Resources for Starting and Maintaining a Business in Washington
At CorpNet our mission is to help you start your business and help you keep it in compliance. To assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions small business owners have about starting and maintaining a business in the state of Washington.
Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all of your business, payroll tax registrations, and compliance filings. And if we can help you along the way, our team of entity filings and compliance experts is just a call away.
Quick Facts for Starting a Washington Business
Expedited Services Available: Yes
New Business Publishing Required: No
Private Registration Available: No
Registered Agent Required: Yes
Annual Report Required: Yes
Franchise Tax Required: No
State Sales Tax: 6.5%
State Income Tax: Varied
Unemployment Insurance: 1.25% – 8.15%
DBAs do not require a registered agent.
Washington Business Entity Options
| Business Entity Type | State Fees | Applicable Form |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | $180 | Certificate of Limited Partnership |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | $180 | Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $180-$200 | Certificate of Formation |
| Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) | $180-$200 | Certificate of Formation |
| Profit Corporation | $180 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Professional Service Corporation | $180 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Social Purpose Corporation | $180 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Nonprofit Corporation | $40-$80 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation | $40-$80 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Nonprofit Miscellaneous | $30 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Mutual Nonprofit Corporation | $30 | Articles of Incorporation |
| Foreign Limited Partnership | $180 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Limited Liability Partnership | $180 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company | $180 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Professional Limited Liability Company | $180 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Professional Service Corporation | $180 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Profit Corporation | $180 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Nonprofit | $30 | Foreign Registration Statement |
| Foreign Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation | $30 | Foreign Registration Statement |
Not Sure Which Type of Business You Need?
Launch CorpNet’s Business Structure Wizard to get suggested entities based on your unique needs. It’s free and easy to use.
Key Washington Government Resources
Washington Secretary of State
PO Box 40220
Olympia, WA 98504-0220
sos.wa.gov
Washington Department of Revenue
12100 Northeast 195th St., Ste. 100
Bothell, WA, 98011
dor.wa.gov
Feeling Overwhelmed? CorpNet Is Here To Help!
Below are all the ways CorpNet can help you and your business.
Our knowledge team of experts is here to help and all our services are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Business Formation and Launch
- Business Name Search
- Business Name Reservation
- Form a Washington LLC
- Incorporate in Washington
- File a DBA
- Appoint a Registered Agent in Washington
- Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Register for Washington Payroll Taxes
- Request a Permit for Sales and Use Tax
- Research Required Business Licenses
Ongoing Business Compliance
Additional Resources and Articles
Compare Entities
- Business Structures Chart
- Choosing a Business Structure
- Business Structures Wizard
- Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Partnership
- LLC vs. Corporation
- C Corporation vs. S Corporation
- S Corporation vs. LLC
- LLC vs. S Corp vs. C Corp
- DBA vs. LLC
- LLP vs. LLC
- LLC vs. PLLC
- Professional Corporation vs. LLC
- Single Member vs. Multiple Member LLC
- Member vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
Common Questions
- What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
- What is a Certificate of Registration?
- What is a Statement of Information?
- What are Articles of Incorporation?
- What are Articles of Organization?
- What is an Annual Franchise Tax Report?
- What is a Certificate of Authority?
- What is a Statement of Purpose?
- What Is a Fictitious Name?
- What is a Pass-Through Entity?
- What is the Owner of an LLC Called?
- What is the Role of an LLC Organizer?
- What Is a Registered Agent?
- What is a Statutory Agent?
- What is a Reseller License?
- What is a Corporate Resolution?
- What Is a Letter of Good Standing?
Helpful Templates
Need a Small Business Compliance Checklist?
Business compliance can slip through the cracks! As your existing business evolves, you are required to file notify the state of any changes. Many business owners lose sight of these requirements and fail to realize they haven’t met compliance requirements.
Use our compliance checklist to determine which business filings you need to perform to manage this year’s activities and changes.
