A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a type of business that helps protect your personal stuff if your business gets into any legal trouble. If you want to start an LLC in Washington state, here are the ten steps you need to follow:
1. Create an Online Account:
- Make a free online account with the Washington Secretary of State. This will help you with tasks like reserving your business name and filing reports.
2. Pick a Name for Your LLC:
- Choose a name for your LLC that follows Washington state’s naming rules. Make sure it’s not already taken in Washington or protected nationally.
3. Choose a Registered Agent:
- You need to select a registered agent, someone who can receive official documents for your LLC. Read our guide for help with this.
4. File Your LLC Certificate:
- After naming your LLC and choosing a registered agent, you can officially register it with the Washington Secretary of State. You’ll need to fill out a form and pay a $200 fee online.
5. Do Initial and Annual Reports:
- All businesses in Washington must file an initial report when starting and then an annual report every year. You can include the initial report when you file your certificate for free, or file it separately within 120 days for a $10 fee. Annual reports are due on your business’s anniversary.
6. Get an EIN:
- An EIN is a special tax number for your business. You’ll need it for things like filing taxes and opening a business bank account. You can get one for free from the IRS website.
7. Register with the Washington Department of Revenue:
- If your business plans to hire employees, needs specific licenses, collects sales tax, uses a name other than your legal name, makes at least $12,000, deals in specialty wood products, or needs to pay certain taxes, you’ll need to get a business license from the Washington Department of Revenue. This will give you a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and a business license number. You can apply online, and it costs $50.
Now you’re all set to navigate the process of starting your LLC in Washington state. Good luck on your business journey!
