5 Best Washington LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

Best LLC Formation Service in Washington

When you decide to start an LLC in Washington, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in Washington becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in Washington. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in Washington. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC Washington LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in Washington, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your Washington LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in Washington

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in Washington
How to Form an LLC in Washington
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Washington
FAQs

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-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

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

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

1. 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 LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed 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.

Form LLC in Washington with LegalZoom

2. 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 BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The 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.

Form LLC in Washington with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

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 TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional 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.

Form LLC in Washington with TailorBrands

4. 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

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form Washington nonprofit
Free LLC formation in Washington	Additional 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.

Form LLC in Washington with ZenBusiness

5. 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 Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in Washington	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional 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.

Form LLC in Washington with Northwest Registered Agent

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-

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.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
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.
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.
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.

FAQs

How do I form an LLC in Washington, and what are the requirements?

To form an LLC in Washington, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Washington Secretary of State. You’ll also need to appoint a registered agent and pay a filing fee.

What is the processing time for forming an LLC in Washington?

The processing time can take several weeks, although expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Can anyone form an LLC in Washington, or are there restrictions?

Anyone can form an LLC in Washington, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

How do I find a registered agent for my LLC?

There are many registered agent services available online. You can also use a lawyer or accountant as your registered agent.

What is the role of a registered agent in Washington LLC formation?

The registered agent receives legal and official documents on behalf of your LLC.

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

The filing fee in Washington is $200, and other fees may apply.

How do I know if I should form an LLC, a sole proprietorship, or a corporation in Washington?

That depends on various factors, such as the size of your business, the level of personal risk you’re willing to take on, and your management structure.

What is a single-member LLC, and how does it differ from a multi-member LLC in Washington?

A single-member LLC is owned by one person, while a multi-member LLC has multiple owners. The formation process and requirements are largely similar in Washington, though there may be some differences in the tax implications.

Can I change the name of my LLC after formation in Washington?

Yes, you can change the name of your LLC by filing an amendment or notifying the Washington Secretary of State.

How do I dissolve an LLC in Washington?

To dissolve an LLC in Washington, you need to file Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State.

What are the tax implications of forming an LLC in Washington?

LLCs in Washington are generally not subject to Washington state income tax. Instead, they are taxed as pass-through entities, meaning the profits and losses flow through to the individual members.

Can I operate an LLC in Washington without forming one?

No, you must register your LLC with the Secretary of State to do business in Washington.

What is a PLLC, and how does it differ from a regular LLC in Washington?

A PLLC is a professional limited liability company, which is limited to certain professional services such as law, medicine, and accounting.

Can I convert an existing business to an LLC in Washington?

Yes, you can convert a sole proprietorship or other business entity to an LLC in Washington.

Are there any annual reporting requirements for LLCs in Washington?

Yes, Washington LLCs are required to file an annual report and pay a fee.

How do I change the ownership structure of my LLC in Washington?

You can change the ownership structure of your LLC by amending your Articles of Organization and filing them with the Washington Secretary of State.

How do I register my Delaware LLC to do business in Washington?

You must file a Certificate of Authority with the Washington Secretary of State to register your Delaware LLC to do business in Washington.

Can I transfer my LLC out of Washington to another state?

Yes, you can transfer your LLC out of Washington, but you’ll need to file paperwork with both the Washington Secretary of State and the other state’s Secretary of State.

How do I choose a business name for my LLC in Washington?

Your LLC name must be unique and not already in use in Washington. You can search the Washington Secretary of State’s online database to check availability.

Can I have more than one LLC in Washington?

Yes, there is no limit to the number of LLCs you can form in Washington.

How do I get a business license for my LLC in Washington?

You’ll need to contact the appropriate city, county, or state agency to obtain a business license for your LLC.

Is there a separate LLC statute in Washington, or is it governed by the state’s general business laws?

Washington has a separate LLC statute, which governs the formation, operation, and dissolution of LLCs in the state.

Are there any residency requirements for LLC owners in Washington?

No, there are no residency requirements for LLC owners in Washington.

Can my LLC be taxed as an S-corporation in Washington?

Yes, LLCs can elect to be taxed as S-corporations in Washington.

Does Washington recognize series LLCs?

Yes, Washington recognizes series LLCs, which allow multiple mini-LLCs to function under one main LLC.

What is the liability protection offered by a Washington LLC?

LLCs in Washington offer limited liability protection, which means that the personal assets of the members are generally not at risk if the business is sued or incurs debts.

How do I get an EIN for my Washington LLC?

You can obtain an EIN (also known as a Tax ID Number) from the IRS website or by calling the IRS.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?

The processing time varies, but it typically takes several weeks. Again, expedited filing is available at an additional fee.

What is the best LLC formation service in Washington State?

It depends on what you need from an LLC formation service, but some popular options include LegalZoom, Incfile, and Northwest Registered Agent.

How long does it take to set up an LLC in Washington?

It generally takes between 1-2 weeks to process and approve LLC applications in Washington.

Do I have to live in Washington to form an LLC there?

No, you don’t need to live in Washington to form an LLC there.

What are the benefits of forming an LLC in Washington State?

Some benefits of forming an LLC in Washington include the state’s favorable tax policies and the ability to shield personal assets from business liabilities.

Can I form an LLC in Washington without an attorney?

Yes, it is possible to form an LLC in Washington without an attorney. You can use an LLC formation service or file the necessary paperwork with the secretary of state yourself.

How do I register for state taxes after forming an LLC in Washington?

Once you have formed your LLC in Washington, you will need to register for state taxes with the Washington State Department of Revenue.

How do I change my LLC’s registered agent in Washington?

To change your LLC’s registered agent in Washington, you will need to submit a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent with the Secretary of State.

What is a series LLC, and can I form one in Washington?

A series LLC is a type of LLC that allows you to establish multiple “series” within the LLC, each with its own assets and liabilities. Series LLCs are allowed in Washington.

Do I need to file an annual report for my LLC in Washington?

Yes, all LLCs in Washington are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year.

Which is better – forming an LLC or a corporation in Washington?

Each option has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on the goals and needs of the business owner. It’s important to carefully consider both options before making a decision.

How can I dissolve my LLC in Washington?

To dissolve an LLC in Washington, you will need to file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of State.

Can I change my LLC’s name in Washington after it has been formed?

Yes, you can change your LLC’s name in Washington by filing an Articles of Amendment form with the Secretary of State.

Can I form an LLC in Washington without a business license?

No, you will need to obtain a business license from the state and any local municipalities before forming your LLC in Washington.

How do I obtain an EIN for my Washington-based LLC?

You can obtain an EIN for your Washington-based LLC by applying online with the IRS.

Can I use a PO box as my LLC’s address in Washington?

No, you need to use a physical street address as your LLC’s address in Washington.

How can I find out if my chosen business name is available in Washington?

You can search the Washington Secretary of State’s business entity database to see if your chosen business name is available.

What is the role of a registered agent in Washington LLCs?

A registered agent in Washington is responsible for receiving legal documents and other official notices on behalf of the LLC.

Can I change my LLC’s ownership structure in Washington?

Yes, you can change your LLC’s ownership structure in Washington by amending your articles of organization with the Secretary of State.

How can I reserve a business name for my LLC in Washington?

You can file a Name Reservation Request with the Washington Secretary of State to reserve a business name.

Do I need to publish a notice of my LLC formation in a Washington newspaper?

No, you don’t need to publish a notice of your LLC formation in a Washington newspaper.

What is the difference between a foreign LLC and a domestic LLC in Washington?

A domestic LLC is one that is formed in Washington, while a foreign LLC is formed in another state or country but is doing business in Washington.

What taxes does a Washington LLC need to pay?

Washington LLCs are subject to state business tax and federal income tax, as well as other taxes depending on the type of business.

Can I change my LLC’s structure from a single-member LLC to a multi-member LLC in Washington?

Yes, you can change your LLC’s structure from a single-member LLC to a multi-member LLC in Washington by amending your articles of organization.

Who can be a registered agent for my LLC in Washington?

Your LLC’s registered agent can be a resident of Washington or a Washington-based entity authorized to do business in the state.

What is the process for getting a Certificate of Existence for my Washington LLC?

You can order a Certificate of Existence for your Washington LLC from the Secretary of State’s office.

How can I convert my Washington LLC into a corporation?

To convert a Washington LLC into a corporation, you will need to file Articles of Conversion with the Washington Secretary of State.

Can I convert my corporation into an LLC in Washington?

Yes, you can convert your corporation into an LLC in Washington by filing a Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in Washington is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in Washington. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.