Washington LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $200. Ongoing annual report fee: $60 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Washington database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) registry before submitting your $200 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Washington?
An LLC in Washington costs $200 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $60 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $635, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $200 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $60 | annual | Due End of anniversary month annually | Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0/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 |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $200 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Washington LLC 5-Year Cost Model
WAChoose 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 ($200) + registered agent
Annual report ($60/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Washington.
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: $2395-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Washington 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 Washington LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Washington LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS).
Washington Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
No corporate or personal income tax, but Washington levies a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax (typically 0.471% - 1.75% depending on industry, with small business tax credits for revenue under ~$125k).
Advantages of a Washington LLC
- 0% personal state income tax
- Massive tech ecosystem (Seattle, Bellevue)
- Instant online processing
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $200 formation fee
- B&O tax applies to gross receipts regardless of profitability
Founder Pro-Tip for Washington
Check your business classification for Washington B&O tax rates to avoid surprises at tax time.
Step-by-Step Washington LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) registry.
Appoint a Washington Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Washington (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($200 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS). Approval is typically granted within Instant online.
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 (End of anniversary month annually)
Submit the annual report with the $60 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Washington LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Washington.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Washington is $200, paid to the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $239 in your first year.
What is the Washington LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Washington LLC filing fee is $200. This is a one-time fee paid to the Washington Secretary of State (CCFS) to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is Instant online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Washington?
Washington charges a annual report fee of $60, due End of anniversary month annually. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Washington, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Washington LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Washington LLC includes the annual report fee ($60), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $635.
Does Washington have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. Washington imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: No corporate or personal income tax, but Washington levies a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax (typically 0.471% - 1.75% depending on industry, with small business tax credits for revenue under ~$125k). The minimum annual franchise tax is $0.
Can I form an LLC in Washington if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Washington 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 Washington, foreign LLC registration costs $200 plus $60/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Washington with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: