Form an LLC in Washington
How to start an LLC in Washington.
What the state asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official Washington sources in .
No tax on wages, but most businesses pay a gross receipts tax (B&O) and need a state business license.
Washington at a glance
- State filing fee
- $200
- Certificate of Formation
- Annual report
- $70
- Every year
- Filed with
- Washington Secretary of State
- Operating agreement
- Not required
The 2026 annual report fee is $70, including online processing. A $25 delinquency fee may apply. These are the state's own fees, separate from ours, and they can change. Confirm with the Washington Secretary of State before you file.
Forming an LLC in Washington, step by step.
- 1
Choose a name and check it
Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the Washington business database first.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
Someone with a street address in Washington who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.
- 3
File the Certificate of Formation
File with the Washington Secretary of State. The state fee is $200. The Certificate of Formation costs $180 plus a $20 online processing charge.
- 4
Write an operating agreement
Not required. Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.
- 5
Get an EIN
The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.
- 6
Register for sales tax if you sell taxable items
Washington issues a Business License with sales tax registration through the Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service. Check local licenses too.
- 7
File your Annual report
Every year: last day of the LLC's formation anniversary month. The fee is $70.
General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.
Forming in Washington? We prepare and file it, keep track of the follow-ups, and a real person answers when you call.
Services for this step
Every service is available on its own. Add only what your business needs.
- LLC filingPrepare the LLC filing you choose.
- Registered agentKnow who receives official notices for your business.
- EIN application assistanceGet oriented to your business tax ID application.
- Business AddressGive your business an address that fits how it works.
- Business license & permit researchFind out which permissions your business may need.
- Sales tax permit assistanceGet clear on sales tax registration steps.
Keep reading
All LLC guides- Start here8 min read
How to start an LLC
The steps to form an LLC in any state: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file, write an operating agreement, get an EIN, and handle what comes after.
Read the guide - Keep it running5 min read
Annual report
What an LLC annual report is, what it asks for, how often it is due, and what happens if you miss it, including late fees and administrative dissolution.
Read the guide - Set it up6 min read
Foreign vs. domestic LLC
What domestic and foreign LLCs are, when you need to register in another state, how foreign qualification works, and whether to form out of state.
Read the guide
Washington LLC questions
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $200. The Certificate of Formation costs $180 plus a $20 online processing charge. Plan for ongoing costs too, including the Annual report fee of $70. The 2026 annual report fee is $70, including online processing. A $25 delinquency fee may apply.
Yes. Washington requires a Annual report every year. The fee is $70, due last day of the LLC's formation anniversary month.
Not required. Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.
Yes. Every Washington LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices.