How To Get An LLC In Washington State In 7 Easy Steps

Overview

Getting an LLC in Washington state involves a straightforward process. Below, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and provide factual answers to common questions.

How To Get An LLC In Washington: Step-By-Step

1. Choose a Name for Your LLC:
   • Choose a unique and available name for your LLC.
   • Perform a Washington LLC name search through the Washington Secretary of State website.
   • Reserve your chosen name if needed.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent:
   • Appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Washington state.
3. File Certificate of Formation:
   • Complete the Washington LLC Articles of Formation form.
   • File online through the Washington Secretary of State website or by mail.
4. File an Initial Report:
   • If you’ve formed an LLC in Washington, you need to file an initial report within 120 days of formation. 
5. Operating Agreement:
   • Draft an operating agreement outlining the structure and operation of your LLC. Although not required by the state, it is highly recommended.
6. Employer Identification Number (EIN):
   • Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.
7. File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report:
   • Beginning in 2024, Washington LLCs must submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report.

1. Choose A Name For Your LLC

Check if the name you desire for your Washington LLC is available in the state. This is important because no two businesses in Washington can share the same name.

To do this, use the Washington Secretary of State website Entity Search tool to compare your business name with existing ones in Washington. 

Make sure your LLC name is unique by following Washington’s naming rules to increase the chances of your LLC name being approved.

If you need, you can reserve the name for your LLC for up to 180 days. The cost is $30.

2. Appoint A Registered Agent 

In Washington, you need to choose a registered agent for your LLC. This is the person or company allowed to get legal papers and important notices on behalf of your LLC.

Your Registered Agent can be a person, like yourself or one of your employees, or a company that offers this service.

The registered agent has to meet some requirements:

• If it is a company, it must offer registered agent services.
• The agent must have an address in Washington.
• The agent must be there in person and ready to get documents during regular business hours.

3. File Washington LLC Certificate Of Formation

To officially establish your Washington LLC, you need to file the Washington LLC Certificate of Formation. 

This document provides essential details about your LLC and serves as the official registration.

To prepare the certificate, gather the following information: your LLC name, the name and address of the registered agent, specify the type of your LLC business, and provide the effective date if different from the filing date. 

The form is a straightforward online submission or can be sent by mail.

The Washington LLC Certificate of Formation filing fee is $200 for online filing and $180 if sent by mail. 

Once filed, the Washington Secretary of State will review the document, and upon approval, your LLC attains legal business entity status. 

You can undertake this process independently using our step-by-step guide or opt for the convenience of hiring a company for assistance.

4. File An Initial Report

In Washington, LLCs must file an initial report within 120 days of starting their business.

This report includes basic business details and costs $10.

Then, every year, you need to file an annual report, which updates your business information. This report costs $60 and is due on the last day of your anniversary month, based on when you formed your LLC.

5. Create An Operating Agreement 

An operating agreement is a document that shows how your LLC will do business. 

While Washington doesn’t make it a must, having one is crucial. It helps in different ways, like resolving money disputes or potential legal issues. Without it, the courts decide based on state laws, not necessarily what’s best for the LLC.

The agreement can include things like the LLC’s name, address, how long it will last, the registered agent’s details, info from the Certificate of Formation, the business’s purpose, member contributions, how profits and losses are shared, rules for new and leaving members, how the LLC is managed, and clauses about protection and responsibility.

6. Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) gives your LLC a nine-digit number called an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to identify it for taxes. You can get your EIN by mail or online through the IRS.

This number helps you:

• File and handle taxes at both the state and federal levels.
• Open a bank account for your business.
• Apply for permits and licenses.
• Hire employees.

Obtaining an EIN is FREE.

7. File The Beneficial Ownership Information Report

Starting in 2024, many Washington LLCs must now file an extra document at the federal level, known as the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report, to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). 

This report mandates disclosing information about your company applicant and all beneficial owners to FinCEN. You can submit it online using the Beneficial Ownership Information E-filing System or opt for a professional service to handle it for you.

Read BOI FAQs here.

Review: What Is Needed To Form An LLC In Washington?

To form an LLC in Washington, you need:

• A unique LLC name.
• Registered Agent information.
• Certificate of Formation.
• Operating Agreement (recommended).
• Employer Identification Number (EIN).

What Forms Do You Need To Get An LLC In Washington?

• Application to Reserve LLC Name
• Certificate of Formation (online)
• Certificate of Formation (PDF)
• EIN Application Form
• BOI Form

How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC In Washington?

The cost to start an LLC in Washington involves several steps, each with its own associated fees:

• Certificate of Formation Filing Fee: $180
• Certificate of Formation Filing Fee (online): $200
• Expedited processing: $50
• Initial Report (if filed separately): $10
• Name Reservation Fee (if needed): $30
• Annual report Fee: $60

How Long Does It Take For An LLC To Get Approved In Washington?

When you send your LLC application by mail, it will be approved in 10-20 business days, plus the time it takes for the mail (3-6 weeks in total).

However, if you file online, your LLC can be approved in 10-15 business days.

What Are The Benefits Of Getting An LLC In Washington?

• Limited liability protection for members
• Pass-through taxation
• Flexible management structure
• Credibility for business transactions

Is Washington A Good State To Get An LLC?

Whether Washington is the right state for your LLC depends on where you live and do business. If you live or operate in Washington, it makes sense to start your LLC there. 

Getting An LLC In Washington: Next Steps

Once your LLC is registered, you can:

• Get the permits and licenses you need for your business, like health or zoning permits.
• Register your business with the state’s tax agency.
• Open a business bank account.
• Apply for a business credit card.
• Buy insurance for your business.
• Safeguard your name and logo with a trademark.

To maintain your LLC in Washington, you must:

• Update any changes to the registered agent or business address promptly.
• File an Annual Report.
• Pay Taxes (owners file their individual tax returns)

Conclusion

Forming an LLC in Washington involves a few key steps, from name reservation to obtaining an EIN. 

Carefully following the process ensures a smooth establishment of your LLC. 

For more detailed information and to access the necessary forms, visit the Washington Secretary of State website.