Washington LLC Cost (2026): $200 to File, Plus Two Reports Most Owners Miss
Washington has no personal or corporate income tax, which draws a lot of founders. The formation side costs more than average, though: $200 to file online, a $10 initial report almost everyone forgets, a $70 annual report, and a separate business license through the Department of Revenue. Here is each one.
The $200 Certificate of Formation
A Washington LLC is formed by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Corporations and Charities Division of the Secretary of State, online through the Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS). Online filing costs $200. Paper filing costs $180, but it is slower, and paper expedite adds $100. For most owners the $20 saved by mail is not worth the wait.
Northwest Registered Agent
Washington’s CCFS search displays your registered agent address publicly. $39 formation + $200 state fee, free registered agent for year one, then $125/yr.
$39 formation fee · Free registered agent for 12 months · Your address stays off public records · No data selling · No hidden fees
Form Your LLC with Northwest ($39) →Lowest 3-year cost we found: Northwest $289 vs Bizee $298 vs ZenBusiness $497 (service fees; state fees extra). Northwest also puts its address on your public filings instead of yours where the state allows.
The $10 Initial Report Within 120 Days
Washington requires a new LLC to file an initial report within 120 days of formation. The fee is $10. It lists the principal office, the registered agent, and the governors. Some owners file it together with the Certificate of Formation to get it out of the way. Missing it can lead to the LLC falling out of good standing before its first birthday.
The $70 Annual Report and $25 Delinquency Fee
After the first year, the LLC files an annual report every year by the last day of its anniversary month. The fee is $70. A report filed after the deadline adds a $25 delinquency fee. Continued non-filing leads to administrative dissolution by the Secretary of State.
The $50 Business License and B&O Tax
- Business License Application: most Washington businesses register with the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service. The application fee is $50, plus fees for any city or state endorsements your business needs. Renewals carry a small fee.
- Business and Occupation (B&O) tax: Washington taxes gross receipts rather than income. Rates depend on the business classification, and small businesses may qualify for a credit that reduces or eliminates it.
- No income tax: Washington has no personal income tax on wages or business profit, though it does tax certain long-term capital gains.
Washington 3-Year Cost
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $249 ($200 + $10 initial report + $39, RA free) | $195 ($70 annual report + $125 RA) | $195 (same) | $639 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $309 ($200 + $10 + $0 + $99 RA) | $269 ($70 + $199 RA) | $269 (same) | $847 |
| DIY, self as registered agent | $210 ($200 filing + $10 initial report) | $70 (annual report) | $70 (annual report) | $350 |
The table uses online filing and includes the $10 initial report in year one. It leaves out the $50 business license and B&O tax, which depend on your activity. The $289 extra with Northwest Registered Agent over three years is registered agent service and a public address other than your home.
Form your Washington LLC for $39 + $200 state fee.
Northwest Registered Agent: $39 formation, free Year 1 registered agent, compliance reminders, and your home address kept off public records.
Form My Washington LLC for $39
Prefer a $0 upfront starter plan? Compare ZenBusiness (registered agent $199/yr).
When a Washington LLC may not be worth it yet: between the $200 filing, the license, and $70 a year, Washington is not cheap for a hobby business. If you have no clients or liability yet, it can make sense to wait until revenue justifies it.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes a free business address, mail scanning, and more.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington?
$200 to file the Certificate of Formation online ($180 by mail), plus a $10 initial report within 120 days. With Northwest Registered Agent the first-year total is $249 including a free first year of registered agent service.
How much is the Washington LLC annual report?
$70, due by the last day of the LLC’s anniversary month each year. A $25 delinquency fee applies to late reports.
Do I need a business license for a Washington LLC?
Most businesses do. The Business License Application with the Department of Revenue costs $50, plus any required endorsements.
Does Washington have state income tax for LLCs?
No personal or corporate income tax, but Washington’s B&O tax applies to gross receipts.
