LLC Formation Guide · Washington · Updated June 2026

How to Start an LLC in Washington

To start an LLC in Washington, file Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State. This costs $200 and takes 2–3 business days for online approval.

Filing Fee
$200
Certificate of Formation
Online Processing
2–3 business days
Mail: 3–5 weeks
Annual Fee
$60/year
File Your Annual Report
Total Steps
6
To form your LLC
Important for Washington

Washington requires all LLCs to obtain a State Business License from the Department of Revenue. Washington also has a Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax based on gross revenue.

There are 6 steps to start an LLC in Washington:

  1. 1
    Choose an LLC Name
  2. 2
    Select a Registered Agent
  3. 3
    File Certificate of Formation
  4. 4
    Create an Operating Agreement
  5. 5
    Get an EIN from the IRS
  6. 6
    File Your Annual Report

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?

It costs $200 to start an LLC in Washington. After formation, you will also owe $60/year for the File Your Annual Report.

What are these fees for?

  • The $200 is to file the Certificate of Formation — the document that officially creates your LLC.
  • The $60/year is for the File Your Annual Report — a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.

How long does it take to get an LLC in Washington?

  • Online filing: 2–3 business days
  • Mail filing: 3–5 weeks

Online filing is strongly recommended — Washington processes online filings in 2–3 business days vs 3–5 weeks by mail.

Steps to Form an LLC in Washington

Step 1: Search Your LLC Name

Search your LLC name to make sure it's available in Washington. Two businesses in the state cannot share the same name.

Washington business name search →

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is a person or company that accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your LLC. Washington requires your Registered Agent to have a physical street address in the state — PO Boxes are not allowed. Your options:

  • Yourself (if you have a physical address in Washington)
  • A friend or family member who lives in Washington
  • A professional Registered Agent service

Step 3: File Certificate of Formation with Secretary of State

To officially create your LLC, file the Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State. The filing fee is $200.

Online filing is strongly recommended — Washington processes online filings in 2–3 business days vs 3–5 weeks by mail.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an internal document that shows who owns the LLC and how it will be run. You do not need to file it with the state or the IRS — just keep it with your business records. All LLCs should have one, even single-member LLCs.

Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's federal tax ID. It is free from the IRS and is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.

  • US residents with an SSN: Apply online at IRS.gov (takes ~15 minutes, free)
  • Non-US residents without an SSN: Apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 (takes 1–3 months)

Step 6: File Your Annual Report

Fee: $60/yearDue: By your LLC's anniversary date each year

First due: By the anniversary date of the year after formation

  • Washington also requires a State Business License from the Department of Revenue, starting at $19/year

After Your LLC Is Approved

Open a business bank account

Keep business and personal finances separate to maintain liability protection. You will need your EIN and your stamped/approved Certificate of Formation to open an account.

Get business licenses and permits

Washington requires all businesses to obtain a State Business License from the Department of Revenue (starting at $19/year). Some cities also require a local business license.

Community property state note: Washington is a community property state. If you are married, consult a tax advisor about how this affects your LLC's tax treatment, particularly for single-member LLCs.

Understand your tax obligations

LLCs don't pay federal income tax directly. Profits and losses pass through to the members, who report them on their personal federal tax returns.

Washington has no state personal income tax. However, Washington has a Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax based on gross revenue that applies to most businesses.

Need to notify the IRS of a business change?

Once your LLC is formed, TheLLCWiki has free tools for IRS name changes, address changes, EIN applications, and tax elections.

Browse free tools →

Washington LLC FAQs

Yes, and online filing is strongly recommended — processing is 2–3 business days online vs 3–5 weeks by mail. The Certificate of Formation filing fee is $200.
It costs $200 to file the Certificate of Formation and form your LLC in Washington. After formation, the File Your Annual Report costs $60/year.
Online filing takes 2–3 business days. Mail filing takes 3–5 weeks.
If you live in and do business in Washington, then yes — form your LLC here. Forming in another state (like Wyoming or Delaware) when you operate in Washington means paying fees in both states with no real benefit. The only reason to form out-of-state is if you have a specific legal or tax reason to do so.
The main benefits are personal asset protection (your home, car, and savings are shielded from business debts and lawsuits) and pass-through taxation (the LLC itself pays no federal income tax — profits flow to members' personal returns).
General information only — not legal or tax advice. This guide reflects publicly available information as of June 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements change. Confirm current requirements with the Washington Secretary of State and a qualified attorney or CPA before filing. Full disclaimer