How to Start an LLC in Washington State (2026)

Q: How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?

The Certificate of Formation costs $180 filed online ($200 by mail) with the Secretary of State. You'll also need the state Business License Application, about $90. Your EIN is free. After that, the annual report is $70 per year.

Q: Does a Washington LLC need a business license?

Yes. Separately from forming your LLC, Washington requires a state Business License, obtained through the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service for about $90. Many cities also require their own local business license on top of the state one.

Q: Does Washington have a state income tax?

Washington has no personal state income tax, which is a plus. However, it does have a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross business receipts, so you'll register for and pay that through the Department of Revenue depending on your revenue and activity.

Q: When is the Washington annual report due?

The Washington annual report is due by the end of your anniversary month each year and costs $70, filed with the Secretary of State. Your first one is due within a few months of forming, so watch for it.

Last updated: July 21, 2026

To start a Washington LLC, file the Certificate of Formation with the WA Secretary of State ($180 online, $200 by mail), appoint a registered agent, and get a free EIN. Washington adds a step most states don't: a separate state Business License (about $90) through the Department of Revenue. Then file a $70 annual report each year. No state income tax, but there is a B&O tax.

Quick note: we're operators, not attorneys or accountants (and we run routes in Washington ourselves). This is general educational info, not legal or tax advice. Confirm current requirements with the state before filing.

Washington is a great state to run a courier business (no state income tax) but it has two moving parts beyond the LLC filing: a state business license and the B&O tax. Here's the whole process in plain English.

Two Washington-specific things Forming the LLC isn't the end in Washington. You also need a state Business License (~$90 via the Department of Revenue), and Washington charges a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts instead of an income tax. Both are normal. Just plan for them.

How to start a Washington LLC in 7 steps

Name it, appoint a registered agent, file the Certificate of Formation ($180 online), get a free EIN, get your business license, write an operating agreement, then file the $70 annual report.

Name your Washington LLC

Your name must be distinguishable from other Washington businesses and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search it on the Secretary of State's site first so your filing isn't rejected, and grab the matching domain.

Appoint a Washington registered agent

Washington requires a registered agent with a physical Washington street address (no PO boxes), available during business hours. You can be your own agent for free, or use a service to keep your home address off the public record. Useful for a courier working from home. Northwest includes registered-agent service free the first year with their $39 filing.

File the Certificate of Formation

Washington's formation document is the Certificate of Formation. File it with the Washington Secretary of State. $180 Online (recommended) or $200 by mail. Expedited service is available for an extra fee.

Get a free EIN from the IRS

Get your EIN free at irs.gov. You'll need it for the business license, a bank account, and taxes. Never pay a third party for one.

Get your Washington business license

This is the Washington-specific step. File the Business License Application with the Department of Revenue (about $90) to get your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) and register for the B&O tax. Check whether your city requires its own local license too.

Write an operating agreement

Washington doesn't require one, but create it anyway. It sets out ownership and management, backs up your liability protection, and banks usually want to see it. A filled-in template covers most single-owner courier businesses.

File the annual report

Every Washington LLC files a $70 annual report with the Secretary of State by the end of your anniversary month. Your first is due within a few months of forming, so watch for it. It keeps your LLC active.

Washington LLC cost breakdown

About $180 to form + ~$90 business license, then $70 a year. Plus B&O tax on revenue, but no state income tax.

Item	Cost	Required?
Certificate of Formation (online)	$180 ($200 by mail)	Yes
State Business License	~$90	Yes
EIN	Free from the IRS	Yes (free)
Registered agent service	$0 (yourself) , $300/yr	No
Annual report	$70/yr (anniversary month)	Yes

Washington figures as of 2026. Verify current amounts at sos.wa.gov and dor.wa.gov before filing.

Rather have it filed for you? Northwest will form your Washington LLC for $39 + the state fee and act as your registered agent the first year, keeping your home address off the public record. See the $39 formation service → Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Setting up to run courier routes in Washington?

The LLC is step one, and this is our home turf. Our course covers the rest. Insurance and certifications, the business bank account, and how to find routes and win contracts with Washington clinics, labs, and hospitals.

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Washington LLC FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?

The Certificate of Formation is $180 online ($200 by mail), plus about $90 for the state Business License. Your EIN is free. After that, the annual report is $70 a year.

Does a Washington LLC need a business license?

Yes. Separately from forming the LLC, you need a state Business License (~$90) through the Department of Revenue, and possibly a city license on top of it.

Does Washington have a state income tax?

No personal state income tax, which is a plus. But Washington has a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts, paid through the Department of Revenue.

When is the Washington annual report due?

By the end of your anniversary month each year, for $70, filed with the Secretary of State. Your first one comes within a few months of forming.

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