Cost to Form LLC in Washington
Quick Answer
The total estimated Year 1 cost to form an LLC in Washington ranges from $200 for a DIY filing to $500-800 when using a formation service, as of April 13, 2026.
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Learn More →Total Cost: Year One
| Cost Category | DIY Cost | With Formation Service |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee | $200 | $200 |
| Formation Service | $0 | $200-400 |
| Registered Agent | $0-200 | $100-200 |
| Operating Agreement | $0-500 | Often included |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | $0 | $0-100 |
| Business License | $0-200 | $0-200 |
| Total Year 1 | $200-1,100 | $500-1,100 |
Government Filing Fees
Washington state requires the following mandatory fees to form an LLC:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $200 | Required state filing fee |
| Processing Time | N/A | 5-10 business days |
| Name Reservation (optional) | Contact SOS | If you want to reserve your name |
| Expedited Processing | Contact SOS | Available for faster processing |
As of April 13, 2026, Washington charges $200 to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This fee is paid directly to the Washington Secretary of State and is non-refundable once processing begins. The standard processing time is 5-10 business days.
Washington does not require publication of your LLC formation in newspapers, which saves money compared to states like New York or Arizona that mandate costly publication requirements.
Optional Costs
While not required by law, these services are commonly needed for new LLCs:
Registered Agent Service: $100-200/year Washington requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Washington address. You can serve as your own registered agent for free, but many business owners prefer hiring a professional service for privacy and reliability.
Operating Agreement: $0-500 While Washington doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, having one protects your limited liability status and clarifies member responsibilities. You can draft a basic version yourself using templates or hire an attorney for $300-500.
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Learn More →Federal EIN (Tax ID Number): Free You’ll need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS for banking and taxes. This is always free when obtained directly from the IRS website, though some services charge $50-100 to handle the application.
Business Licenses: $0-200+ Licensing requirements vary by business type and location. Many businesses need city business licenses ($50-200) or industry-specific permits. Check with your city clerk and the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Business Bank Account: $0-25/month Most banks require an EIN and Articles of Organization to open a business account. Monthly fees vary by institution.
Annual Ongoing Costs
Washington LLCs face these recurring annual expenses:
| Annual Cost | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $60 | By anniversary date |
| Registered Agent | $100-200 | Varies by service |
| Business License Renewal | $50-200 | Varies by jurisdiction |
Washington requires LLCs to file an Annual Report each year by the anniversary of formation. The $60 fee is due annually to maintain good standing with the Secretary of State.
Tax Advantages: Washington has no state income tax on individuals or pass-through entities like LLCs. However, businesses may be subject to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax based on gross receipts, with rates varying by business classification.
DIY vs. Formation Service Comparison
DIY Filing Pros:
- Lowest cost ($200 minimum)
- Direct control over process
- Learn the requirements firsthand
DIY Filing Cons:
- Time-consuming research and paperwork
- Risk of errors causing delays
- No ongoing support
Formation Service Pros:
- Professional handling of paperwork
- Often includes registered agent service
- May include operating agreement template
- Customer support for questions
Formation Service Cons:
- Additional $200-400 in fees
- Less direct control over timing
- May include unnecessary add-ons
Popular formation services like LegalZoom, Incfile, and ZenBusiness typically charge $200-400 plus the state fee, often bundling registered agent service and basic operating agreements.
Cheapest States Comparison
Here’s how Washington’s LLC formation costs compare to the most affordable states:
| State | Formation Fee | Annual Fee | Year 1 Total (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | $55 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | $195 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $25 | $75 |
| Alabama | $183 | $100 | $283 |
| Iowa | $50 | $45 | $95 |
| Washington | $200 | $60 | $260 |
Washington’s $200 formation fee ranks among the higher costs nationally, though the lack of state income tax and reasonable $60 annual fee provide long-term value for profitable businesses.
state registered agent service — $125/year, privacy included
Learn More →Related Guides
- Cost to Form LLC in California 2026: $70-$500+ Complete Guide
- Cost to Form LLC in Mississippi 2026: $50-500 Complete Guide
- How to Form LLC in Louisiana: Complete 2026 Guide
- Cost to Form LLC in Florida 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown
- Cost to Form LLC in Georgia 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown
FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington state?
The minimum cost is $200 for the state filing fee. Total first-year costs typically range from $200-1,100 depending on whether you use professional services for registered agent, operating agreement, and other optional services.
Does Washington require a registered agent for LLCs?
Yes, Washington requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical Washington address. You can serve as your own registered agent for free if you have a Washington address, or hire a professional service for $100-200 annually.
Are there any ongoing fees for Washington LLCs?
Yes, Washington LLCs must file an Annual Report each year by the anniversary of formation, costing $60. There’s no franchise tax, but businesses may owe Business & Occupation (B&O) tax based on gross receipts.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
Standard processing time is 5-10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your Articles of Organization and filing fee. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Washington LLC?
Washington doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, but it’s highly recommended. An operating agreement protects your limited liability status, clarifies member roles, and can prevent costly disputes later.
Can I form a Washington LLC if I live in another state?
Yes, non-residents can form Washington LLCs. However, you’ll need a registered agent with a Washington address, which typically requires hiring a professional registered agent service.
What taxes does a Washington LLC pay?
Washington has no state income tax on LLCs (pass-through taxation). However, depending on your business activities and revenue, you may owe Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, which is based on gross receipts rather than profit.
How does Washington’s LLC cost compare to other states?
Washington’s $200 formation fee is higher than many states, ranking in the upper third nationally. However, the absence of state income tax and reasonable ongoing fees can provide significant savings for profitable businesses over time.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult with an attorney or accountant for guidance specific to your business situation. Data current as of April 13, 2026.