How to Start an LLC in Washington (WA)

Are you thinking of creating a limited liability company? LLCs are the perfect blend of a corporation and a sole proprietorship. You get protection and flexibility and best of all it’s simple to set up.

Forming an LLC is a good idea if you’re doing business on your own or with other partners. Once approved, each LLC partner is referred to as a member and is only ever liable for business losses. These losses will come from money that has already been invested into the company – and no one will ever be expected to pay from their personal assets.

To form an LLC in Washington follow our step-by-step guide:

How to Form an LLC in Washington – A Step by Step Guide

Forming an LLC ensures your personal assets are protected, you don’t get doubled taxed and you won’t have to jump through hoops to get it started! While the steps to submit your application and get approval are straightforward – make sure you follow each step correctly so there are no errors on your application.

Any mistakes or discrepancies will slow down the process, or worse, the Washington state could deny your application. If you’re lacking confidence in following each step we’d advise hiring experts to file all your business paperwork for you (a more worry-free approach).

Otherwise, if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person follow these 6 initial steps:

1. Name your Washington LLC 

Washington has specific rules on naming your business and you want to make sure you meet all the requirements before applying. Under Washington law, your LLC has to be unique – which means you’re the only business operating under this name. 

Name Requirements

Before checking to see if you’re desired business name is available, to abide by Washington LLC law, make sure the name of your company contains one of the following:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co. 
• L.L.C.
• LLC

For example, if you’d like your business name to be Silver Sanctuary you’d have to register it as Silver Sanctuary LLC or Silver Sanctuary Limited Liability Co.

Check Name Availability

Once you’ve decided on your name you need to check to see if it’s available and there’s no other company in Washington using it. The first place you should check is Google. Simply type in your desired name and see if anyone else is already using it in your state.

If after that, you don’t find any competing companies you can move onto the next step – checking your business’s potential name through the Washington LLC name search.

If your name is available, but you’re not ready to file your LLC yet, you can reserve it by filling out a Name Reservation form. Your application has to be mailed to the Washington Secretary of State and if approved will last 180 days. 

Reserving your LLC name costs $30 and if you want it rushed it costs an additional $50. If you’re requested expedited services make sure you write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope. Payment needs to be made by check or money orders and is payable to the Secretary of State:

Secretary of State

Corporation Division

801 Capitol Way S

P.O. Box 40234

Olympia, Washington 98504-0234

Using a Fictitious Name

If you don’t want to use LLC in your business name then once your business is registered you can add a fictitious name. Also known as DBA (“doing business as”), or a trade name, a fictitious name allows you to run your business under a name that’s not the legal LLC registered name. 

You can also use a fictitious name if you plan on running several different businesses under your LLC formation.

If you’d prefer to use a fictitious name you need to register it with the Washington Department of Revenue. You have to do this after you’ve obtained your LLC license. You can file it online (a much quicker option) or by filling out the Business License Application form and mailing it in.

Applying online takes roughly 10 business days to process whereas snail mail can take up to 6 weeks.

Once you’ve figured out what your business name is and you’ve made sure it’s still available, the next step is to choose a registered agent who will help you with the legal side of your business.

2. Choose a Washington Registered Agent

A registered agent is anyone who receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your company. They are the main point of contact between your company and the Secretary of State.

In Washington, an LLC must have a registered agent who lives in Washington and has a valid street address (not a P.O. box).

An LLC registered agent can be:

• Yourself 
• A family member or friend 
• A Commercial Registered Agent  

Why you may want to use a registered agent

While the easier route seems to have yourself, or one of your LLC’s members, act as the registered agent, there are some benefits in hiring a professional. A registered agent will ensure your business is always in good standing with the state, helping you stay organized and up-to-date. It also adds a layer of protection since they will help you in the case of a lawsuit or any penalties/fines.

Once you’ve decided who’s the best person to be your registered agent the next step is to submit your LLC application form.

3. File a Washington LLC Certificate of Formation

To file an LLC in Washington you need to complete the Certificate of Formation application form and submit it to the Secretary of State.

Be prepared to include the following information when filling out the form:

• the LLC’s name
• The effective date of formation (either the day you’re applying or you can put a future date). 
• the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent
• the LLC’s initial principal office address, and
• signatures of the LLC’s organizers.

You can create your LLC by applying online (a $200 fee), or by mailing it to the Washington Secretary of state (a $180 fee). Applying online ensures it gets processed within 2 business days whereas mailing it in takes a bit longer.

While you’re waiting for approval you can move onto step 4 – creating an LLC Operating Agreement. If you’re operating your LLC by yourself skip to step 5. 

4. Create a Washington LLC Operating Agreement

If your LLC has two or more members, it should have an operating agreement. Although it’s not required in Washington, it’s recommended as it will outline how the business is structured and how it will operate among its members.

Some of the sections you’ll typically find covered in an operating agreement include:

• Organization
• Management
• Voting
• Capital distributions
• Distributions
• Dissolution

Again, while this is not a necessary step, as you don’t have to mail it to the secretary of state, it is recommended if your LLC has more than 2 members. It helps clarify the rules of your LLC and makes sure they are legally documented.

Without an LLC operating agreement the state LLC law can control how your business operates (not ideal if you ever run into any problems or legal disputes).

After you’ve agreed and created an LLC Operating Agreement the next step is to create your unique employer identification number. 

5. Apply for your Washington LLC Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Once your LLC has been approved you’ll need to get an employer identification number (EIN).

An EIN is a federal tax ID number that registers you with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify your company when filing taxes.

How to register for an EIN:

– Apply online or,
– fill out the Employer Identification Number form and fax it to 855-641-6935, or mail it to:

Internal Revenue Service,
Attn: EIN Operation,
Cincinnati,
OH, 45999

If you apply online you’ll get instant approval. If you apply by fax it takes up to 4 business days whereas mailing it can take up to 4 weeks. Applying for your EIN is completely free!

Washington LLC Registration – Final Checklist & Summary

Ready to get started? Use this simple checklist to make sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s! 

1. Name your LLC – Your business name must include Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Co., LLC, or L.L.C. It can’t be used by any other business in Washington. Make sure you confirm the availability of your desired name through the state’s name search.
2. Choose a Registered Office – A registered agent is a person who receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your company. It can be you, a friend or family member, or a commercial registered agent. 
3. File a Washington LLC Certificate of Formation – To File an LLC in Washington you need to fill out the ‘certificate of formation’ application form. You can file it online or by mail and it costs $200.
4. Apply for your Washington LLC Employer Identification Number (EIN) & File your Tax Registration Form – Once you get approval for your LLC you need to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) through the IRS. This number is used to identify your company when filing taxes. You can apply online for free and approval is instant.
5. Create Washington LLC Operating Agreement – If your LLC has two or more members, you should create an LLC operating agreement that outlines how the business is structured, who is responsible for what, and how much of the LLC each person owns. You don’t have to send your operating agreement to Washington state but you should have one so everything is documented and signed by all members
6. Register a Fictitious Trade name (Optional) – If you’d prefer to use a fictitious name (trade name, or DBA) because you don’t want any LLC abbreviations in your business name, then once you have your certificate of formation you can apply for a business license using the name you prefer. You can apply online or by mail.

While there are a few different pieces to making sure your LLC is filed correctly, make sure you follow each step as stated so there are no errors.

If you can, we recommend using an all-around service to make sure your LLC gets set up correctly from the get-go. Just make sure you do your homework and choose one of the best LLC services for your business.

Our first recommendation is to go with ZenBusiness, an LLC creation service that holds your hand from start to finish. Packages start as low as $49.

How To Apply for a Washington LLC Online

Now that you know the exact steps on what’s needed to form your LLC it’s time to start the application process. There are two ways of going about this:

1. Do it Yourself  – Taking the DIY route is a good option if your budget is tight or you’ve previously opened an LLC and understand how it works.

2. Use an Online Formation Company – Using an online formation company is a better option if it’s your first time opening up an LLC and if it’s within your budget (formation services cost anywhere between $49 – $199). This is typically a better choice if you want to avoid headaches and have peace of mind knowing professionals are handling everything for you. 

If using a professional service is more up your alley, here are our top 3 recommendations: 

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness built its platform to meet the needs of your business throughout its lifetime. When you pay for their services, you’ll receive a personalized dashboard for your business to store documents, receive alerts, and manage your website.

ZenBusiness charges are based on a tier system. There are three different tiers with pricing as follows:

• The Starter = $49 annually
• The Pro = $199 annually
• The Premium = $299 annually

Visit ZenBusiness and File Your LLC Today

ZenBusiness Review

IncFile

IncFile provides you with a full suite offering startup services to best support your business formation.

Their pricing model also depends on the state you are filling. You can generate a personalized quote on their website by entering the necessary information about your business.

Visit IncFile and file your LLC today

IncFile Review

Legal Zoom

LegalZoom is an online legal service provider that helps you to be able to create legal documents without having to pay the expensive lawyer fees. Some of the services they provide assistance to includes business formation, copyrights, and trademarks.

LegalZoom has many different pricing options available. For their LLC service, pricing begins at $79 + the allotted state fee.

Visit LegalZoom and file your LLC Today

LegalZoom Review

After Starting Your Washington LLC

You’ve been approved – now what? The journey doesn’t stop here – there’s still a handful of things you need to do to get your business off the ground. We recommend ticking off the following items to make sure your LLC gets off on the right foot. 

Purchase A Domain For Your Business

Having an online presence, even if your business is local, is important in creating trust, professionalism, and a way for people to find you. If you haven’t already thought about getting a website, now’s the time. In a tech-saturated world, you need a domain to not only attract new customers but help create a good first visual impression of what your business does and how it can help. 

Get A Business Phone Number

Since your business is now an approved Washington LLC you should think about getting a business phone number. Having a business number is a great way to show professionalism to your clients and customers. It makes you more serious and more importantly – more trustworthy.

There’s a variety of different online phone services you can go with, or you could go the traditional route and open an account through a local branch. You can get a local number or a 1-800, the options are endless!  

Open Your Washington LLC Business Bank Account

You’ll want to open a business account that’s separate from your personal banking. This will not only make accounting easier but you won’t have to worry about your finances mixing in with your business finances.

USA Business Bank Accounts

If you already have online banking through your personal bank account it might be easier to open a business account through your current bank so all your banking (although in separate accounts) will be accessible in the same place. If you prefer to open something new keep these checking accounts in mind: 

Chase – Free checking account with no extra fees – as long as you keep a $1,500 minimum balance.

BlueVine – Free checking account with mobile banking and a debit MasterCard. 

Bank Novo – Open a free checking account with Free transfers and free ATM fees.

Washington Business Bank – Get one-on-one counseling with local bankers to customize your ideal financial accounts

Along with your business checking account, you should apply for a business credit card too. Having a business credit card is a good way to establish your business credit score (which may help if you ever need a loan). It also makes it easier for online purchases and again, it will keep your personal and business finances separate. 

Find Accountant/Buy Accounting Software

Taxes get complicated fast and can be a burden to deal with. We recommend getting an accountant or using accounting software to make sure all your spending actions are being tracked (payroll, bills, invoices, receipts, etc.). Here are some popular options to look into:

Wave – Free invoicing & accounting software with credit card processing & payroll services.

Intuit Quickbooks – Online accounting software to track expenses, customize invoices, and run reports.

Freshbooks – Accounting software to send invoices, track time, manage receipts, expenses, and accept credit cards.

Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credential – If you want to use a local tax specialist you can search for a certified public accountant (CPA) through the IRS online directory.

Having all of your business reports in one spot is highly beneficial so you can keep an eye on your cash flow. To run a successful business you’re going to need to analyze how your business is performing and narrow down what’s working or what isn’t working so there’s always room for growth.

File Annual Registrations On Time

Each year you need to file an annual report with the Washington Secretary of State. It costs $60 and needs to be filed within 120 days of creating your LLC.

For example, if you filed your LLC on January 1st you need to submit the first report by May 1st. After you file your first report, the state will be in touch with the next due date – which you can expect to be roughly a year later.

This means if your anniversary is on January 1st then it’s most likely your annual report will need to be filed each year before January 31st.

Keep in mind this is for your annual report and that the initial report is required within 120 days. Thus, In your first year of business, you’ll be required to submit 2 reports.

You can apply online or by mailing it to the state.

Notify Washington Of Any Changes You Make To Your LLC

If at any time you make changes to your LLC you need to inform the state. If you’re using a registered agent they can do this for you. If you’re going about this alone then you can update changes through Washington’s business portal or through your registered agent. 

8 Benefits of Forming an LLC in Washington

When you file your company as an LLC in Washington it helps solidify your standing in the business world. This motion shows other businesses and potential customers that you are willing to do what it takes to be a legally operating business.

Choosing to form your business as an LLC in Washington allows you to take advantage of the benefits of both a corporation and a partnership structure. Some of these benefits include:

1. Protect Your Personal Assets

The LLC will have its liability that does not automatically extend to the owners, unlike a sole proprietor, where you are legally responsible for everything. That means Washington LLC protects the liabilities and debts incurred by the business. In most situations, your assets, such as your car, home, or savings, will never be at risk if your Washington LLC is faced with lawsuits or bankruptcy.

2. Benefit From Business Profit Taxation

In an LLC in Washington, your profits and losses can pass through to your income without having to have corporate taxation.

3. Simple to Create and Maintain

The formation of a Washington LLC requires minimal paperwork and requirements. They are known for being easy to start and simple to maintain.

4. Minimal Restrictions

Your business matters can be managed by more than one owner or member while still being one main business to the public. This means all decisions and transactions behind the scenes can be equitably distributed while presenting one entity as you move forward.

5. Heighten Your Credibility

As you move forward, your Washington LLC will continuously be recognized as an entity. People and other businesses prefer doing business with a legitimate entity because it shows your level of professionalism.

6. Gain Access to Business Loans

When you form your Washington LLC, you will obtain a DUNS number and build your business credit, helping you to further build upon your business.

7. Benefit From Flexible Profit Distribution

In an LLC, you are not required to spread the distribution of profits equally across the owners. You have full control over profit distribution in your Washington LLC.

8. Good For Any Kind Of Business

An LLC business structure in Washington is an excellent choice for both medium and higher-risk level businesses. You might always want to consider opting to go with an LLC if you have a significant amount of personal assets to protect from your company. And lastly, LLCs are great for owners who are interested in paying lower tax rates than corporations.

Conclusion

Forming an LLC in Washington is a great idea if you’re looking for an easy business structure that protects your assets while still giving you the flexibility of a sole proprietorship. Your business will become its own legal entity and you’ll never pay any losses from your personal accounts.

When it comes to your business, if it’s within your means, we always suggest hiring a formation service, like ZenBusiness, who can handle the entire legal side of your LLC. They can act as your registered agent and submit all paperwork for you. Since it is a service, it adds an additional cost to the overall startup costs of your LLC but it will make sure everything is in order and most importantly filed correctly.

Don’t waste time on boring admin work, take the hassle-free approach and focus on growing your business!

File Your Dream Business with ZenBusiness

F.A.Q. About Forming Washington LLC

There are several different steps you’ll need to do to legally form your LLC. It’s a lot of information to take in and can get confusing. To help out we’ve compiled some answers to the most frequently asked questions: