Start your Washington LLC with confidence

Whether you're ready to form an LLC on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back. Starts at $0 + state filing fees.
Learn more

Learn more
I can do most of the work myself

Basic

$0 + state filing fees

I only need what it takes to make my business official.

Pro

$249 + state filing fees

I need all the essentials to help me operate in a compliant way.

I want advice from experienced attorneys

Premium

$299 + state filing fees

I want an experienced attorney to ensure I form my business right.

Why use LegalZoom to set up your Washington LLC?

Kickstart in minutes

Start your LLC in 3 easy steps with the industry leader in online business formation.

Set it up right

Our tools offer step-by-step guidance to help you launch and protect your new business.

Get the help you need

Our network of experienced professionals can guide your launch and help you grow.

Smiling man in an off-white shirt and black pants leaning over a drafting table in a sunlit office as he works on blueprints for his newly formed LLC.

What is an LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity you can register in your state. The main purpose of an LLC company is to limit the personal liability of its owners—like a C corporation or S corporation—but it also allows the business to operate with simpler, more flexible tax requirements.

Do I need an LLC in Washington?

An LLC isn't always required, but many small business owners choose to form an LLC for personal liability protection. Having an LLC can also help you open bank accounts, enter into contracts, hire employees, and get necessary business licenses and permits.
Woman with dark hair wearing a denim shirt and a grey apron looking at a LegalZoom LLC on a tablet with her business partner, a man with a beard wearing a white shirt and grey apron.

What does LLC formation mean?

When you form an LLC, you submit a specific set of business forms to the state where you wish to create a new business entity. Once it's approved, you can use this separate entity to record business expenses, take on business debts, file taxes, obtain business licenses, and more—and this is what gives you liability protection.

How easy is it to form an LLC?

You may be a little intimidated by the idea of forming a legal entity like an LLC, especially if it's your first time. All you need is an understanding of what your business will do, how you plan to run it, and your state's LLC filing fees. Even if your business requires a retail location, you don't need a physical address lined up to begin your LLC formation.

3 reasons for creating an LLC in Washington

Protect your personal assets

By forming an LLC and keeping your personal finances separate, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities.

Make things easier

It's typically easier to form an LLC than a corporation, and there are simpler rules for things like record-keeping.

Get tax flexibility

You get to decide how you're taxed—as an LLC or a corporation—to maximize your ability to save money and minimize tax liability.

Ready to get your LLC?

Select and start my LLC

LLC vs. corporation: What's the difference?

There are several important differences between an LLC and a corporation:

LLC

Flexible management structure

LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.

More taxation options

An LLC can choose to be taxed as an S corp or a C corp to maximize tax savings.

Minimal record-keeping

An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.

Corporation

Easier to transfer ownership

A corporation requires a board of directors, but it's easier to transfer shares of stock than to alter an LLC operating agreement.

Unique tax deductions

A corporation can deduct certain expenses on tax forms like marketing costs and specific employee fringe benefits.

More appealing to investors

Unlike an S corp, a C corp can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.

How to start an LLC in Washington

To form an LLC in Washington, you'll need to file a certificate of formation with the state. Each state has its own rules, but our experience across all states helps us keep things moving when we file on your behalf.

Here are a few basic things you'll need to keep in mind as you get your LLC up and running.
Here are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to get your LLC up and running.
Illustration of a woman with dark hair with a questioning/confused expression on her face because she has questions about how to start an LLC.

Choose and reserve a name

It's wise to check your LLC name against similar businesses in your area. We include a name check with our formation services and can reserve names for you.

Illustration of a male customer service agent wearing a headset and sitting in front of his computer, smiling as he helps a customer get started on forming an LLC.

Pick a registered agent (RA)

An RA physically receives your LLC's legal notices during normal business hours. Most states require this, including Washington—but the good news is, we can do it for you.

Illustration of a woman’s hands with red fingernails holding an envelope that has her LLC filing inside

File a certificate of formation

This document contains details about your LLC, including its name and address. When we file this for you, it's sent to the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division.

Illustration of a woman with dark hair wearing a green shirt and red pants sitting in front of the computer smiling and talking on the phone holding the Employer ID Number for her new LLC.

Prepare an operating agreement

This outlines your LLC's rules for everything from decision-making to distributing profits. Though it isn't required in your state, our templates make it easy to prepare one and define your rights.

Illustration of a woman’s hands with red fingernails holding a business license after forming an LLC.

Get an Employer ID Number (EIN)

An EIN is like a Social Security number for your LLC, and is needed for banking, taxes, and hiring. Washington LLCs may also have additional post-formation tax and regulatory requirements.

Illustration of a woman with dark hair wearing a green shirt and brown pants smiling as she reads the operating agreement for her new LLC.

Determine licenses needed

You'll also need to apply for any specific permits or licenses that may be required for compliance, although it's wise to wait until your LLC's formation documents are approved.

Ready to get your LLC?

Select and start my LLC

Find the right state to form an LLC

Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.

Alabama LLC
Alaska LLC
Arizona LLC
Arkansas LLC
Show all

Frequently asked questions about Washington LLCs

Ready to get your LLC?

Select and start my LLC

What our customers are saying

LegalZoom made everything 10 times easier for my business. Fast, easy, and very professional.
—Luis C., LLC customer
This is my second LLC created with LegalZoom. I highly trust their process and professional specialists.
—Reginald C., LLC customer
Such an easy process! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to file for an LLC.
—Amelia P., LLC customer

Questions?

Ask an attorney

Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side.

Get legal help

Call an agent at (855) 787-1221

Mon.–Fri. 5 a.m.–7 p.m. PT
Sat.–Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. PT

Ready to get your LLC?

Select and start my LLC
† Business insurance consultations are fulfilled by Next Insurance, Inc. By selecting Pro or Premium, you agree that LegalZoom and NEXT may share information about you with each other.
‡ Premium packages include 30 days of Business Attorney Plan. After 30 days, your card will automatically be charged $49. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $49). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. Attorney services are fulfilled through Business Advantage Pro. For more details, please see our Legal Plan Contract Terms and Subscription Terms.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: Attorneys advertised on this site are independent attorneys. in your area who's responsible for this advertisement. LegalZoom.com, Inc. is not an "attorney referral service" or a law firm. The information you provide to LegalZoom is not protected by attorney-client privilege. about this advertisement if you live in Alabama, Missouri, or New York.