Starting a business in Washington is exciting — and forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself while keeping things simple and flexible.
But with multiple steps, filings, and renewals to keep track of, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This all-in-one Washington LLC checklist brings everything together — from formation to maintenance — so you can stay organized, compliant, and confident every step of the way.
🧭 Step-by-Step Washington LLC Checklist
Here’s what every business owner in Washington needs to do to form, register, and maintain their LLC.
🪪 1. Check Your Business Name
- Make sure your desired LLC name is unique and ends with “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
- Search availability at sos.wa.gov (just below where you sign in).
- Optional: Reserve your name for $30 (good for 180 days)
🧾 2. Choose a Registered Agent
- Must have a physical Washington address (no P.O. Boxes)
- Must be available during business hours
- Can be:
- You (the owner)
- A trusted individual
- A professional Registered Agent service
- Cost: $0 if you act as your own, $100–$300/year if professional
💻 3. File Your Certificate of Formation
- File with the Washington Secretary of State
- Online filing: $200 (2–5 business days)
- By mail: $180 (2–3 weeks)
- Include:
- LLC name
- Registered Agent information
- Business address
- Management structure (member- or manager-managed)
- Organizer name
🧾 4. Get Your UBI Number & Business License
- After formation, you’ll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
- Apply for your Washington State Business License through the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS)
- Base application fee: $19
- City endorsements: vary ($50–$150 depending on location)
📜 5. Create an Operating Agreement
- Not required by the state — but strongly recommended!
- Defines ownership, responsibilities, and profit sharing
- Helps maintain liability protection and clarity for banks and partners
- I can provide a Washington-specific Operating Agreement template if you need one
💵 6. Open a Business Bank Account
Keep personal and business finances separate to protect your LLC status and simplify bookkeeping.
You’ll usually need:
- Your LLC Certificate of Formation
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Operating Agreement (some banks require it)
🧮 7. Register for Taxes (if applicable)
Even though Washington has no state income tax, you may need to register for:
- B&O Tax (Business & Occupation Tax — based on gross receipts)
- Sales/Use Tax if you sell products or taxable services
- Employment taxes if you have employees
You can register and file at dor.wa.gov.
🧾 8. File Your Annual Report
- Due every year by the end of your formation month
- Fee: $60
- File online at sos.wa.gov/corps
- Keep your Registered Agent and business address updated
📅 9. Renew Your Business License
- Renew yearly through the Department of Revenue
- Fee: $10 plus any endorsements
- You’ll get a renewal notice about 45–60 days before expiration
📚 10. Maintain Good Bookkeeping Practices
Keep your financials clean from day one:
- Track income, expenses, and taxes
- Use QuickBooks Online or another bookkeeping platform
- Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews (I can help with that!)
🧩 Estimated LLC Costs Summary
| Expense | Cost | Frequency |
| Certificate of Formation | $180–$200 | One-time |
| Business License | $19 base + city fees | Annual renewal |
| Annual Report | $60 | Annual |
| Registered Agent (optional) | $100–$300 | Annual |
| Operating Agreement | $0–$150 | One-time |
| Bookkeeping Software | $30–$60 | Monthly |
Running a business in Washington doesn’t have to be complicated — it just takes the right setup and consistent care. With this checklist, you can form and maintain your LLC with clarity, confidence, and ease.
Whether you need help filing your LLC, serving as your Registered Agent, setting up bookkeeping, or tracking your renewals, I can take care of the details so your business keeps flowing — like magic.
📋 Ready to start your Washington LLC?
Let’s make it official. I can help you:
- File your LLC formation documents
- Obtain your UBI and business license
- Set up bookkeeping in QuickBooks
- Stay compliant year after year
Because starting your business should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
more2heather@gmail.com | (206) 227-6128