5 Best LLC Formation Services in Washington (Dec 2023)


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Best LLC Formation Service in Washington

Best Washington LLC Services for 2023: Ready to launch a business? Starting a Washington LLC is your first big move.

With so many LLC formation services out there, each claiming to be the top choice, it’s easy to feel lost.

What if you had a clear, easy-to-follow guide pointing you straight to the best options?

That’s where LLCBuddy comes in. Our team has researched and vetted the top LLC services in Washington just for you. Dive into our list, compare features and prices, and find the perfect fit for your business. Start your Washington LLC journey with confidence. Check out the best Washington LLC services from below.

Best LLC Formation Services in Washington

Here is the list of best LLC services available in Washington. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in Washington at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in Washington-

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#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

Below is the list of the best LLC formation services in Washington we picked for you.

  1. ZenBusiness – Known for its affordable packages and efficient service, ZenBusiness has become a favorite among new entrepreneurs.
  2. LegalZoom – With years of industry experience, LegalZoom offers comprehensive services and a vast array of legal resources.
  3. Northwest Registered Agent – Praised for its top-notch customer service, Northwest ensures personalized assistance and detailed compliance guidance.
  4. BetterLegal – Speed is BetterLegal’s forte, promising the fastest LLC formation process in the market.
  5. TailorBrands – Beyond LLC services, TailorBrands stands out with its branding solutions, making it a one-stop shop for budding businesses.

Our Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. ZenBusiness

zenbusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in Washington, though you must pay the state filing fee of $200 (online and $180 by mail) to the Washington Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state. 

ZenBusiness Plans

  1. Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
  2. Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
  3. Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusinessWhy You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rateDoes not form Washington nonprofit
Free LLC formation in WashingtonAdditional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in Washington at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in Washington. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee. 

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in Washington. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature. 

2. LegalZoom

legalzoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Washington that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0. 

LegalZoom Plans

  • Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
  • Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
  • Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

  • Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
  • Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
  • Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
  • Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
  • Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
  • Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
  • Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoomWhy You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formationExpensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputationHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround timeLess number of add-on options
Access to legal professionalsSome additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chatMixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the Washington filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the Washington Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose. 

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans. 

3. Northwest Registered Agent

northwest registered agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including Washington. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly. 

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in Washington are listed below-

  • LLC formation in Washington at $39 + state filing fee
  • Registered Agent at $125 yearly
  • Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
  • Obtaining EIN at $50
  • Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Registered Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get NorthwestWhy You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in WashingtonNot BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all servicesAdditional charges to obtain EIN in Washington
Purchase only the service you need to form Washington LLC.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in Washington

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in Washington. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need. 

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($200 (online and $180 by mail)). If you have already formed your LLC in Washington and are willing to appoint Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in Washington and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation. 

4. BetterLegal

betterlegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide. 

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer- 

  • Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
  • State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
  • Permit & License Search Service – $125
  • Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegalWhy You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are finalThe basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround timeAdditional charge for EIN
A+ BBB AccreditedThe basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($180 for online and by mail filing in Washington). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal. 

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

5. TailorBrands

tailore-brands-logo

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Washington? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost. 

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, Washington name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

  • Registered Agent Service – $199/year
  • Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
  • Annual Compliances – $299/year
  • Operating Agreement – $29
  • Expedited Filing – $49
  • Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrandsWhy You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formationNot BBB Accredited
Free business bank accountsNo business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formationAdditional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $200 (online and $180 by mail) must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons. 

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

How to Form an LLC in Washington

Washington, popularly known as The Evergreen State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 7,999,503. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Washington is $731,691 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Washington will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Olympia, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits. 

To form an LLC in Washington, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your Washington Registered Agent, filing the Washington Articles of Organization, creating Washington LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes. 

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better. 

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Washington

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

  1. Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
  2. Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
  3. Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
  4. Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
  5. Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
  6. Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
  7. Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

Also Read

Why Washington is One of the Best Places for Business

Editorial Comment:

In a world brimming with potential business destinations, Washington stands tall as one of the best places for entrepreneurs and businessmen alike to flourish. The alluring capital city of the United States presents a myriad of compelling reasons why it consistently ranks among the top choices for starting, expanding, or relocating a business. With robust infrastructure, a favorable tax environment, a highly educated workforce, and a nurtured entrepreneurial spirit, Washington harmoniously balances business growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.

First and foremost, Washington’s infrastructure solidifies its position as an ideal place for conducting business. Thriving cities like Seattle and Bellevue boast top-tier airports, well-connected highways, and comprehensive public transportation systems, facilitating effortless domestic and international movement. These cutting-edge transportation networks ensure convenient accessibility, essential for businesses that require efficient connectivity with both suppliers and consumers anywhere in the world.

The tax environment in Washington is another captivating aspect that lures businesses and investors. The absence of a personal income tax, alongside relatively low corporate taxes, provides a significant advantage for entrepreneurs seeking to maximize their profits and reinvest in their ventures. The state’s commitment to fostering a welcoming business atmosphere is further exemplified by numerous business-friendly regulations, ensuring companies face minimal bureaucratic hurdles while scaling their operations.

But it’s not just the infrastructure and tax climate that create a fertile ground for successful business ventures – Washington is also blessed with a highly educated and skilled workforce. Replete with cutting-edge research institutions, world-class universities, and brilliant talent, Washington boasts an unmatched pool of intellectual capital. Businesses seeking the finest human resources in fields such as technology, engineering, biotechnology, and environmental sciences will find the state teeming with talented individuals ready to pursue innovations, drive productivity, and facilitate superior organizational growth.

Equally important is Washington’s dedication to stimulating entrepreneurship and incubating fresh ideas. From government initiatives to private sector-driven programs, the state boasts an extensive support network that fuels the dreams of visionaries and enhances their chances of turning ideas into successful ventures. With an ecosystem that fosters creativity, encourages risk-taking, and rewards innovation, Washington provides entrepreneurs with the perfect playground to transform ideas into realities.

Furthermore, Washington’s cultural diversity plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive business environment. This rich amalgamation of cultures, perspectives, and ideas not only enriches the local community but also empowers businesses to cater to a broader range of customers. By embracing diversity, businesses thrive on innovation, adaptability, and uniqueness, strengthening their competitive advantage and exploring new markets with an inclusive strategy.

Finally, undeniably, Washington’s picturesque landscapes and stunning natural wonders provide an amiable backdrop for businesses and their employees. From the rugged beauty of the Cascade Mountains to the serene landscapes of the Pacific coastline, Washington offers a magnificently varied environment that complements the daily endeavors of professionals seeking a balanced work-life integration. This natural splendor, combined with a flourishing arts and cultural scene, creates a vibrant ambiance that fosters creativity and employee satisfaction.

Washington stands head and shoulders above many other destinations as an unrivaled hub for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking favorable conditions to thrive. The state’s commitment to infrastructure development, favorable tax policies, exceptional human capital, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, cultural diversity, and unparalleled natural beauty converge to create a conducive environment for the ever-evolving needs of the business world. Those seeking prosperity in the competitive global marketplace should look no further than the mesmerizing and opportunity-rich domain of Washington – a place where startups transform into success stories, and established corporations reach new heights.

Why Washington is One of the Best Places for Business

One of the reasons why Washington shines as a business hub is its business-friendly environment. The state government has implemented policies that are geared towards fostering a favorable atmosphere for businesses to thrive. Regulations are often designed to strike a balance between protecting the interests of companies and promoting the public interest. With simplified permitting processes, lower tax burdens, and relatively limited red tape, businesses like startups and small enterprises have found ample room to prosper within the state.

Moreover, Washington prides itself on having excellent infrastructure, which is crucial for business growth and development. The state boasts modern transportation systems, a robust network of roadways, and internationally renowned ports. These infrastructure components make it easier for businesses to reach customers and suppliers in both regional and global markets. For instance, the Port of Seattle, being one of the largest ports on the West Coast, serves as a gateway to Asia and acts as a crucial hub for international trade, giving businesses in Washington a significant competitive advantage.

Furthermore, Washington benefits from its highly skilled and educated workforce. The state consistently invests in education, placing a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. As a result, Washington is known for high-quality universities and research institutions which produce a steady stream of highly skilled graduates in various fields. This burgeoning talent pool attracts businesses looking for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy.

Additionally, Washington offers a range of incentives and support to foster business growth. Various tax credits, grants, and financial incentives have been established to encourage startups and companies to choose Washington as their home base. These incentives can include specialized grants for research and development or tax breaks for businesses that invest in local communities. Such initiatives motivate businesses to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the state, benefiting both the local economy and the companies themselves.

Besides microeconomic factors, Washington offers a diverse and thriving market. From tech giants to fashion brands, the state is home to a wide array of industries. This diversity creates an environment where businesses can draw inspiration and collaborate across sectors. Additionally, the state’s vibrant culture and natural beauty also attract highly skilled workers, making Washington a preferred destination to live and work.

In conclusion, it is clear that Washington state’s business-friendly environment, strong infrastructure, emphasis on education, and range of incentives make it an ideal place for businesses to thrive. Organizations are drawn to the state due to the array of opportunities, both environmentally and economically. As a result, Washington flourishes as a hub of innovation and economic growth, fostering new technologies, creating jobs, and driving both local and global progress.

Why Washington is One of the Best Places for Business

One of the key factors that sets Washington apart is its diverse economy. While many states rely heavily on a single industry or sector, Washington boasts a robust and varied economy that is less reliant on a single source of revenue. From technology giants to aerospace companies, agriculture to manufacturing, this state offers a plethora of business opportunities for both large corporations and small startups.

In particular, the booming technology sector has significantly contributed to Washington’s recognition as a business-friendly state. With the presence of industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, Washington has become a hotbed for innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits. The state’s reputation for fostering technological breakthroughs has made it an attractive destination for companies looking to expand their operations or start new ventures.

Moreover, Washington’s impressive infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating business growth and connectivity. The state’s well-developed transportation system, including excellent roadways, airports, and shipping ports, ensures efficient movement of goods and services both domestically and internationally. This accessibility opens up vast markets for businesses, fostering growth opportunities and economic prosperity.

Additionally, Washington can be applauded for its nourishing business environment. The state government has endeavored to create an atmosphere that supports and encourages entrepreneurship. With lower tax burdens and fewer regulatory hurdles compared to many other states, Washington actively fosters a pro-business climate. This has proved instrumental in attracting businesses of all sizes to set up shop in the state.

Importantly, a high quality of life contributes to Washington’s appeal for businesses. The state offers a wonderful blend of urban charm and breathtaking natural beauty, providing an exceptional lifestyle for employees and entrepreneurs alike. From the vibrant city life in Seattle to the tranquil coastal landscapes and majestic mountains, Washington provides a pleasant backdrop for businesses to thrive. This not only helps attract top talent but also contributes to employee satisfaction and well-being, ultimately enhancing productivity and business success.

Furthermore, Washington’s commitment to sustainability and green initiatives sets it apart from many other states. With a strong focus on renewable energy, environmental protection, and sustainable practices, this state actively promotes responsible business practices. This not only benefits the planet but also attracts environmentally conscious businesses and consumers who prioritize sustainability.

In conclusion, Washington state undoubtedly deserves its reputation as one of the best places for business. Its diverse and resilient economy, coupled with excellent infrastructure, supportive business climate, high quality of life, and sustainability initiatives, make it an ideal location for businesses of all kinds. As companies continue to expand and innovative solutions are sought after, Washington’s allure as a business-friendly state will only continue to grow.

Why Washington is One of the Best Places for Business

One of Washington’s greatest strengths is its convenient location. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, the state boasts close proximity to major international markets, including Asia. This strategic position opens up tremendous opportunities for businesses to tap into global trade and agriculture, and fosters economic growth throughout the state. Whether it is importing or exporting goods, Washington’s location serves as a gateway to endless business possibilities.

Moreover, Washington is blessed with a diverse and vibrant economy that offers something for every type of industry. The state is home to a remarkable technology sector, driven by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, which have become titans of their respective fields. The impressive presence and success of these industry giants not only attract talent from all over the world but also create countless job opportunities for local residents. This healthy tech ecosystem has led to the development of a supportive startup culture. Entrepreneurs and innovators are welcomed with open arms, as they are provided with various resources and incubators to help them turn their vision into successful ventures.

Beyond the technology sector, Washington also boasts a thriving agricultural industry. The state’s fertile land and perfect climate conditions make it an ideal region for producing top-quality crops, such as apples, cherries, and berries. Washington has earned a reputation as a significant exporter of agricultural products, supplying not only the domestic market but also international consumers. This thriving agriculture industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy and provides employment opportunities for thousands of Washingtonians.

Another prominent reason behind Washington’s business success is its supportive entrepreneurial environment. The state government, local authorities, and communities understand the critical role that businesses play in driving economic growth and creating opportunities. As a result, they provide a conducive environment, streamlining regulations, and offering various incentives to attract and retain businesses. The robust business infrastructure, coupled with a skilled talent pool, contributes to an atmosphere where businesses can scale and thrive.

Furthermore, Washington’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability makes it a desirable location for responsible businesses. The state’s vast hydroelectric power supply, responsible waste management practices, and sincere efforts to reduce carbon emissions have made Washington a front-runner in promoting and facilitating green business initiatives. Companies looking to align their operations with sustainable practices can find solace in the fact that Washington wholeheartedly supports and encourages such endeavors.

Overall, Washington has undoubtedly established itself as one of the best places for businesses to call home. Its strategic location, diverse economy, entrepreneurial environment, and sustainability-focused initiatives make it a key player in the business landscape. Through thriving technology and agriculture sectors, the state attracts top global talent while creating employment opportunities for its population. In light of all these factors, it is evident that Washington offers an unparalleled advantage to businesses and remains a beacon of opportunity and prosperity.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Washington is a big step. It’s really helpful to have experts on your side. When you use a professional LLC service, you’re making sure everything is done right without any headaches. We’ve given you a list of the top choices in this article. Take your time to look at each one. Check their prices, see what they offer, and think about what’s best for your business.

Remember, picking the right Washington LLC service can make things smoother and better for your business as it grows. If you want the best for your business, check out ZenBusiness. With their compelling offer of $0 + state fee for LLC formation, combined with an impressive array of 5-star Trustpilot reviews, they’re our number one recommendation. Seize this exceptional opportunity for your business!


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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