Forming an LLC in Washington

Forming an LLC in Washington in 7 easy steps

1. When forming an LLC in Washington, the first step is to pick a name for your company. You must choose a name that is available (i.e. not used by any other LLC) and doesn’t violate any trademark. The name must contain an LLC identifier, such as “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC”. When picking a name, it is important to remember that the following terms are restricted in Washington: “cooperative”, “bank”, “banker”, “banking”, and “trust”, and all combinations of the words “industrial” and ”loan”. The use of any two or more of the words “home”, “loan”, “savings”,“ society”, and “association” is also restricted. You can get more information about the restrictions by contacting the Washington state filing office.
2. You are not required by Washington state law to involve an attorney when forming an LLC, but it is common to let an attorney check the Operating Agreement. The reason behind this custom is the fact that a flawed Operating Agreement can cause serious IRS problems for a limited liability company and its members.
3. File the Articles of Organization at the Washington State filing office and pay the filing fee. In Washington, the minimal state filing fee is $175.00. The cost for expedient filing is only an extra $20.00 (for 37 business days).
4. The members of the LLC must now hold an Organizational Meeting where they adopt the Operating Agreement.
5. During step five, you obtain a FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) for the LLC.
6. During step six, it is time to open up a company bank account.
7. During the final step, the LLC will apply for a local business license from each applicable city or county. Also check if the company needs any permits to carry out its business.

Maintaining an LLC in Washington                             
In Washington State, local liability companies are required to hand in annual reports and pay $59.00 in annual report fee. The report is due on the month of initial filing each year.