District of Columbia LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $220. Ongoing annual report fee: $300 (biennial). Franchise tax: $250/yr minimum.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official District of Columbia database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) registry before submitting your $220 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in District of Columbia?
An LLC in District of Columbia costs $220 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $300 per year in biennial report fees. District of Columbia also charges a $250/yr minimum franchise tax. The estimated total 5-year cost is $2,465, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $220 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $300 | biennial | Due April 1 every 2 years (Form BRA-25) | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $250/yr | Annual | Annual tax schedule | State Tax Department |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Basic Business License (BBL) | $200 | One-time | Statutory publication period | County designated publishers |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $420 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
District of Columbia LLC 5-Year Cost Model
DCChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($220) + publication + registered agent
Biennial ($300 every 2 yrs) + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in District of Columbia.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $7095-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your District of Columbia filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your District of Columbia LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
District of Columbia LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
Basic Business License (BBL)
DC requires almost all businesses operating locally to obtain a Basic Business License (BBL).
District of Columbia Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
DC imposes an Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax (UB Tax) minimum $250 if gross receipts exceed $12,000, with 8.25% on net income (subject to trade/business exceptions).
Advantages of a District of Columbia LLC
- Direct proximity to federal government agencies and contractors
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- Expensive initial fees
- $300 biennial report
- Mandatory Basic Business License
Founder Pro-Tip for District of Columbia
Don't forget the DC Basic Business License (BBL) before signing contracts or opening local banking.
Step-by-Step District of Columbia LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) registry.
Appoint a District of Columbia Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in District of Columbia (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($220 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Approval is typically granted within 10-15 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (April 1 every 2 years (Form BRA-25))
Submit the biennial report with the $300 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
District of Columbia LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in District of Columbia.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in District of Columbia?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in District of Columbia is $220, paid to the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr) and the mandatory Basic Business License (BBL) ($200), expect to pay approximately $459 in your first year.
What is the District of Columbia LLC filing fee for 2026?
The District of Columbia LLC filing fee is $220. This is a one-time fee paid to the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $100. Normal processing time is 10-15 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia charges a biennial report fee of $300, due April 1 every 2 years (Form BRA-25). Additionally, District of Columbia imposes a franchise tax of $250/year minimum. DC imposes an Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax (UB Tax) minimum $250 if gross receipts exceed $12,000, with 8.25% on net income (subject to trade/business exceptions).
How much does it cost to maintain a District of Columbia LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a District of Columbia LLC includes the biennial report fee ($300), the state franchise/entity tax ($250/yr minimum), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $2,465.
Does District of Columbia have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. District of Columbia imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: DC imposes an Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax (UB Tax) minimum $250 if gross receipts exceed $12,000, with 8.25% on net income (subject to trade/business exceptions). The minimum annual franchise tax is $250.
Can I form an LLC in District of Columbia if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in District of Columbia regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In District of Columbia, foreign LLC registration costs $220 plus $300/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare District of Columbia with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: