Business Formation / LLC Washington

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Washington?

🏁 Initial Formation Costs

• Certificate of Formation: $200 for online filing, or $180 by mail/in-person (saving $20) 

• Name Reservation (Optional): $30 DBA / Trade Name (Optional): $24 

• Registered Agent Service: $0 if self-appointed, or $100–$300/year for commercial service 

• Operating Agreement: Typically free if DIY; attorney-drafted versions may cost up to $500+ 

• EIN (Federal Tax ID): Free from the IRS .

• State Business License Application: Approximately $90, plus local business licenses if applicable

🔄 Ongoing & Annual Fees

• Annual Report / Business License Renewal: $60–$71/year, due each year by the end of the LLC’s formation month. Penalty for late filing: $25 

• Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax: Gross-receipts tax assessed on most Washington businesses; rate varies by revenue and business type .

• Registered Agent Renewal: $0–$300/year, depending on provider.

💰 Estimated Cost Summary

📌 Key Takeaways

1. Formation Fee: $200 (online) or $180 (mail) to file Certificate of Formation 

2. Annual Filing: $60–$71 per year; file by the last day of your LLC’s anniversary month 

3. Registered Agent: Can be yourself ($0) or a service provider ($100–$300/year) 

4. B&O Tax: Gross receipts tax required for most businesses, with varying rates .

5. Optional Extras: Name reservation, DBA, licenses, certified copies, and operating agreement as needed.

✅ What to Do Next

1. Decide whether to file online ($200) or by mail ($180).

2. Optionally reserve your name and register any DBA.

3. Appoint a registered agent (self or paid).

4. Prepare an Operating Agreement.

5. Apply for your EIN (free).

6. Register for the state business license ($90) and local licenses if needed.

7. Plan for annual renewals: file annual report/business license ($60–$71) and renew agent service if applicable.

8. Monitor your gross receipts to determine B&O tax liability.

🛑 What additional costs am I responsible for?

In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.

1. Licenses 
   
2. Filing Fees
3. Reports
4. Name Reservations
5. Articles of Organization