How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Washington


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Washington. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Washington to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Washington. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Washington to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Washington Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Washington,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Washington is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Washington LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Washington LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Washington, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Washington Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Washington LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Washington Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Washington that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Washington, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Washington.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Washington?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Secretary of State, Corporations Division. P.O. Box 40234. For online filing, you must log in to the Washington Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Washington Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Washington includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($24), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Washington, the filing fee of a formation document is $200 (online and $180 by mail). The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Washington Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Washington Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is the purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
The purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington is to officially register your limited liability company with the state.
How much does it cost to file LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
The filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Washington is $180.
What information is required in LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
In Washington, LLC Articles of Organization must include the name of the LLC, its registered agent, its duration, and the purpose of the LLC.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization online in Washington?
Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization online in Washington through the Secretary of State’s website.
How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
Typically, it takes 5-7 business days to process LLC Articles of Organization in Washington.
Do I need an operating agreement when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
Although it is not required by the state, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington.
Can I change the information on my LLC Articles of Organization in Washington after filing?
Yes, you can amend your LLC Articles of Organization in Washington by filing an Amended Articles of Organization form with the state.
Is there a publication requirement for LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
No, there is no publication requirement for LLC Articles of Organization in Washington.
Do I need a lawyer to file LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
While not required, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington to ensure compliance with state laws.
How long is the effective date of LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
The effective date of LLC Articles of Organization in Washington is the date the Secretary of State files the document.
Who is responsible for filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
The members or organizers of the LLC are responsible for filing LLC Articles of Organization in Washington.
What information is required in Washington LLC Articles of Organization?
The Washington LLC Articles of Organization requires information such as the LLC name, registered agent, principal place of business, and names of members or organizers.
What is the processing time for LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
The processing time for LLC Articles of Organization in Washington is typically 1-2 business days if filed online.
Do I need an attorney to file LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
No, you do not need an attorney to file LLC Articles of Organization in Washington. You can file on your own or use a filing service.
Can I reserve my LLC name before filing Articles of Organization in Washington?
Yes, you can reserve your LLC name for up to 180 days before filing Articles of Organization in Washington for a fee of $30.
Is an Operating Agreement required to file Articles of Organization in Washington?
An Operating Agreement is not required to file Articles of Organization in Washington, but it is highly recommended to have one in place for the LLC.
Can I amend my LLC Articles of Organization in Washington?
Yes, you can file an amendment to your LLC Articles of Organization in Washington to update or change information about your LLC.
What is the first step in forming an LLC in Washington?
The first step is to file Articles of Organization with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can I file the Articles of Organization online in Washington?
Yes, the Washington Secretary of State allows for online filing of the Articles of Organization.
Do I need a physical address in Washington to form an LLC there?
Yes, you must have a physical street address in Washington to form an LLC there.
How much does it cost to file the Articles of Organization in Washington?
The filing fee for the Articles of Organization in Washington is $180.
How long does it take to process the Articles of Organization in Washington?
In Washington, it typically takes around 3-10 days to process the Articles of Organization.
Do I need to include a registered agent in the Articles of Organization in Washington?
Yes, you are required to include a registered agent in the Articles of Organization in Washington.
What is the role of a registered agent in Washington?
A registered agent in Washington is responsible for accepting legal documents and official mail on behalf of the LLC.
Can I be my own registered agent in Washington?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Washington if you have a physical address in the state.
Is there an annual report requirement for LLCs in Washington?
Yes, LLCs in Washington are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.
What information is required in the Articles of Organization in Washington?
The Articles of Organization in Washington typically require information such as the LLC name, address, registered agent, and organizer’s name and address.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Washington before filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Washington for a fee of $30.
Are there naming requirements for LLCs in Washington?
Yes, LLC names in Washington must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
Can I use abbreviations or acronyms in my LLC name in Washington?
Yes, Washington allows the use of abbreviations or acronyms in LLC names, as long as they meet the naming requirements.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Washington. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Washington, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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