How to Start an LLC in Washington
Step-by-step guide to form LLC in Washington — fees, Initial Report $10, annual report $60, registered agent, and fastest filing. Perfect for Seattle founders, tech consultants, and online businesses.
Why Form an LLC in Washington?
Washington has no state income tax, strong tech scene (Seattle, Bellevue), and 750k+ small businesses. LLC protects your house and car from lawsuits and clients, plus you get credibility with banks and Amazon, Microsoft vendors.
Washington LLC costs $200 to file with Secretary of State + $10 Initial Report (due within 120 days) + $60 annual report each year. Filing is 100% online via Washington Secretary of State Corporations portal.
More state guides at LLCGuidance.com.
How to Open an LLC in Washington in 5 Steps
Choose Name & Check Availability
Must include “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Search Washington Secretary of State Business Search. Must be distinguishable. Check domain at same time. See LLCGuidance naming guide.
Appoint Registered Agent
Washington requires agent with physical WA address (no PO Box). Must be available 9-5 to receive lawsuits. You can be your own, but address becomes public. Better use professional agent — privacy + compliance alerts. All our picks include 1 year free agent.
File Certificate of Formation
File online with Washington Secretary of State — $200 fee (online or mail). Needs: LLC name, registered agent name/address, principal office address, management structure (member-managed vs manager-managed), organizer signature. Approval 1-2 days online.
File Initial Report + Get EIN + Business License
Within 120 days, file Initial Report ($10) online. Then get free EIN from IRS (IRS.gov, free, 10 min). Then file Washington Business License Application via Dept of Revenue / Business Licensing Service — free, required for all WA businesses, gives UBI number.
Create Operating Agreement + Open Bank Account
Operating Agreement not required by WA but critical for banks and lawsuits. Template included with Bizee, LegalZoom, etc. Then open Mercury, Relay, Novo with EIN + Certificate + Agreement. Keeps veil intact.
Washington LLC Costs
Best LLC Services for Washington
Why for WA: $0 + state fee covers $200 WA filing + free Initial Report filing reminder + 1 year free registered agent (required WA physical address). Handles $60 annual report reminders. Cheapest way to form WA LLC with privacy.
- $0 + $200 state fee
- 1 year free registered agent (WA address)
- Initial Report + Annual Report alerts ($10/$60)
- Operating agreement included
Why for WA: Fastest for Seattle founders — same-day prep, EIN in 1-2 days, plus business bank + website setup. Good if you need to invoice clients this week and need Washington Business License (UBI) fast.
- Same-day filing prep
- EIN fast-track 1-2 days
- Bank account + website starter
- Annual report reminders
Why for WA: If forming with partners, investors, or need Seattle attorney review. Operating agreement attorney-drafted, plus compliance for Washington Business License and Seattle city license.
- Attorney-drafted OA
- 30-day attorney consult
- Business license research
- Annual compliance calendar
Why for WA: If you live outside US but want Washington LLC (no income tax, good for e-commerce). Doola gets EIN without SSN, handles Initial Report, Annual Report, and BOI filing.
- EIN without SSN/ITIN
- Initial + Annual Report filing
- BOI report included
- Bookkeeping + taxes
Washington-Specific Requirements
1. Initial Report (120 Days)
Washington is one of few states requiring Initial Report within 120 days of formation. $10 online, lists members/managers. Miss it = late fee. Our picks auto-remind.
2. Business License Application (UBI)
After LLC, file Business License Application with Washington Dept of Revenue — free, gives you Unified Business Identifier (UBI). Required for all WA businesses, even no employees. City of Seattle also requires separate Seattle Business License if revenue > $100k/year.
3. No State Income Tax, but B&O Tax
Washington has no personal income tax, but has Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross revenue (0.13%-3.3% depending on activity). LLCs must register with DOR and file B&O. See LLC taxes guide.
FAQs — Washington LLC
Final Verdict — Washington LLC
Form LLC online for $200, file Initial Report within 120 days ($10), get free Business License (UBI) via DOR, and file $60 annual report yearly. Washington has no income tax but has B&O tax.
Use Bizee for cheapest ($0 + state fee + free agent), Business Rocket for fast launch, LegalZoom for attorney review, Doola for non-US founders. All handle WA Initial Report and annual reminders.