5 Best Washington LLC Services for 2026 (We Tested Them All)

Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 

If you plan to start a limited liability company in Washington, you will certainly get more benefits than other business structures. Forming an LLC in Washington, whether domestic or foreign, is easier than other business structures. However, the paperwork and filings are not as easy as they sound, especially for beginners.

The LLCBuddy team has compiled a list of the best LLC services in Washington. Compare their prices and features to get the best-fitted one to start your business in Washington. While the formation service takes care of the paperwork and processing, you can focus on your clients and revenue. The editorial team has made a video for those who are not really a fan of reading long pages. Check out the video and explore the best LLC services available in Washington.

Best LLC Formation Services in Washington

Here is the list of the best LLC services available in Washington. The best thing about these services is that you can start your LLC for free. Some of the following services offer LLC formation in Washington for $0. Other than the state fees, 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 the best LLC formation service providers in Washington-

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 1-day rush filing (add-on)

  • Attorney help (legal plan)

  • Established reputation

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$39 + State Fees

  • Free RA service for a year

  • Customised LLC Package

  • Transparent pricing

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

  1. LegalZoom – With years of industry experience, LegalZoom offers comprehensive services and a vast array of legal resources.
  2. Northwest Registered Agent – Praised for its top-notch customer service, Northwest ensures personalised assistance and detailed compliance guidance.
  3. MyCompanyWorks – Very budget-friendly, the best option for handling compliance, MyCompanyWorks offers a wholesome service.
  4. Bizee – Popular for offering LLC formation for free, including free registered agent service for one year. It is a truly no-cost LLC formation service.
  5. CorpNet – Best for multi-state LLC formation and compliance management.

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. 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

LZ_Logo_Black
  • 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 personalised 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 formationSome additional fees are not included in plan prices
Trustworthy and established reputationHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround timeFewer add-on options
Access to legal professionalsSome additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support is available through phone or chatMixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in the 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. However, you must pay the Washington filing fee while filing the Articles of Organisation with the Washington Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method you choose: mail, online, or any other method you choose.

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

2. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spokane, Washington. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliance, 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 an 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 servicesYou must form a Washington LLC to purchase only the service you need.
You must form a Washington LLC to purchase only the service you need.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers a 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 only the things 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 ($125). If you have already formed your LLC in Washington and are willing to appoint a 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 that it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

3. MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks is a popular company among new entrepreneurs who are first-time filers. It focuses on beginners who need formation guidance from top to bottom. Started in 2001, MyCompanyWorks has helped over 60,000 entrepreneurs set up their businesses. The best thing about MyCompanyWorks is that it offers 100% users’ satisfaction. If not, they promise a 100% refund. MyCompanyWorks offers 3 vast packages, but not a free LLC formation like others.

MyCompanyWorks Plans

MyCompanyWorks logo

MyCompanyWorks has 3 packages: Basic, Entrepreneur, and Complete. The basic package offers LLC formation at $79 plus the required state filing fee. The basic package includes filing articles of organisation and a free business tax consultation. Other packages offer more services like operating agreements, EINs, and other formation-related services at a higher price.

  • Basic – $79 + State Filing Fees
  • Entrepreneur – $199 + State Filing Fees
  • Complete – $279 + State Filing Fees

MyCompanyWorks, along with the above packages, offers other add-ons. The

  • Registered Agent Service — Starts at $119/year.
  • EIN / Federal Tax ID Filing — Available as a standalone add-on for $75
  • Annual Report Filing — Priced at $59 plus applicable state filing fees
  • Business Dissolution Service — Available for $99
  • DBA / Fictitious Business Name Filing — Available as an add-on for $99 plus state fees.
  • Foreign Qualification — Filing to register your existing LLC to conduct business in additional states beyond your home state of formation.
  • Expedited Filing — Rush processing available for time-sensitive filings, reducing standard turnaround times for an additional fee.

MyCompanyWorks Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get MyCompanyWorksWhy You Shouldn’t Get MyCompanyWorks
Fastest processing timeNo free LLC formation
100% user satisfactionEIN and Registered Agent service are not included in the basic plan
100% refund policyThe Basic package does not include a registered agent service
Best option for new businesses and beginners

MyCompanyWorks Overview

MyCompanyWorks, unlike other biggies, does not offer a free LLC formation service. But it offers 100% satisfaction to users with 100% refund option. That brings many users on board. MyCompanyWorks mainly focuses on first-time filers. In Washington, those who are beginners can use MyCompanyWorks to set up their LLC.

If the papers were submitted by 3 PM (ET) on a working day, MyCompanyWorks processes the papers on the same day. Hence, it offers the fastest processing time compared to other competitors. It does not offer any type of legal service or legal consultation to its users. Overall, the company is best suited for beginners.

4. Bizee

Bizee (formerly known as Incfile) is one of those companies that started offering free LLC formation. Founded in 2004, the company rebranded as Bizee from Incfile in 2023. Bizee started offering free LLC formation service before any other competitors did. By far, it has over a million customers. It offers 3 packages to its customers based on their formation requirements.

Bizee logo

Bizee Pricing and Packages

The following packages are available,

  • Basic: $0 + State Filing Fees
  • Standard: $199 + State Filing Fees
  • Premium: $299 + State Filing Fees

Bizee offers add-ons and other services beyond its existing packages. The following are some add-ons Bizee offers at a reasonable price.

  • Registered Agent Service — Free for the first year, after that the service renews at $119 annually.
  • EIN / Federal Tax ID — Included in the Standard and Premium packages.
  • Operating Agreement — Included in the Standard and Premium packages.
  • IRS Form 2553 (S-Corp Election) — Included in the Gold (Standard) plan
  • Annual Report Filing — Available as an add-on service
  • Business Contract Templates — Included in the Premium package
  • Domain Name and Business Email — Included free for one year in the Premium package
  • Business Phone Number — A free first-year business phone number is included in the Premium package, valid for US-based clients
  • Virtual Address Service — Available as an add-on with a low monthly subscription fee
  • Trademark Registration — Assistance navigating the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) application process to protect your brand name or logo.
  • Foreign Qualification — Filing to register your existing LLC to conduct business in additional states beyond your home state of formation.
  • Business Banking (Bank of America Partnership) — Bizee has a partnership with Bank of America that gives customers on the Gold or Platinum paid packages direct access to small business accounts.
  • Expedited Filing — An additional fee of $50 gets your formation documents processed and submitted to the state within one business day

Bizee Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BizeeWhy You Shouldn’t Get Bizee
Free LLC FormationAggressive upsell at the checkout point
Free registered agent service for a yearExpensive add-ons compared to many competitors
30-min free tax consultation with every packageStandard processing time for all packages is around 3 weeks
Good Trustpilot rating
Supports LLC, Corporation, S-Corp, etc formation across 50 states

Bizee Overview

As mentioned, Bizee is one of the most popular companies that started offering free LLC formation across the United States. Its basic free formation plan is highly popular among business owners who are looking for a budget-friendly service. Making a 9-digit revenue a year, Bizee has made a long way. With decent customer points in Trustpilot, Bizee continues to gain more customers as time passes by.

5. CorpNet

CorpNet is one such company that has a very low brand name when it comes to competition with others in the market. The company mostly focuses on personalised customer support with business formation services. CorpNet does not have a brand name, but it has managed to get over a million users since 2009 to date. The company promises 100% customer satisfaction and personalised customer support.

corpnet logo

CorpNet Price and Packages

CorpNet offers three packages, but none of them provides a free LLC formation. The following are the three packages from CorpNet,

  • Basic: $99 + State Filing Fees
  • Deluxe: $219 + State Filing Fees
  • Complete: $269 + State Filing Fees

Apart from these packages, CorpNet offers a range of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following:

  • Registered Agent Service — First year free and auto-renewal at $149 per year.
  • Annual Report Filing — Assistance in filing state-required annual or biennial reports to keep your LLC in good standing
  • EIN / Tax ID Obtainment — $69 as an add-on. Added in the Deluxe and Complete package.
  • Custom Operating Agreement — Included in the Complete Package. Available as an add-on at $99.

Other than the above-mentioned services, there are a bunch of add-ons available on CorpNet. Other add-ons include DBA filing, certificate of good standing, business licence research, S-corp election, and many others.

CorpNet Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get CorpNetWhy You Shouldn’t Get CorpNet
Fast standard filing turnaround timesNo native accounting, bookkeeping, or tax filing integrations
Strong, knowledgeable customer support via phone, email, and chatLimited brand recognition compared to LegalZoom or Northwest Registered Agent
Clean, easy-to-navigate ordering process with no upsell pressure
Good Trustpilot rating

CorpNet Overview

CorpNet, as mentioned, does not have high brand recognition like LegalZoom, Northwest, or ZenBusiness. It neither offers a free LLC formation like others. Even so, the company has managed to serve its customers for a long time. The usp of this company is its personalised customer support. Instead of AI assistance, CorpNet has real humans who have strong knowledge and a business background. The support is available on phone, email and even on chat. Overall, the company is budget-friendly, best in customer support, and offers user satisfaction through its vast packages.

How to Form an LLC in Washington

Forming an LLC in Washington takes a few steps. The first step is to get a clear idea about doing business in Washington. Before jumping into the pool of paperwork, make sure you have a thorough knowledge of taxes and the costs of starting any business in Washington.

In general, Washington, popularly known as The Evergreen State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 7,999,503. The state’s nominal GDP is 731,691 (in millions). Hence, you can start any small or medium-sized business in Washington based on your budget. Forming an LLC in Washington can be a good option as it is less complicated than other forms of business. If you choose the state capital, Olympia, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

There are five most important steps to follow when you establish an LLC in Washington:

  • Step 1: Give a name to the LLC: Make sure the name is available to use in Washington. You can also get a DBA.
  • Step 2: Get a Registered Agent in Washington. The person will be responsible for all communications between your LLC and the State.
  • Step 3: File the Washington Articles of Organisation.
  • Step 4: Draft an LLC operating agreement in Washington.
  • Step 5: Get an EIN in Washington

Now, these steps seem to be easy. But unfortunately, it is not that simple. Each business has to file different documents based on local licenses and permits. From January 1, 2024, all LLCs and Corporations have to file the BOI Report with the FinCEN. If you start an LLC, you must file the BOI Report in Washington.

You can do that on your own. However, getting a professional on board is always recommended to guide you through the process. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid cancelling 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 the 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 an 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.

FAQs

What are the advantages of forming an LLC in Washington?
Some advantages of forming an LLC in Washington include limited liability protection, tax flexibility, and streamlined business operations.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington?
The cost of forming an LLC in Washington can vary, but typically ranges from $200 to $250 for filing fees with the Secretary of State.
Do I need an attorney to form an LLC in Washington?
While it is not required to hire an attorney to form an LLC in Washington, seeking legal advice can help ensure that all legal requirements are met.
What is the process of forming an LLC in Washington?
The process of forming an LLC in Washington involves choosing a name, filing Articles of Organization, creating an operating agreement, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits.
Can I choose any name for my LLC in Washington?
No, the name of your LLC in Washington must be unique and comply with the state’s naming guidelines, which can be checked with the Secretary of State’s office.
Are there publication requirements for LLCs in Washington?
No, Washington does not have any publication requirements for LLCs as part of the formation process.
What is the annual report requirement for LLCs in Washington?
LLCs in Washington are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year to maintain their good standing.
Can I form a single-member LLC in Washington?
Yes, Washington allows for the formation of single-member LLCs, which provide limited liability protection for the owner.
Does Washington offer expedited processing for LLC formations?
Yes, Washington offers expedited processing for LLC formations for an additional fee, which can expedite the overall formation process.
Can a foreign LLC do business in Washington?
Yes, a foreign LLC can do business in Washington by registering as a foreign entity with the Secretary of State and complying with state laws.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
The processing time to form an LLC in Washington typically takes around 1 to 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on the workload of the Secretary of State’s office.
Are registered agents required for LLCs in Washington?
Yes, LLCs in Washington are required to designate a registered agent who is responsible for receiving legal documents and notices on behalf of the LLC.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Washington after it is formed?
Yes, the name of an LLC in Washington can be changed after it is formed by filing an amendment to the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in Washington?
Yes, it is possible to convert an existing business, such as a sole proprietorship or partnership, into an LLC in Washington by filing the necessary documents with the Secretary of State.
Are there any restrictions on business activities for LLCs in Washington?
While LLCs in Washington have operational flexibility, there may be restrictions on certain business activities based on industry regulations and local ordinances.
What is the role of the Department of Revenue in LLC formation in Washington?
The Department of Revenue oversees tax-related matters for businesses in Washington, including sales tax, business tax, and other compliance requirements for LLCs.
Can an LLC in Washington be taxed as an S Corporation?
Yes, an LLC in Washington can elect to be taxed as an S Corporation by filing Form 2553 with the IRS and meeting certain eligibility requirements.
What is the minimum age requirement to form an LLC in Washington?
In Washington, the minimum age requirement to form an LLC is 18 years old, which is the legal age for entering into binding contracts.
Are there any ongoing fees for maintaining an LLC in Washington?
Yes, LLCs in Washington are required to pay an annual renewal fee to the Secretary of State, along with any applicable taxes and business licenses.
Can an LLC be formed online in Washington?
Yes, the formation of an LLC in Washington can be done online through the Secretary of State’s website, which offers a streamlined process for submitting documents and fees.
Are there naming restrictions for LLCs in Washington?
Yes, there are naming restrictions for LLCs in Washington, including the requirement to include the words “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or similar abbreviations in the name.
Can I form an LLC in Washington if I am not a resident of the state?
Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in Washington as long as they appoint a registered agent with a physical address in the state for service of process.
Is there a publication requirement for LLCs in Washington?
No, Washington does not have a publication requirement for LLCs, meaning there is no need to publish notice of the LLC formation in a local newspaper.
Can I amend the Articles of Organization for my LLC in Washington?
Yes, the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Washington can be amended by filing an amendment with the Secretary of State to update information.
Does Washington have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No, Washington does not have a franchise tax for LLCs, but businesses may be subject to other taxes, such as the Business & Occupation tax.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Washington if I no longer wish to operate?
Yes, an LLC in Washington can be dissolved by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State and settling any outstanding debts and obligations.
Can I change the ownership structure of my LLC in Washington?
Yes, the ownership structure of an LLC in Washington can be changed by amending the operating agreement and updating the members’ ownership interests with the Secretary of State.
Are there annual reporting requirements for LLCs in Washington?
Yes, LLCs in Washington are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State, which includes updated information about the business and its members.
What is the best LLC formation service in Washington?
Some popular LLC formation services in Washington include Northwest Registered Agent, Incfile, and ZenBusiness.
How much does it cost to use an LLC formation service in Washington?
The cost of using an LLC formation service in Washington varies, but it typically ranges from $50 to $300.

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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 LegalZoom. They’re our number one recommendation for their compelling offer of $0 + state fee for LLC formation, combined with an impressive array of 5-star Trustpilot reviews. Seize this exceptional opportunity for your business!

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