Forming your Washington LLC is only the beginning — keeping it active and in good standing is what allows you to stay protected and keep growing.
This post walks you through what happens after your LLC is formed: how to maintain it, file your Annual Report, renew your business license, and make sure you remain fully compliant with Washington’s requirements.
🗓️ 1. File Your Annual Report Every Year
Every Washington LLC must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State to confirm the business’s current information — such as ownership, Registered Agent, and address.
- Due Date: Every year by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month (the month it was originally filed).
- Fee: $60 (as of 2025).
- Where to File: sos.wa.gov/corps
If you miss the filing, the state adds a late fee and eventually may administratively dissolve your LLC — meaning your liability protection vanishes until you reinstate it.
💡 Tip: Set a calendar reminder or ask your bookkeeper (hi 👋) to track this for you.
🪪 2. Renew Your Business License
Once your LLC is formed, you’ll apply for a Washington State Business Alongside your Annual Report, you’ll also need to renew your Washington Business License each year with the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS).
- Where: dor.wa.gov
- Cost: Usually $10 plus any city or specialty endorsement fees.
- When: You’ll get a renewal notice 45–60 days before your expiration date.
This keeps your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) active and your endorsements (like city licenses) in good standing.
🧾 3. Keep Your Registered Agent Up to Date
If your Registered Agent changes (say, you move or switch services), you must update that information with the Secretary of State right away.
The Registered Agent ensures your business can receive legal and state notices — missing those can lead to major headaches.
You can file an Agent Change Form online for a small fee. If you’d rather not worry about it, I offer Registered Agent services right here in Washington — dependable, local, and simple.
💰 4. Stay Current with Taxes and Bookkeeping
Even if your LLC doesn’t owe business tax, you might still need to file periodic excise tax returns (especially if you collect sales tax or have employees).
Having clear, up-to-date books helps you:
- File correctly and on time
- Track deductible expenses
- Avoid surprises at tax season
If you use QuickBooks Online, it’s easy to connect your bank accounts, track expenses, and pull reports. (Need help setting that up? That’s my specialty.)
🧩 5. Keep Your Business Separate from Your Personal Finances
To keep your LLC’s liability protection strong, avoid mixing business and personal money.
Always:
- Use a dedicated business bank account
- Pay yourself from the business (don’t use personal cards for business expenses)
- Keep detailed records of transfers or owner draws
This is key to keeping that “limited liability” shield intact.
✅ Ongoing LLC Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Frequency | Where to File / Handle |
| File Annual Report | Once per year | WA Secretary of State |
| Renew Business License | Once per year | WA Dept. of Revenue (BLS) |
| Update Registered Agent | As needed | WA Secretary of State |
| Maintain Bookkeeping | Monthly or quarterly | QuickBooks Online or with your bookkeeper |
| Track Taxes | Ongoing | WA DOR or your tax professional |
Maintaining your Washington LLC doesn’t have to be complicated — it just takes consistency.
By keeping your filings current and your finances organized, you’ll protect your business and set the stage for smooth, stress-free growth.
Whether you need help filing your Annual Report, renewing your license, or keeping your books tidy, I’m here to help you keep things flowing easily and legally.
💌 Need help maintaining your Washington LLC?
I can track your deadlines, file your reports, and handle your bookkeeping — so you can focus on what you actually love doing in your business.
Because keeping your business compliant shouldn’t be complicated — it should be automatic magic.
more2heather@gmail.com | (206) 227-6128