If you’re starting a business in Virginia, you may consider forming a limited liability company (LLC). Before diving in, you should knowthat ...
The fee is $30, and the name will be held for 180 days.
Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.
Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle
For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.
Updated on April 25, 2023
If you’re starting a business in Washington, you might consider creating a limited liability company (LLC). Before diving in, you should know that this comes with costs.
To prepare you, this handy guide details all you need to know about launching an LLC in Washington.
Requirement | Cost |
---|---|
Name Reservation Fee | $30 |
LLC Registration Fee | $200 |
Business License Fees | Vary by localities and type of business |
Trade Name Fee | $5 |
Annual Report Fee | $60 |
One of your first decisions will be what to name your LLC. Once you’ve chosen the perfect name, you can reserve it with the state until you’re ready to form your LLC officially.
To do so, first, make sure the name is available. Here’s how:
To ensure the business name is available, make an online account on the Washington Corporations and Charities Division’s (CCD’s) filing system and visit their business search page. Enter the names you like as well as similar names. You don’t want a business name that can be easily confused with other businesses in Washington.
In Washington, your LLC name must:
It’s a good idea to ensure the name has not been trademarked. Check with the US Patent and Trademark Office to ensure the name is available nationally.
You’ll want to ensure the domain name is available. You can check at a site like GoDaddy.com and use .com or .org, as those give your business more credibility.
Do a Google search to ensure the name is not being used in the U.S. or internationally. This is particularly important if you plan to have a solid online presence for your business.
Once you’ve done your due diligence and know your preferred business name is available, you can reserve the name with the state by filing this name reservation form with the Corporations and Charities Division.
The fee is $30, and the name will be held for 180 days.
To officially form your LLC, you’ll file your certificate of formation by visiting the CCD Filing System. You’ll need the following information:
If you file your Washington LLC online, the fee is $200, and your LLC should be approved in two business days.
Your LLC may also need to obtain licenses and permits at the federal, state, and local levels. These, of course, come with varying fees.
At the federal level, licenses and permits are generally industry-specific and may include health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
You may need a general business license to operate at the state level. If you sell tangible goods or services subject to sales tax, you’ll need a sales tax license, also known as a seller’s permit.
Check the SBA guide for specific licenses required for your business.
Here are some standard licenses and permits you may need:
This is a significant step in the LLC formation process, so make sure to check with local government offices to find out all the licenses and permits you need. You could face steep fines and penalties if you operate without the proper licenses and permits.
If you need help, it’s a good idea to consult a business attorney to ensure you’re in full compliance. You can also use a service like MyCorporation to do the research and provide all the forms you need to license your business.
If you plan to do business under a name that is not your LLC, you’ll need to register a trade name. In other states, this is also called a “doing business as,” or DBA, name. To do so, visit the Washington Department of Revenue.
The cost to register a trade name in Washington is $5.
In Washington, your LLC must file an annual report to verify your business information and confirm you’re still doing business.
The report can be filed with the CCD Filing System for a fee of $60.
Starting an LLC in Washington is instead a complicated process that includes a handful of fees. There are several hoops to jump through, but the benefits of ensuring your LLC is properly registered, and fully compliant are huge, while the alternative risks significant penalties.
LLC formation can be daunting, so many entrepreneurs prefer a professional service like ZenBusiness. This ensures the process is done correctly, saving time and giving you peace of mind.
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