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If you are forming an LLC in Washington State, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing Washington State articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What Are Articles of Organization?
Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. Articles of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file Articles of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Washington State LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Washington State Articles of Organization?
These are the simple steps to follow in filing Articles of Organization in Washington State.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Washington State Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Washington State LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Secretary of State Corporation Division 801 Capitol Way S P.O. Box 40234 Olympia, Washington 98504-0234.
Steps to Register Article of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
If you want to start your business LLC in the State of Washington, the basic step is to register your Washington Limited Liability Company with the Secretary of State office. You can file either through online or offline methods. When your application is processed through online mode, you also get the benefit of immediate processing. The cost of registration is $200. The formation guide below will help you in filing your Articles of Organization application.
- Access the Official website of the Washington Secretary of State
The Official website of the Secretary of State of Washington consists of an informative page dedicated to Corporations. This page provides a one-stop solution to different business filings and registrations through online mode. On this page, scroll to the heading ‘Washington Limited Liability Company’ and click on the first link ‘File Online!’.
- Login/ Create your account
The SOS Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System page will open up next. You will see a Customer login box on the screen. If you have an account on the SOS portal, then enter your User ID and Password and click on the ‘Login’ tab. If you do not have an account, then click on the ‘Create a User Account’ tab for Account Creation.
- Start to file your application
Now, log in to your account on the SOS business portal. On the user homepage, select the option of “Create or Register a Business” from the toolbar. Select the type of business as “Domestic” and then select the option of “Limited Liability Company” from the list. Now, read all the instructions carefully before you start to fill in all the details in the application form. Do not leave out any mandatory information.
- Review the details
Before you finalize your application, recheck all the details entered by you in the application form. Every detail should be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
- Make the payment
Once you have completed your application, you can proceed to the payment gateway page. Pay $200 as the online filing fee for your application. Once you have submitted the application form successfully, you will receive a notification from the Secretary of State office confirming your application with the office.
Washington Articles of Organization Filing By Mail
If you opt for an offline method while filing your application, you can do that as well by sending your application through the mail. Follow the instructions below to file by mail.
- You can access the Application forms on the Corporation page on the Washington Secretary of State website by clicking on the ‘Complete Paper form’ under Washington Limited Liability Company heading. You can also download the Application form PDF here.
- Read all the instructions attached to the application form carefully and proceed to fill out the application form.
- You can attach the name reservation certificate with the application form.
- Review all the information entered by you. Do not miss out on providing details under the mandatory fields.
- Issue a money order or check for $180 as the filing fee for your application, payable to the “Secretary of State”. For expedited service, you can include an additional $50 in the total amount.
- Arrange the documents together and mail to the address, Corporations & Charities Division, PO Box 40234 Olympia, WA 98504-0234. You can drop your application in person to the following address: Corporations & Charities Division, 801 Capitol Way S Olympia, WA 98501-1226.
Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Washington
Though online mode is generally preferred over offline mode due to user-friendly access and easy updates. The State of Washington has different rates for registration for the different filing methods. Here is the cost of filing formation articles in Washington,
- Online filing costs $200.00
- By mail filing costs $180.00
F.A.Qs
Articles of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Washington State in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your Washington LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Washington LLC can be accessed through the Washington Corporations and Charities System. You can also download the PDF from the Washington Corporations Division website.
But where can you find your Washington LLC Articles of Organization once they have been filed? The process may seem daunting at first, but it is actually quite straightforward.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that once your Articles of Organization have been filed with the Secretary of State, they become a matter of public record. This means that anyone can access them, including potential customers, vendors, or competitors. In Washington, the Secretary of State’s website offers a convenient online search tool where you can look up and view the Articles of Organization for any LLC registered in the state.
Alternatively, you can also request a copy of your Washington LLC Articles of Organization directly from the Secretary of State’s office. This can be done either in person, by mail, or online, depending on your preference. There may be a small fee associated with obtaining a copy of the Articles of Organization, so be sure to check the Secretary of State’s website for more information.
Another option for finding your Washington LLC Articles of Organization is to work with a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They can help you navigate the process of obtaining and maintaining important legal documents, including the Articles of Organization. Some registered agents even offer additional services, such as document storage and retrieval, to make managing your LLC easier.
Regardless of how you choose to access your Washington LLC Articles of Organization, it is important to keep them safe and easily accessible. These documents serve as the official record of your LLC’s formation and contain important information such as the name of your LLC, its registered agent, and its address. You may need to present these documents when opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, or entering into contracts with third parties.
In conclusion, finding your Washington LLC Articles of Organization is a crucial step in the process of forming and running a successful business. By understanding where to look for these important documents and keeping them organized, you can ensure that your LLC operates legally and transparently. Whether you choose to access them online, through the Secretary of State’s office, or with the help of a registered agent, taking the time to locate and safeguard your Articles of Organization will ultimately benefit your business in the long run.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Washington LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.
How do I find the Articles of Organization for an existing LLC (Northup Building LLC)?