How to Start an LLC in Washington
Form your Washington LLC online with transparent pricing, registered agent service and real human support. Incofile prepares and files your Articles of Organization for you.
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Washington LLC filing fee & timeline
To form an LLC in Washington you file your Articles of Organization with the state and pay the state filing fee of $200. Incofile adds a flat, one-time service fee on top — no monthly charges — and your total is always shown before you pay.
Most Washington LLC filings are prepared and submitted within one business day. State approval time depends on Washington's current processing queue, typically ranging from a few business days to a few weeks, with expedited options available in many states.
Why form an LLC in Washington
Washington has no personal or corporate income tax, which makes it attractive for owners who keep profit in the business. Instead, the state taxes gross receipts through the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and every new LLC also needs a state business licence (UBI). Formation costs $200 online and includes your first Initial Report.
Washington LLC at a glance
| State filing fee | $200 online ($180 filing + $20 processing); $180 by mail |
|---|---|
| Document filed | Certificate of Formation, filed through the CCFS online system |
| Faster options | +$100 for expedited (about 3 business days) or +$150 for same-day |
| Initial report | Included with the Certificate of Formation at no extra cost |
| Annual report | $70 a year, due by the end of your formation anniversary month |
| Business licence (UBI) | $90 state application fee, plus any city endorsements |
| State income tax | None — Washington has no personal or corporate income tax |
| B&O tax | Tax on gross receipts; e.g. 0.471% retailing, 1.5%–2.1% for most services depending on revenue |
| Registered agent | Required; must have a physical street address in Washington |
State figures checked against the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division, September 2026. State fees are set by Washington and can change; the exact total is shown before you pay.
How to form an LLC in Washington — 4 steps
Choose your package
Pick the Incofile package that fits your goals. Your Washington state filing fee is shown before you pay.
Tell us about your LLC
Complete our short form with your company name, address and ownership details — about ten minutes.
We check & file with Washington
We confirm your name is available and file your Articles of Organization with the Washington state office.
Get your documents
Your approved Washington LLC documents land in your dashboard, with reminders for your annual report and other deadlines.
What you need to form an LLC in Washington
- A business name that is available and meets Washington's naming rules (it must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”).
- A registered agent with a physical address in Washington — Incofile can be your agent.
- Articles of Organization filed with the Washington state office — we prepare and submit these for you.
- An operating agreement and EIN to open a business bank account (included in our Gold and Platinum packages).
- Ongoing compliance — Washington's reports, taxes and registered agent rules (see below). We track the deadlines and remind you.
Operating agreement
An operating agreement sets out who owns the LLC, how profits are split, how decisions are made and what happens if a member leaves. Washington does not ask you to file it with the state, but banks usually want to see it, and without one the state's default rules apply. Incofile includes a customised operating agreement in the Gold and Platinum packages.
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is the federal tax ID for your LLC. You need it to open a business bank account, hire staff and file taxes. The IRS issues it free — online in minutes if you have a Social Security number, or by fax or mail (one to eight weeks) if you don't. Our Gold and Platinum packages include it, and it is also available as a separate service.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure which structure is right, compare LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp.
Washington LLC naming rules
The name must contain "limited liability company", "limited liability co.", "L.L.C." or "LLC" and must be distinguishable from every entity on the Washington register. Check availability with our free business name search.
Keeping your Washington LLC compliant
Annual report
Every Washington LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State by the last day of its anniversary month. The fee is $70. If you miss it, the state can administratively dissolve the LLC.
Business licence
Most LLCs must apply for a Washington business licence through the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service, which issues your UBI number. The state application fee is $90, and many cities add their own endorsement fee.
B&O and sales tax
Instead of income tax, Washington charges the Business & Occupation tax on gross receipts, even if the business is not profitable. Retailers also collect sales tax. Small businesses under the filing threshold may owe little or nothing, but you still file returns.
Registered agent
Washington requires a registered agent with a physical Washington street address. If you form from outside the state, a professional agent such as Incofile is the simplest option.
Incofile clients get every Washington deadline tracked in their dashboard with email reminders — see registered agent service.
Official Washington resources
Washington LLC — frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?
Incofile charges a flat, one-time formation fee (Silver, Gold or Platinum) plus the Washington state filing fee of $200. There are no monthly charges, and the total is shown before you pay.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
We prepare and submit your Washington Articles of Organization within one business day. State approval times vary from a few business days to a few weeks; expedited filing is available in many states.
Do I need a registered agent in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and state mail. Incofile can serve as your Washington registered agent so you stay compliant and keep your address private.
Can I start an LLC in Washington if I live in another state or country?
Yes. You do not need to live in Washington to form an LLC there. Incofile can act as your registered agent and provide a business address, so you can form and run your Washington LLC from anywhere.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington?
The state fee is $200 online ($180 filing plus a $20 processing fee). Budget another $90 for the state business licence application and $70 a year for the annual report.
Does Washington have a state income tax for LLCs?
No. Washington has no personal or corporate income tax. Businesses instead pay the B&O tax on gross receipts, and retailers collect sales tax.
Do I need a Washington business licence as well?
In most cases, yes. After the LLC is approved, you apply for a business licence through the Department of Revenue, which also issues the UBI number used for state taxes.
When is the Washington annual report due?
By the last day of the month in which your LLC was formed, every year. The fee is $70.
How fast is a Washington LLC approved?
Standard online filings are often processed within a few business days. You can pay $100 for expedited service or $150 for same-day processing.
Ready to launch your Washington LLC?
Most orders are prepared and submitted within one business day.
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