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1Washington LLC Formation
To form an LLC in Washington, you'll need to file Articles of Organization with the Washington Secretary of State.
Formation Details
- Filing Fee: $200
- Processing Time: Online: 2-3 business days; Mail: 3-5 weeks
- Official Website: https://www.sos.wa.gov
2Annual Report Requirements
Washington requires LLCs to file a annual report to maintain good standing with the state.
Annual Report Details
- Filing Fee: $60
- Due Date: Last day of the LLC's formation anniversary month each year
- Frequency: Annually
3Registered Agent Requirements
Washington requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Washington.
Requirements: Must be a Washington State resident with a physical Washington street address (not a PO Box), or a business entity authorized to do business in Washington. Must be available during regular business hours.
4Foreign LLC Registration
If your LLC was formed in another state but you want to do business in Washington, you'll need to register as a foreign LLC.
Foreign LLC Registration
- Registration Fee: $180
- Requirements: Foreign LLC Registration (via Washington Secretary of State), certificate of good standing from home state, and a Washington registered agent with a physical Washington address.
5Washington LLC Taxes
Washington has no personal income tax, so LLC members pay no state income tax on distributed income. However, Washington imposes a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts at rates varying by business classification (typically 0.471%–1.5%). LLCs must also collect and remit Washington sales tax if selling taxable goods or services.
6Penalties for Non-Compliance
Late Filing Penalties
$25 late fee for annual report filed after the due date. Extended non-compliance may result in administrative dissolution.
Administrative Dissolution Risk
Failure to file annual reports can result in the LLC being administratively dissolved. Reinstatement requires filing a reinstatement application and paying all overdue fees.
Key Considerations for Washington LLCs
- $200 formation fee — higher than many states but no personal income tax
- Annual report fee: $60, due by last day of the formation anniversary month
- No state income tax — members pay zero WA tax on LLC distributions
- Business & Occupation (B&O) tax applies on gross receipts (0.471%–1.5%)
- Sales tax must be collected and remitted if selling taxable products/services
- Online filing through the Washington Secretary of State
Important Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LLC requirements, fees, and deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Secretary of State office before making business decisions.
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Official Resources
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Washington Secretary of State website:
https://www.sos.wa.gov