How Much Does an LLC Cost in Washington?
Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Washington. The Evergreen State charges $180 to file your Articles of Organization, making it one of the more affordable states for LLC formation on the West Coast.
But that base fee doesn’t tell the complete story. You’ll need to factor in registered agent costs, potential expedited processing fees, and ongoing annual requirements. Let’s break down every expense so you can budget properly for your Washington LLC.
Washington LLC Fee Breakdown
Washington’s Secretary of State offers transparent, straightforward pricing for LLC formation. Here’s what you’ll pay for each service:
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online) | $200 | $180 filing + $20 processing fee |
| Articles of Organization (paper) | $180 | Base filing fee only |
| Expedited processing (3 days) | +$100 | Additional fee on top of base |
| Same-day processing | +$150 | Must file by 11 AM |
| Name reservation | $30 | Optional, reserves for 180 days |
| Annual report | $70 | Due by last day of formation month |
| Amendment | $30 | Changes to Articles |
| Dissolution | $0 | Free to dissolve LLC |
| Good standing certificate | $20 | Proof of LLC status |
| Registered agent change | $0 | No fee for address updates |
Source: Washington Secretary of State, verified March 2026
Filing Fee Details
Washington’s $180 base filing fee is surprisingly reasonable compared to neighboring states. If you file online through the Secretary of State’s portal, you’ll pay an additional $20 processing fee, bringing your total to $200. Paper filings avoid this processing fee but take longer to process.
Pro tip: Starting January 20, 2026, email addresses will be mandatory for all LLC filings in Washington. Make sure you have a professional business email ready.
Expedited Processing Options
Need your LLC approved faster? Washington offers two expedited options. For $100 extra, you can get three-business-day processing. Same-day service costs $150 additional but requires filing by 11 AM.
Most new business owners don’t need expedited service. The standard 5-10 business day processing gives you time to handle other startup tasks while your LLC is being approved.
Additional LLC Formation Costs
Beyond the state filing fee, you’ll encounter several other necessary expenses when starting your Washington LLC:
Registered Agent Service
Washington requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can serve as your own registered agent for free, but most business owners hire a professional service.
Professional registered agents cost $125-200 per year and provide several benefits:
- Privacy protection for your home address
- Reliable service of legal documents
- Professional business image
- Compliance reminders and support
EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Your LLC will need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is completely free when you apply directly through the IRS website. Avoid services that charge $50-300 for something you can get free in 15 minutes.
Warning: Many websites pose as the IRS and charge fees for EIN applications. Always use the official IRS.gov website to apply for your EIN at no cost.
Operating Agreement
While Washington doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, every LLC should have one. This document protects your limited liability status and prevents costly disputes later. You can use our free template or have an attorney draft a custom agreement for $500-1,500.
Business Licenses
Depending on your industry, you may need additional licenses. Washington charges $50 for most state business licenses. City and county licenses vary widely by location and business type.
Total First-Year Cost Comparison
Here’s how the costs add up for your first year of LLC ownership in Washington:
DIY Route
- State filing fee: $200 (online)
- EIN from IRS: Free
- Operating agreement: Free (template)
- Self-registered agent: Free
- Total first year: $200
Professional Formation Service
- Service fee + state filing: $219-239 most services
- Registered agent (included): $0 first year
- EIN assistance: Usually included
- Operating agreement: Often included
- Total first year: $219-239
For just $19-39 more than filing yourself, a professional service handles all the paperwork, provides a registered agent, and often includes valuable extras like an operating agreement template and ongoing compliance support.
Why Use a Formation Service?
While you can certainly file your Washington LLC yourself, most business owners find the small additional cost of a formation service worth the convenience and peace of mind.
Time Savings
Formation services handle all the paperwork, filing, and follow-up. Instead of spending hours navigating the Secretary of State website and requirements, you can focus on building your business.
Accuracy and Compliance
Professional services know the filing requirements and help avoid costly mistakes. They also provide ongoing compliance reminders, so you never miss important deadlines like your annual report.
Included Services
Most formation services include valuable extras at no additional cost. You’ll typically get registered agent service for the first year, operating agreement templates, and EIN assistance.
DIY Formation
- State filing fee: $180
- Name reservation: varies
- EIN from IRS: Free
- Registered agent: you (must be available during business hours)
- Operating agreement: write your own
You handle all paperwork, compliance tracking, and serve as your own registered agent.
With Northwest Registered Agent
- State filing fee: $180
- Formation service: $39
- Registered agent (1 year): Included free
- EIN filing: Included
- Privacy protection: Included
- Compliance reminders: Included
Professional filing, free registered agent, privacy protection, and compliance support.
Ready to form your Washington LLC with expert support? Form your Washington LLC →
Washington LLC Formation Service Comparison
If you decide to use a formation service, here are the top options for Washington LLCs:
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent offers same-day filing for $39 plus the state fee. They’re particularly strong for Washington LLCs since they’re based in the Pacific Northwest and understand local business needs.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides free LLC formation (you pay only the state fee) with their Starter plan. Processing takes 2-3 weeks for standard service or 1-2 days with rush processing.
Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers free formation with next-business-day processing. They include a full year of registered agent service at no additional cost.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom has been in business for over 20 years and offers comprehensive LLC packages. Their Basic plan is free plus state fees, with 7-10 business day processing.
Ongoing Annual Costs
After formation, your Washington LLC has minimal ongoing state requirements:
Annual Report
Washington requires an annual report every year, due by the last day of the month in which you formed your LLC. The fee is $70, and you can file online through the Secretary of State’s website.
Missing your annual report deadline triggers a $140 reinstatement fee plus any overdue annual report fees. Set calendar reminders well before your due date.
Registered Agent
If you use a professional registered agent service, expect to pay $125-200 annually after any free first-year period ends.
Business Taxes
Washington doesn’t have a traditional corporate income tax, but LLCs may be subject to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax depending on their gross receipts. Small businesses with less than $12,000 in annual gross receipts are generally exempt.
Tax tip: Washington’s lack of personal income tax is a major advantage for LLC owners. Learn more about Washington LLC tax requirements.
Setting Up Your LLC for Success
Once your Washington LLC is approved, you’ll need to handle several important setup tasks:
Business Banking
Separate business and personal finances by opening a dedicated business bank account. This protects your limited liability status and makes tax preparation much easier. Look for banks that offer free business checking for LLCs and don’t require high minimum balances.
Many new LLC owners choose online banks for better rates and lower fees. Compare options based on monthly fees, transaction limits, and ATM access in your area.
Need a business bank account with no monthly fees and unlimited transactions? Open a Bluevine account for your LLC →
Business Insurance
While your LLC structure provides personal asset protection, business insurance covers your company’s assets and operations. General liability insurance protects against customer injuries, property damage, and advertising claims.
Professional liability insurance is crucial if you provide services or advice. Property insurance covers your equipment and inventory. Many insurers offer bundled policies that combine multiple coverage types at a discount.
Protect your Washington LLC with business insurance starting at $7/month. Get a Next Insurance quote →
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Proper financial records are essential for tax compliance and business decision-making. Even single-member LLCs need to track income, expenses, and deductions separately from personal finances.
Accounting software automates much of this work and generates the reports you’ll need for tax filing. Look for software that integrates with your bank account and handles invoicing if you bill customers directly.
Keep your LLC finances organized with accounting software designed for small businesses. Try FreshBooks free for 30 days →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?
The minimum cost is $200 if you file online yourself ($180 filing fee + $20 processing fee). With a formation service, expect to pay $219-239 for the first year, which includes registered agent service and additional support.
Are there any ongoing fees for Washington LLCs?
Yes, Washington requires an annual report costing $70, due by the last day of your formation month each year. You’ll also need to maintain a registered agent, which costs $125-200 annually if you hire a service.
Can I get same-day LLC approval in Washington?
Yes, Washington offers same-day processing for an additional $150 fee, but you must file by 11 AM. Most business owners don’t need this rush service and are fine with the standard 5-10 business day processing time.
Do I need a registered agent in Washington?
Yes, every Washington LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can serve as your own registered agent for free or hire a professional service for $125-200 per year.
How much does it cost to dissolve a Washington LLC?
Washington doesn’t charge a fee to dissolve your LLC. You simply file Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State. However, make sure you’ve paid all outstanding taxes and fees before dissolving.
What’s the cheapest way to form a Washington LLC?
The cheapest option is filing yourself online for $200 total. However, for just $19-39 more, professional formation services provide significant value through registered agent service, compliance support, and error prevention.
Want to get started? Check out our complete guide on how to start an LLC in Washington for step-by-step instructions.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.