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Form Your Washington LLC

State filing fee: $200 Processing: 2-3 business days

Launch Your Washington LLC in the Evergreen State

Washington combines no state income tax with a thriving tech economy centered in Seattle. Home to Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, Washington offers exceptional opportunities in technology, aerospace, maritime trade, and green energy.

No state income tax
Major tech hub in Seattle
Strong aerospace industry
Pacific Rim trade access

Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services

ServicePriceProcessing TimeRegistered Agent
ZenBusiness
Best Overall Value
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 1 day
$199/yr
Bizee
Fastest Formation
$0
+ state fees
3 weeks
Expedited: 1 day
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
Inc Authority
Free Formation
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 2 days
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
LegalZoom
Best for Legal Support
$0
+ state fees
5-14 days
Expedited: 1 day
$249/yr
Rocket Lawyer
Legal Documents
$99.99
+ state fees
5-7 days
Expedited: Not available
$149/yr

Top 3 Recommended Services for Washington

Best Overall
#1
ZenBusiness logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.9/5

ZenBusiness

Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price

ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.

Pros:

  • Starter package is $0 plus state fees
  • Registered agent and compliance services
  • Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
  • Fast 1-day processing time available
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • Award-winning customer support

Cons:

  • Some features require upgraded plans
  • More expensive Registered Agent service
Fastest Formation
#2
Bizee logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.6/5

Bizee

Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.

Pros:

  • $0 basic formation package
  • Same-day processing available
  • Free registered agent for first year
  • Compliance alerts included
  • Dashboard for document management
  • Free business tools and templates

Cons:

  • Operating agreement not included in basic package
  • Limited customer support hours
Best for Branding
#3
Tailor Brands logo
$49 + state fees
★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Tailor Brands

Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding

Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.

Pros:

  • Includes logo design and branding
  • Website builder included
  • Business card designs
  • Mobile app available
  • Operating agreement included
  • EIN service included

Cons:

  • No rush processing available
  • Monthly subscription required
  • Customer service via chat/email only

Washington LLC Formation Costs

Washington LLC Cost Breakdown

State Filing Fee
$200
Annual Report Fee
$60
Total First Year Cost $260

Additional Costs to Consider:

  • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
  • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
  • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Standard Processing Time: 2-3 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington LLC formation costs:
  • State filing fee: $200
  • Initial report: $60 (due within 120 days)
  • Annual report: $60 (due on anniversary)
  • Registered agent: Required (typically $99-$299/year)
The total first-year cost is $320 plus registered agent fees. While the filing fee is moderate, the lack of state income tax provides significant ongoing savings.
Washington has no personal or corporate income tax, making it one of seven states with this advantage. However, Washington does have:
  • Business & Occupation (B&O) tax: Gross receipts tax of 0.471% to 1.9% depending on business type
  • Sales tax: Combined state and local rates of 6.5% to 10.4%
  • Higher property taxes in some areas
Despite the B&O tax, most businesses save money compared to traditional income tax states.

Washington requires filing an initial report within 120 days of formation, with a $60 fee. This report confirms your business information and must be filed to maintain good standing. After the initial report, annual reports are due on the formation anniversary date. Late filing results in a $25 penalty.

Washington processing times:
  • Standard online filing: 2-3 business days
  • Paper filing: 7-10 business days
  • Expedited processing: 1 business day for $50 additional fee
Washington's online filing system is efficient, with some of the fastest standard processing times nationally.
Washington offers unique advantages for technology businesses:
  • No income tax: Keeps more profits in the business
  • Tech ecosystem: Seattle rivals Silicon Valley for talent and investment
  • Major companies: Amazon, Microsoft create robust supplier ecosystem
  • Engineering talent: University of Washington and tech workforce
  • Quality of life: Natural beauty attracts top talent
  • Asia-Pacific gateway: Proximity to Asian markets
These factors make Washington particularly attractive for software, e-commerce, and tech startups.
The B&O tax is Washington's primary business tax, applied to gross receipts rather than profits. Rates vary by industry:
  • Retailing: 0.471%
  • Wholesaling/Manufacturing: 0.484%
  • Services: 1.5% to 1.9%
Small businesses with gross receipts under $125,000 annually may qualify for exemption. While unique, the B&O tax is often lower than traditional corporate income taxes.

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Formation starting at $0 + state fees