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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Washington (WA)
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Incorporating in Washington (WA)

Whether you are starting a business or wish to incorporate a business already in existence in Washington, BizFilings can help you learn about the requirements for corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) in the State of Washington.

BizFilings' Washington Incorporation Service Packages

If you decide that a Washington corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, we can incorporate your company in Washington without costly legal fees.  BizFilings is rated "A+" by the Better Business Bureau, offers a lifetime guarantee on filing services, and has been trusted by over 500,000 entrepreneurs to assist with their filing needs.

 
$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Incorporation 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
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping





Incorporating Online: How Does it Work?

Whether you wish to form a corporation, form an LLC or form another type of business, it's easy to incorporate online with BizFilings.  Our process for incorporating your business is explained in detail here.  If you have questions about how to incorporate, how to form an LLC, or why you might need to incorporate, read more in our learning center, call our knowledgeable and experienced customer service staff, or chat with one of our representatives online.


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' incorporation package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you get 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.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    A corporation's life is not dependent upon its owners. A corporation possesses the feature of unlimited life, meaning if an owner dies or wishes to sell his or her interest, the corporation will continue to exist and do business.


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