LLC Cost in Washington State – How Much to Pay for an LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in Washington State. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Washington State.

Washington State LLC Cost of Filing

Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Washington State.

Cost of Filing Formation Certificates

The Washington State Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Washington State Secretary of State.

Washington State Domestic LLC

  • Online Filing costs $200.
  • Annual Report filing costs $60
  • Name Reservation fee costs $30
  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Secretary of State Corporation Division 801 Capitol Way S P.O. Box 40234 Olympia, Washington 98504-0234. Costs $180.

Washington State Foreign LLC

  • Online Filing costs $200.
  • Annual Report filing costs $60
  • Name Reservation fee costs $30
  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Secretary of State Corporation Division 801 Capitol Way S P.O. Box 40234 Olympia, Washington 98504-0234. Costs $180.

Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.

Washington State LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee

You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Washington State, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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$0 + State Fees

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  • Extras are bit more expensive

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Business Permits and Licenses

The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Washington State Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.

Taxes Payable to the Washington Department of Revenue

To incorporate and register an LLC in Washington, one has to pay taxes to State & Federal Government. Some of the essential business taxes are enlisted below.

State Income Tax

As the LLC owner, you don’t have to pay state tax on any amount you earn via your LLC. Businesses may have to pay a Business & Occupation tax on all the earnings in Washington. Some companies are also subjected to the public utility tax. The gross receipts drawn by the businesses define the amount of tax they have to pay.

State Sales & Use Tax

Any seller of tangible goods such as cars, electronics, etc. & any service provider company has to collect taxes at the time of the purchase and then has to pay those to the Washington Department of Revenue. The state sales & use tax rate on LLC in Washington is 6.5%.

Federal Self-Employment Tax

The Federal Self Employment Tax is often called Social Security or Medicare tax, is paid by all the LLC Business members or managers. The self-employment tax caters to the well-being of the members of the company. The Federal self-employment tax rate in Washington is 15.3%.

Federal Income Tax

The rate of the Federal Income Tax is calculated after carefully observing: your earnings, the income tax bracket your LLC falls, the deductions, & the manner/ mode of filing. Federal Income Tax is paid on all the profits your LLC makes in a year.

Employee & Employer Taxes

LLCs that have appointed several employees have to pay Employee & Employer Taxes too. The tax rate is calculated on the basis of the amount they earn, the number of employees, etc.

Cost Comparison between states

Washington shares its border with the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia, Canada. It has only two American states that share the same boundaries, namely Idaho & Oregon. Each of these states has a different rate of taxes levied on LLCs. Let us take a look at this comparative chart.

StatesFiling FeeAnnual/Biennial FeeSales Tax
Washington$200$606.5%
Idaho$100None6%
Oregon$105$30None

Based on the kind of industry you LLC operated in, your LLC will be liable to some other taxes & duties. You should seek regional help to verify the tax rates or business costs of registering an LLC in Washington.

Other Costs

F.A.Qs

Can I start an LLC for free?

It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.

Is an LLC expensive?

It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.

Does an LLC need a bank account?

The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Washington

To maintain an LLC in Washington you will need to pay an annual fee of $60 along with sales & use tax at 6.5%, and federal taxes.

One of the key costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Washington is the annual report fee. The Washington Secretary of State requires LLCs to file an annual report each year, which includes updating information such as the company’s address, registered agent, and manager or member names. Failing to file the annual report on time can result in significant penalties and even the dissolution of the LLC.

Additionally, LLCs in Washington are subject to an annual renewal fee to keep the entity active and in good standing with the state. This fee is separate from the annual report fee and is typically due on the anniversary of the LLC’s formation date. Business owners should factor in this cost when budgeting for LLC maintenance expenses.

Another important cost to consider is the registered agent fee. Washington state law requires LLCs to designate a registered agent, who is responsible for accepting legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the company. Some business owners choose to serve as their own registered agent, while others opt to hire a professional registered agent service for a fee.

In addition to these recurring costs, business owners should be prepared for potential unexpected expenses that may arise during the year, such as legal fees for amending the LLC’s articles of organization or operating agreement, changes in ownership or management, or resolving disputes with other members or third parties.

Furthermore, LLCs in Washington must comply with various state and federal tax obligations, such as paying state and federal taxes, filing annual reports with the Washington Department of Revenue, and maintaining accurate financial records. Depending on the complexity of the LLC’s financial situation, business owners may need to hire a professional accountant or tax advisor to assist with tax preparation and compliance, adding another potential cost to consider.

Overall, the cost of maintaining an LLC in Washington can vary depending on the size and complexity of the business, as well as the level of legal and financial support needed. Business owners should carefully budget for these ongoing expenses to ensure that their LLC remains in good standing with the state and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. Being proactive in addressing maintenance costs can help prevent any potential pitfalls or penalties down the line and allow the LLC to focus on its core operations and growth objectives.

In Conclusion

The cost of Washington is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.

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