How to Form a LLC in Washington State

This article will talk about many different aspects about forming and setting up a Washington LLC. Let's get started.

Setting up a LLC in Washington (state) is fairly simple. You'll need to select a company name that is not being used by somebody else. This requires checking the Washington Secretary of State's database. 

The LLC name must have a corporate ending such as:  LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company.

If you're not ready to incorporate right away, you can reserve a LLC name for up to 180 days for a fee of $30. If you are going to incorporate right away, you don't need to reserve a name. 

Once you're ready to incorporate, you'll need to make some decisions regarding member names on certificates. Washington (state) does NOT require member or manager names on certificates. So if you want privacy, you can leave those names off of the certificate.

Washington does require a physical office address. You cannot use a PO Box for your physical address. Also, you can include a mailing address on the certificate and a PO Box is allow for the mailing address. A mailing address is optional.

You do not need to list a company purpose on the certificate of formation. Washington does require a duration date be indicated. Either an actual ending date of the LLC or you can indicate "perpetual". 

Washington (state) charges a one-time setup fee of $180 plus an annual recurring fee of $60. Washington also requires that you file an annual report.

It takes about 5-7 days for the Washington Secretary of State to form your LLC and send the required certificate back to you.

This information is brought to you by DBI Global Filings, LLC. We specialize in assisting attorneys, CPAs, management consultants and entrepreneurs form and manage LLCs and corporations in Washington (state) as well as any state jurisdiction in the United States. In addition to filing services, we also offer registered agent services, virtual offices, and mail forwarding. For more information, call us 1-800-760-5800 or send an email to: support@dbiglobal.com.