Incorporate in Washington (WA)
Learn the basic facts about Washington corporations and Washington limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Washington corporations and Washington LLCs and learn about Washington rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a Washington Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Washington business. The most advantageous entities to form in Washington are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Washington. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Washington, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a Washington corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Washington, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in Washington
Washington Corporate Name Endings
Washington Corporation Requirements
Washington Corporate Taxes and Fees
Washington Business License Requirements
Washington Corporate Name Endings
The corporate name must include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd." The name must not imply a purpose other than the purpose stated in the charter. The name must be distinguishable from the name of any other domestic corporation or of any foreign corporation authorized to do business in state. The name must not include certain enumerated words indicating it is a bank or savings and loan, or any other words or phrases prohibited by any state statute.
Washington Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: One or more.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: None.
Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Corporate Records
Articles of incorporation, bylaws, minutes of shareholders' meetings, financial statements for the past three years, all written communications to shareholders within the past three years, a list of names and addresses of current directors and officers, and the most recent annual report delivered to the Secretary of State must be kept at the principal office of the corporation.
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://access.wa.gov/business/taxes.aspx.
S Corporation
The state of Washington has no corporate income tax so S corporations elections have no impact.
License Requirements
Washington requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Washington
Washington LLC Name Endings
Washington LLC Requirements
Washington LLC Taxes and Fees
Washington Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The LLC name must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
Washington LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements: no provision
Age Requirements: no provision
Members/Managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization
Washington Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://access.wa.gov/business/taxes.aspx.
License Requirements
Washington requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Registered Agents in Washington
Washington corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Washington. The Washington registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A Washington registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Washington. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Washington.
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Washington. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Washington, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in Washington benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Washington. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Washington benefit by providing a consistent Washington address.
Another advantage to using another company as your Washington registered agent is that the information of your Washington registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Washington.
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