registration fee is $5 per application.

It depends. Your LLC may need to submit a business license application with the Department of Revenue. You may also be subject to local permits and licenses. To learn more, visit the Washington State Department of Revenue website.

Yes. You can apply to register your Washington State LLC online with the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System. Too busy or want someone else to handle your LLC's registration? You can also use a business formation service company to apply for an LLC in Washington.

The Washington State Secretary of State's physical/overnight address is:

Corporations & Charities Division
801 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA 98501-1226

The Washington State Secretary of State's mailing address is:

Corporations & Charities Division
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234

Yes. Each LLC is required to have a registered agent. The registered agent must maintain a street address in Washington State for service of process, notice, or demand. To ensure you receive all services of process, protect your privacy, and keep your LLC compliant, you can use a registered agent service.

A domestic LLC in Washington is an LLC formed in its home state of Washington. A foreign LLC is an LLC created under the laws of another state or jurisdiction.

To register your Washington LLC in another state, you will likely need to register as a foreign LLC in that state or jurisdiction. Complete their application, pay the fee and include your Washington State certificate of existence to confirm your LLC is in good standing. The certificate of existence costs $20 and you can order it online from the Secretary of State. You will first want to the availability of your LLC name in the new jurisdiction to see if you can use it or if you need to register a DBA (doing business as) or trade name.

Any foreign (out-of-state) LLC that wants to do business in Washington State must register online as a foreign LLC with the Secretary of State. There is a $200 online filing fee (or a $180 fee to file by mail). A certificate of good standing/existence from the LLC's home state is also required.

To dissolve an LLC in Washington, you must do the following:

• Follow any dissolution procedures in your operating agreement (if you have one).
• Close any business accounts and settles any outstanding taxes.
• File a certificate of dissolution with the Secretary of State.

An authorized person must sign the certificate of dissolution and include the LLC's UBI number. There is no fee for a certificate of dissolution.

Foreign LLCs in Washington State must instead file a statement of withdrawal of foreign registration.

Not in Washington. Only some states allow anonymous LLCs. An anonymous LLC is appealing because it's a way to protect your identity when forming your business. An anonymous LLC allows you to run your business without making your name and personal information available to the public. If you want to retain confidentiality, privacy, and protection, consider using a registered agent service for your business.