Filing a Washington LLC
If you’ve looked into starting a company, you likely know that there are numerous business structure available. However, Washington LLCs often prove to be most advantageous. The LLC structure protects new business owners from any company debts and liabilities. Also, the process of registering to become a Washington LLC is easy.
Steps To Filing a Washington LLC
Choose A Name
To begin the process of filing a Washington LLC, the first thing you must do is choose a name for your company. When choosing a name, there are two critical things to keep in mind. The first is the fact that no two companies can have the same name in the state of Washington. This means that the name you come up with must be unique. To ensure that this does not happen, you can use the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
The second fact to note is that you must include some indicator mentioning the point you are an LLC. Be sure to add something such as “Limited Liability Company” or “L.LC.” to ensure that the state of Washington accepts the name.
Choose A Registered Agent
Once you select a name, you’ll then need to choose a registered agent. The registered agent is responsible for accepting legal correspondence and should be considered a representative of your business. As a result, you should choose someone reliable and trustworthy, as they could have a significant impact on your business. You should consider hiring a professional company such as DoMyLLC to serve as your registered agent.
File Certificate Of Formation & Pay Filing Fees
At this point, you can begin filing the paperwork needed to register your Washington LLC. You’ll need to file Certificate of Formation papers with the Corporations Division. When doing so, you’ll also need to pay the $180 filing fee. If you are submitting the forms online, the filing fee is $200. You’ll inform the state of other information critical to your business, such as:
- The name of your company
- Intended duration of the company
- Address of the principal office
- Effective date
- Registered agent information
- Principal office address
- Name and address of each executor
- Signatures from the form’s organizer
File Initial Report
Washington LLC owners must also file an Initial Report. This report is due within 120 days of the effective date. You can submit forms to the Secretary of State’s office. Be sure to include the $60 filing fee.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
You’ll also want to create an operating agreement, which helps to clarify how your new company will be structured. Once complete, the company can begin holding meetings.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Employer Identification Numbers are necessary to file taxes each year and open a bank account for your business. You can obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service.
File State Required Annual Reports
Washington LLCs are required to submit an Annual Report at the end of their anniversary month each year. There is a $60 filing fee to do so. If you do not file on time, there is a $25 late fee. Additionally, the state could dissolve the business if it remains delinquent. Be sure to read up on the Washington Annual Reporting requirements.
Ongoing Maintenance
In addition to Annual Reports, Washington LLCs must also submit taxes and renew business licenses every year.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
If you are looking for help with any paperwork associated with your Washington LLC, DoMyLLC can help. We offer many services, including:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
Be sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can streamline your administrative responsibilities to the state of Washington.