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Washington LLC Formation: How to Start an LLC in Washington (2026)
Here is how to start an LLC in Washington: you file Articles of Organization with the Washington Secretary of State. After that, every Washington LLC must stay compliant with its annual report. We file it all for you, from anywhere in the world — no US visa, no SSN, no trip to the US.
Washington LLC at a Glance
How to Start an LLC in Washington: 6 Steps
- Check that your name is free in the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) business search. It must end with “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”.
- Appoint a registered agent in Washington to receive legal papers for the LLC.
- File the Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS). The state fee is included in our package price.
- Get the LLC’s EIN, its federal tax ID, from the IRS. No SSN is needed.
- Register for state taxes. Most Washington businesses open a business licence account with the Department of Revenue for the B&O tax.
- Stay in good standing: an annual report (around $70 online), due by the end of your anniversary month.
Our Washington LLC Package
One clear price. It covers the state filing fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year, plus our service. There are no separate fees to work out.
- LLC formation and state filing (state fee included)
- Articles of Organization
- Washington LLC certificate / formation documents
- EIN (federal tax ID) — with or without an SSN
- Registered agent for 1 year
- US mailing address for 1 year
- Operating agreement for banks and payment platforms
Optional add-ons: business bank account help (Mercury, Wise, Payoneer), Stripe setup, Amazon and Shopify setup. You choose them at checkout.
Forming Your LLC From Outside the US
You can form a Washington LLC from any country, without a US visa, an SSN or a trip to the US. Our non-resident LLC guide lists the documents we need, realistic timelines and what to expect from US banks in your country.
How Your Order Works
Order online or send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the total, file with the Washington Secretary of State, apply for your EIN and send your documents by email and WhatsApp as each one is approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting Washington’s business and occupation (B&O) tax registration..
- Forgetting Form 5472 if the LLC is owned by a non-US person, even with no income.
- Choosing this state only because a website said it was “cheap” without checking the yearly cost.
Washington Ongoing Filings: What You Must Know
Every Washington LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State. Separately, Washington’s Business & Occupation (B&O) tax applies to gross receipts of businesses operating in the state — we flag this on every Washington order so you know the full picture.
Do You Need a Registered Agent in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices. A PO box is not enough. Our package includes a Washington registered agent for the first year.
Is Washington the Right State for Your LLC?
A good fit for businesses based in Washington. Washington has no personal income tax but taxes business revenue through its B&O tax. If you live outside the US and have no Washington connection, compare it with Wyoming and New Mexico before deciding.
Washington vs Other Popular States
| Washington | Wyoming | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual filing | Annual report | $60 annual report | $400 annual tax |
| State income tax | None | None | Yes, for DE income |
| Best for | Living or doing business in Washington | Low cost, privacy | Investors, Delaware law |
Compare in detail: Wyoming LLC · Delaware LLC
How LLCPronto Helps With Your Washington LLC
We check your name, file the Certificate of Formation, act as your Washington registered agent for a year, get your EIN and remind you before each state deadline. Price: $364, state fee included.
Yearly filing: see our Washington LLC annual report guide for the deadline, fee and how to file.
Washington LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?
After formation, you pay for an annual report (around $70 online), due by the end of your anniversary month. Our package costs $364 and already includes the state fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
Online filings are usually approved within a few business days, though busy periods can take longer. Your EIN is ready within 24 hours of state approval, and bank account setup takes a few more days.
Can a non-US resident form a Washington LLC?
Yes. You don’t need to live in the US or have an SSN. You need a Washington registered agent, and we get your EIN from the IRS using Form SS-4.
Does Washington require an operating agreement?
Washington does not require you to file one, but you should have it. Banks and payment platforms often ask for it to confirm who owns the LLC.
Can I get an EIN for my Washington LLC without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Owners without an SSN apply with IRS Form SS-4. The EIN is included in our package.
Compare Other States
Ready to Form Your Washington LLC?
Send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the full cost, file your Articles of Organization and set up your registered agent.