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Washington Company Registration

Washington LLC Formation

Washington Corporation Formation (C-Corp & S-Corp)

Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Named for George Washington, the first U.S. president, the state was made out of the western part of the Washington Territory, in accordance with the Oregon Treaty in the settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute. The state is bordered on the West by the Pacific Ocean, Oregon to the South, Idaho to the East, and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the North.

Olympia is the state capital; the state's largest city is Seattle. Washington is often referred to as Washington state to distinguish it from the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Washington has a total area of 71,362 square miles (184,827 km2).

The United States Census Bureau estimates Washington's population was 7,614,893 in 2019. In 2010, 82.51% of Washington residents aged 5 and older spoke English at home as a primary language, while 7.79% spoke Spanish, 1.19% Chinese, 0.94% Vietnamese, 0.84% Tagalog, 0.83% Korean, 0.80% Russian, and German, 0.55%. In total, 17.49% of Washington's population age 5 and older spoke a mother language other than English.

The government of Washington State is the governmental structure of the State of Washington as established by the Constitution of the State of Washington.

  • The executive is composed of the Governor, several other statewide elected officials and the Governor's cabinet.
  • The Washington State Legislature consists of the House of Representatives and State Senate.
  • The judiciary is composed of the Washington Supreme Court and lower courts.
  • There is also a local government, consisting of counties, municipalities and special districts.

According to The Bureau of Economic Analysis, Washington had a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$ 569.449 billion in 2018. Its per capita personal income was US$ 62,026.

Washington state is the nation's largest concentration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workers. The state has a large volume of seaborne foreign trade with Asia. Leading economic sectors are Government, Real Estate and Rental Leasing, and Information; manufacturing comes fourth (8.6% of the state's GDP). Fruit and vegetable production, and hydroelectric power, are other important sectors. Important firms based in Washington include Boeing, Starbucks and Microsoft.

Washington Company Registration

Benefits for Washington company registration

  • Professional Growth & Development
  • Low cost energy
  • Robust supply chain
  • Pro business climate
  • Centralize export hub

Washington State Company Formation

  Washington LLC Formation Washington Corporation Formation (C- Corp and S-Corp)
Corporate Tax Rate

Washington does not have corporate income tax. However, there is still a gross receipts tax of 1.5%.

Company Name

The LLCs’ name must contain the words “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

The proposed name must be unique and available in Washington.

The corporations’ name must contain the words "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," "Company" or an abbreviation thereof.

The proposed name must be unique and available in Washington.

Board of Directors

Minimum of one manager & member required for an LLC.

Washington has no age and residency requirements for managers/members.

The members’ names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Organization while the managers’ information is required.

Minimum of one director & shareholder required for a corporation.

Washington has no age and residency requirements for directors/shareholders.

The directors & shareholders’ names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Other requirement

Annual Report:

LLCs in Washington are required to file an Annual Report. The due date is by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month.

Registered agent:

A registered agent’s purpose is to act on a company’s behalf by providing a physical address within a state’s jurisdiction in order to receive legal documents.

Employer Identification Number:

Washington corporations are issued employer identification numbers, commonly referred to as EINs. EINs are unique, nine-digit numbers issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and primarily used to report employment taxes.

Annual Report:

Corporations in Washington are required to file an Annual Report. The due date is by the end of your corporation’s anniversary month.

Stock:

In the Articles of Incorporation, corporations must list the authorized shares. 

Registered agent:

Washington Registered Agents are a person or company designated on public record to accept legal documents and notifications from the Washington Secretary of State's office on behalf of the corporations.

Employer Identification Number:

Businesses need an EIN to pay their federal taxes online, to file their annual tax return, and to issue payroll and tax documents to suppliers.

4 Easy Steps to Starting a Business in Washington State, USA

Preparation

1. Preparation

Select basic Resident/Founder nationality information and other additional services that you want (if any).

Filling

2. Filling

Register or log in and fill in the company names and director/ shareholder(s) and fill in the billing address and special request (if any).

Payment

3. Payment

Choose your payment method (We accept payment by Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, or Wire Transfer).

Delivery

4. Delivery

You will receive soft copies of necessary documents including Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration, Memorandum and Articles of Association, etc. Then, your new company in Washington is ready to do business. You can bring the documents in the company kit to open a corporate bank account or we can help you with our long experience of Banking support services.

How much does it cost to start a business in Washington State, USA?

From

US$ 599 Service Fees
  • Done within 2 working days
  • 100% successful rate
  • Fast, easy & highest confidential
  • Dedicated support (24/7)
  • Just Order, We Do All For You
Washington LLC Formation Cost From US$ 599
Washington Corporation Formation Cost From US$ 599

Recommended services

Washington Company Registration with the main characteristics

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

General Information
Type of Business Entity Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Corporate Income Tax Nil
British Based Legal System No
Double Tax Treaty Access No
Incorporation Time Frame (Approx., days) 2 - 3 working days
Corporate Requirements
Minimum Number of Shareholders 1
Minimum Number of Directors 1
Corporate Directors Permitted Yes
Standard Authorized Capital/Shares N/A
Local Requirements
Registered Office/ Registered Agent Yes
Company Secretary Yes
Local Meetings No
Local Directors / Shareholders No
Publicly Accessible Records Yes
Annual Requirements
Annual Return Yes
Audited Accounts Yes
Incorporation Fees
Our Service Fee (1st year) US$ 599.00
Government fee & Service charged US$ 560.00
Annual Renewal Fees
Our Service Fee (year 2+) US$ 499.00
Government fee & Service charged US$ 560.00

Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)

General Information
Type of Business Entity Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)
Corporate Income Tax Nil
British Based Legal System No
Double Tax Treaty Access No
Incorporation Time Frame (Approx., days) 2 - 3 working days
Corporate Requirements
Minimum Number of Shareholders 1
Minimum Number of Directors 1
Corporate Directors Permitted Yes
Standard Authorized Capital/Shares N/A
Local Requirements
Registered Office/ Registered Agent Yes
Company Secretary Yes
Local Meetings No
Local Directors / Shareholders No
Publicly Accessible Records Yes
Annual Requirements
Annual Return Yes
Audited Accounts Yes
Incorporation Fees
Our Service Fee (1st year) US$ 599.00
Government fee & Service charged US$ 560.00
Annual Renewal Fees
Our Service Fee (year 2+) US$ 499.00
Government fee & Service charged US$ 560.00

Scope of Services

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

1. Company Formation Service Fee

Services and Documents Provided Status
Agent Fee Yes
Name Check Yes
Preparation of Articles Yes
Same-day Electronic Filing Yes
Certificate of Formation Yes
Digital Copy of Documents Yes
Digital Corporate Seal Yes
Lifetime Customer Support Yes
One Complete Year (12 Full Months) of Washington Registered Agent Service Yes

2. Government Fee

Certificate of Incorporation Status
Submission of all documents to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and attending to any clarifications on the structure and applications required. Yes
Submission of application to the Registrar of Companies Yes

To incorporate a Washington company, the client is required to pay the Government Fee, US$ 560, including

  • Government Filing cost: US$ 100
  • Registered Agent Fee for 1 year: US$ 460

Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)

1. Company Formation Service Fee

Services and Documents Provided Status
Agent Fee Yes
Name Check Yes
Preparation of Articles Yes
Same-day Electronic Filing Yes
Certificate of Formation Yes
Digital Copy of Documents Yes
Digital Corporate Seal Yes
Lifetime Customer Support Yes
One Complete Year (12 Full Months) of Washington Registered Agent Service Yes

2. Government Fee

Certificate of Incorporation Status
Submission of all documents to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and attending to any clarifications on the structure and applications required. Yes
Submission of application to the Registrar of Companies Yes

To incorporate a Washington company, the client is required to pay the Government Fee, US$ 560, including

  • Government Filing cost: US$ 100
  • Registered Agent Fee for 1 year: US$ 460

Download forms - Washington Company Registration

1. Application Formation Form

Description QR Code Download
Application for Limited Company
PDF | 1.91 MB | Updated time: 14 Mar, 2020, 10:45 (UTC+08:00)

Application form for Limited Company processing

Application for Limited Company Download
Application Formation Form LLP LLC
PDF | 1.80 MB | Updated time: 03 Jan, 2020, 12:24 (UTC+08:00)

Application Formation Form LLP LLC

Application Formation Form LLP LLC Download

2. Business Plan Form

Description QR Code Download
Business Plan Form
PDF | 1,015.78 kB | Updated time: 04 Jan, 2020, 11:16 (UTC+08:00)

Business Plan Form for Company Incorporation

Business Plan Form Download

3. Information Update Form

Description QR Code Download
Information Update Form
PDF | 5.52 MB | Updated time: 06 Jan, 2020, 11:48 (UTC+08:00)

Information Update Form for completing the Registry’s statutory requirements

Information Update Form Download

4. Rate card

Description QR Code Download
Washington (C-Corp or S-Corp) Rate card
PDF | 635.54 kB | Updated time: 31 Dec, 2020, 11:10 (UTC+08:00)

Basic Features and Standard price for Washington (C-Corp or S-Corp)

Washington (C-Corp or S-Corp) Rate card Download
Washington LLC Rate card
PDF | 632.14 kB | Updated time: 31 Dec, 2020, 11:10 (UTC+08:00)

Basic Features and Standard price for Washington LLC

Washington LLC Rate card Download

5. Sample Documents

Description QR Code Download
FAQs

Company Formation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Washington Company Registration

1. How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington state?

The cost to form an LLC in Washington stateis $200. This fee is charged when you file your LLC's Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State online. If you file via mail, the fee is $180.

LLCs in Washington are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The filing fee costs $60 and needs to be paid by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed.

There are other costs associated with the process of forming an LLC in Washington state. For instance:

  • Washington State LLC registration, you must file an initial report. If you file this report with the Certificate of Formation, there will be no extra cost. If you file it separately, the cost will be $10 by mail and $30 online.
  • You can reserve your LLC name in 180 days for $30 by filing a name reservation form.
  • To register a trade name other than your official Washington LLC business name, you can file a Business License Application and pay the $24 filing fee.

These are all the basic costs to form an LLC in Washington state. Alternatively, you can find your LLC a registered agent like One IBC and they will handle all the paperwork and filings for your business registration. Check out Washington company formation service and learn more about what One IBC Group can do for your overseas business now.

2. What is the difference between LLC and Professional LLC in Washington?

A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) in Washington is treated the same way as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The fundamental distinction between a PLLC and an LLC in Washington is that a PLLC must be formed by professionals who have been licensed in Washington. It can only provide professional services licensed by the state's authority, including, but not limited to, these professions:

  • Certified public accountants
  • Chiropractors
  • Dentists
  • Osteopaths
  • Physicians
  • Podiatric physicians and surgeons
  • Chiropodists
  • Architects
  • Veterinarians
  • Attorneys

This list is not exhaustive. In general, a professional service is any sort of public-facing personal service that necessitates the provider obtaining a license or other legal authorization prior to providing the service. A Washington PLLC can be formed by anyone who is licensed to practice one of the above-mentioned professions, or is otherwise lawfully licensed or legally permitted in Washington. To make sure if your business profession qualifies as a Washington professional service to form a PLLC, you can consult a local business attorney or use One IBC’s Washington Company Formation service.

3. What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and an LLC in Washington state?

Sole proprietorship and limited liability company (LLC) are both two of the most popular business structures in Washington state. They can be good options for a small and medium sized business as they are easy to set up and flexible in terms of management. Here are some notable differences between a sole proprietorship and an LLC in Washington state:

  • Liability protection
    • This is the main distinction between the two structures. An LLC can provide liability protection to its owner while a sole proprietorship cannot. That means owners of a sole proprietorship can be at risk of losing their personal assets if the business runs into a legal problem.
  • Start-up process and costs
    • Unlike LLCs, Washington sole proprietorships are not required to register with the state and do not have to pay filing fees.
  • Compliance
    • Washington Sole proprietorships are exempt from filing annual reports, which are required for LLCs in Washington. In addition, the tax filing process is much easier for sole proprietorships than for LLCs.

 

4. What are the requirements for an LLC in Washington state?

Limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most popular business structures in Washington state, as it is easy in terms of formation and does not have many requirements for the business owner. Here are some formation documents and requirements that you need to prepare in order to form an LLC in Washington:

  • At least 1 member of the LLC
  • Name of the Washington LLC and its business address
  • The date your Washington State LLC officially becomes effective (immediately or within 90 days from the filing date)
  • The LLC's life span (perpetual or a specific term)
  • Your LLC’s registered agent information
  • The consent of the Registered Agent to function as the Registered Agent

After providing all the requirements above, you must fill them in the Certificate of Formation and file it with the Washington Office of the Secretary of State.

Alternatively, you can hire a Commercial Registered Agent to handle the formation documents and business requirements for your Washington LLC. If you are looking for a commercial registered agent, check out One IBC’s Washington Company Formation service and get your business a reputable agent.

5. How long does it take to get a business license in Washington state?

When starting a business in Washington state, offshore companies are required to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to run the business legally. Depending on your business area, the regulator licenses/permits will be different, however, you will usually need to provide information about the legal entity, shareholders/directors, business plan and some other documents such as: financial statements, rental office agreement, etc.

A Washing business license registration will normally take about 10 working days from the day of application. In case you need additional city or state endorsements, it will take 2-3 more weeks for your Washington business license / permit to be approved. Please rest assured that One IBC Group will support you throughout the whole process.

You can find out more about how to get a Washington business license here.

6. How to get an LLC in Washington state?

In order to get an LLC in Washington state with One IBC Group, simply follow 4 steps to get started:

  • Step 1 - Preparation: Send us your information, requests, billing address and choose 3 valid names for your business. One IBC will do the name check for you.
  • Step 2 - Filing the required documents: We need information of your company’s directors/shareholders along with the shares ratio. If you don’t find anyone to appoint, we can do it for you. Additionally, you can choose some recommended services for your business, e.g serviced office, trademark registration, bank account opening, accounting, etc.
  • Step 3 - Making your payment to One IBC: After making an order, One IBC will send you a quotation. A Washington LLC was incorporated by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State, it takes you approximately 2-3 days to process.
  • Step 4 - Receiving your company kit: Your company original documents will be sent to your provided address. You can now get your LLC license in Washington state. Additional services, if any, can be subsequently performed by One IBC Group right after that.

For more information, please contact us or visit our website here.

7. Which types of business licenses in Washington state do I need to get?

Generally, there are 3 types of Washington business licenses that you need to get when opening a business here: 

  • Primary business license: Every Washington business must obtain a general business license from the state where the business is located. This type of license is granted once your company is created.
  • Regulatory licenses and permits: Besides primary business license, many industries in Washington are required to have subsidiary business licenses or permits, e.g. banking, health and safety, environment, construction, restaurant - hotels, and other hospitality services. This type of business license in Washington state is granted by government authorities.
  • Professional and occupational licenses: This type of Washington business license is for professionals who work in specific fields, e.g. doctor, engineer, etc.
8. Do I need a business license in Washington state?

Yes. It is required by law that you need to obtain business licenses and permits to run a company in Washington. Please contact us for more details.

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