Washington LLC — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Washington is $200. That's on the higher end for LLC filing fees. On top of that, plan for $70 each year in annual report fees. Our formation service is $199, which includes the state fee, registered agent for the first year, operating agreement, and EIN assistance.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
Standard processing runs 5-7 business days. If you pay $100 for expedited service, you can usually get to 3 business days. We file on your behalf and notify you as soon as the Washington Secretary of State processes the formation.
Does Washington require an annual report for LLCs?
Yes, every year. The fee is $70. Missing the filing deadline can lead to late fees and eventually administrative dissolution by the Washington Secretary of State.
Do I need a registered agent for my Washington LLC?
Yes. Every LLC registered with the Washington Secretary of State is required to maintain a registered agent with a physical Washington address. This is true from the moment you file your formation documents and remains true for as long as the LLC exists. We provide this service — first year included with formation, $99/year after that.
Can I form an LLC in Washington if I live in another state?
Yes. You don't have to be a Washington resident to form a Washington LLC. You do, however, need a registered agent with a physical Washington address — which is included when you form through us.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Washington LLC?
Washington doesn't require you to file an operating agreement with the state, but you absolutely should have one. Banks require it to open a business account. Courts rely on it in disputes. Without one, Washington's default LLC rules apply — which may not match your intentions. Our formation package includes a customizable operating agreement template.
How do I get an EIN for my Washington LLC?
Apply directly on IRS.gov — it's free and takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive your EIN immediately after completing the online application. Never pay a third party for an EIN. Our formation package includes EIN application assistance to walk you through it.
What's included in your $199 formation package?
Everything you need to form your Washington LLC: Articles of Organization preparation and filing, $200 state fee paid to the Washington Secretary of State, first year of registered agent service, operating agreement template, EIN application assistance, and an online dashboard for document storage and compliance tracking.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out Monday through Friday and we'll answer any questions about forming an LLC in Washington or how our services work.