How to Start an LLC in Washington: Step-by-Step

Forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Washington state is a smart move for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to protect their personal assets while maintaining flexibility in business operations.

An LLC combines the benefits of liability protection with simplified management and fewer formalities than a corporation. One of the key advantages is safeguarding members' personal assets from business creditors, offering peace of mind as you grow your venture.

Washington’s lack of a state income tax makes it particularly appealing for small businesses. The state also fosters a thriving ecosystem for startups, ranging from innovative SMEs to a mix of large and small tech companies. Creating an LLC in Washington is a straightforward process.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

Steps to Get an LLC in Washington State:

Step 1: Name Your LLC
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Step 3: Draft and Submit the Certificate of Formation
Step 4: Obtain a Certificate of LLC Registration
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Costs to Set Up an LLC in Washington
Last Steps

Step 1: Name Your LLC

The first step in forming an LLC is to decide on a name. That may seem easy enough, but it is one of the most important things you will do for a new business.

Remember, the name will need to reflect not just your business today but it should also reflect the company you ultimately hope to build, so avoid things that are too trendy or tongue-in-cheek. Washington requires that an LLC name end with the acronym or the words “Limited Liability Co.”

The name should give an idea about what goods or services you provide, be easy to remember, and be web-friendly. It should be unique, so use the Washington Department of Revenue business lookup to make sure the name (or something very similar) is not already in use.

business name lookup in Washington state portal — Source: dor.wa.gov

The name must be distinguishable from other business entities registered in the state. By law, adding something like LLC, PC, LP, or LLP is not enough to make it distinguishable.

You can reserve a business name for your LLC by filing a Name Reservation form with the Secretary of State. The standard fee for this service is $30. If you need expedited processing, an additional $100 fee applies, totaling $130 for faster service. Once approved, the name reservation is valid for 180 days, giving you plenty of time to finalize and submit your LLC formation documents. This is optional, however.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

Once you've decided on a name, you need to determine who will be your registered agent for your LLC.

In Washington, all LLCs must have a registered agent.

The registered agent can be an individual or professional service provider who will accept tax and legal documents and service of process on behalf of the LLC. Deciding who to use as an agent is an essential step when filing the Articles of Organization.

As the business owner, you can be the registered agent. You can also appoint someone else as long as they are over the age of 18. Some companies use a manager or registered agent service, allowing the owner to focus on other areas of the LLC.

If you are not going to act as the registered agent, make sure you choose someone you trust, as you don't want to risk missing important documents. By law in Washington, they must have a physical address, as the state does not allow PO boxes for registered agents. Remember that the address will be public information, meaning you might end up dealing with a substantial volume of junk mail.

If you don't want to be your own registered agent, you can hire one for about $59-$249/year in Washington.

If you form an LLC with Northwest, they'll give you a free registered agent for the first year. After that, it's $125 per year.

Step 3: Draft and Submit the Certificate of Formation

A Certificate of Formation legally creates your limited liability company in Washington. The filing fee, which is paid to the Secretary of State, is $180. For expedited service, it costs an extra $100. Within 120 days of filing you will also need to file an Initial Report within 120 days. If you file the initial report at the same time that you submit the Certificate of Formation, it is free to file. If you submit it later, it will cost $10.

You can download a Certificate of Formation form from the Secretary of State's website, and it should include the following information:

Unified Business ID–you should receive this nine-digit number after filing for your business license. If you do not have a UBI number, select no. A UBI will then be assigned when the filing is successfully completed.
The name of the company–Remember that in accordance with the law, the words Limited Liability Company or LLC must be included in the name.
Period of Duration–most businesses will select perpetual duration, meaning that the business will be ongoing until it is dissolved. However, there are certain instances when a new business may want to select a specific duration, after which it will be administratively dissolved.
Effective Date: Decide on the date the filing is to be effective. Typically, the “date of filing” is selected, and the Certificate of Formation will be effective on the date completed. Future dates cannot exceed 90 days from the date of filing.
Registered Agent–Name your registered agent and provide a complete physical address.
Principal Office Address–this is the physical address of your business and cannot be a PO Box.
Executor information–the executor is the person forming the LLC. Make sure to include the name, address, and signature of the executor in the filing.

The form can also be filed online by creating an account with the Office of the Secretary of State.

Certificate of formation in Washington — Source: ccfs.sos.wa.gov

Step 4: Obtain a Certificate of LLC Registration

After you have filed a Certificate of Formation, you will receive a Certificate of LLC Registration from the Secretary of State. It's official–you're in business. This important document allows you to perform several necessary functions of business, including:

Enter into contracts on behalf of the LLC
Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Open accounts with banks and other lending institutions as an LLC
Protect your personal assets from liability
File taxes as a separate entity
Distribute ownership interest to members and investors

The Certificate of LLC Formation will contain vital information about the legal state of your business, including the official name, UBI, the date of formation, and the executor of the LLC. You will need to submit copies to various agencies and institutions as proof of your LLC status while conducting business.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Washington, along with most other states, doesn't require you to file an Operating Agreement, but that doesn't mean it's not necessary. After all, an Operating Agreement (OA) is the governing document for your company and will determine how it is managed. It is an internal document that can be changed at any time by the members of your LLC.

A strong, functional operating agreement keeps the LLC running smoothly and outlines how different scenarios will be handled over the life of the business. Thoughtful construction of the OA can help solve issues that might divide members and smooth the way forward as problems arise. Ideally, an Operating Agreement should be easy to understand, and include:

1. The LLC Members

Ownership of the LLC is laid out in the Operating Agreement. Decide before drafting who the members are and include the full legal names and addresses. Include information about the ownership percentage of each member, what they contribute in exchange for their membership, and the rights and duties of each member. It is essential that the OA clearly state the rights and duties of each member. Lastly, you will need to determine how profit and losses will be shared.

2. Management

An Operating Agreement should outline the duties of management in a clear and concise manner. For new or smaller LLCs, a single member may fulfill multiple roles. The OA outlines the responsibilities associated with each role.

3. Admittance and Separation

The OA should clearly define how new members will be admitted and the procedure for members exiting the company.

Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

EIN applications - IRS.gov — Source: irs.gov

An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax identification number, is used to identify a business for tax purposes. It's an easy and straightforward process. Visit the IRS and use the online application feature.

Costs to Set Up an LLC in Washington

The costs of establishing an LLC in Washington will vary depending on how much you do yourself and which services you use. However, most people are pleasantly surprised to realize it's not a complex or expensive process. Some costs will be one-time fees, and others will recur annually. The fees include:

$180–$200 for the Certificate of Formation (depending on whether you file online or by mail)
$100-$150 annually for a registered agent service (optional)
$60 fee for filing an annual report

Given the potential tax savings, asset protection, and other benefits of establishing an LLC, the price to establish an LLC is minimal.

Last Steps

After legally establishing an LLC, the real work begins. You will want to keep a degree of separation between the funds earned and used by the LLC and any personal funds. The first step in establishing this separation is to open a bank account in the name of the LLC and use its EIN.

The next step is to acquire any licenses or permits specific to your business.

To obtain licenses and permits for your LLC in Washington, you can follow these steps:

Washington State Department of Revenue:

Business Licensing Service (BLS): The BLS is a one-stop shop for getting your state business license and any necessary endorsements. You can apply online through the Business Licensing Wizard to find out which licenses and permits you need.
Website: Washington State Department of Revenue

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries:

If your business involves hiring employees, construction, or trades, you may need additional permits and licenses from the Department of Labor & Industries.
Website: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

This is also the time that you will want to file your first Annual Report to keep your LLC in good standing with the state of Washington. Once this is done, it's time to start planning your first annual member or shareholder meeting. While not required by state law for LLCs, it is a good business practice. If you stipulated an annual meeting in your Operating Agreement, failing to hold one could leave you vulnerable to legal issues.

Establish a solid accounting system that will keep your LLC compliant with all tax obligations, including sales, employment, and income taxes. Taxes are often complex, so consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure you take advantage of all tax benefits associated with an LLC.