Washington State Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration

If you already have an LLC in another state and want an LLC in Washington State, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Washington State

Forming a Washington State Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Washington State, you need to register it with the Washington State Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose Washington State Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Washington State Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Washington State will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Washington State. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC. 

Check name availability at Washington State’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Washington State Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Washington State and take note that a Washington State registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries: 

Step 3: File Registration of Washington State Foreign LLC 

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Secretary of State Corporation Division 801 Capitol Way S P.O. Box 40234 Olympia, Washington 98504-0234.

Include the following:

• LLC’s full legal name. 
• A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
• LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
• LLC formation state and date.
• Registered agent’s name and address in Washington State.
• Date when your LLC will start operations in Washington State.
• Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee. 

The LLC cost in Washington State, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Washington State Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Washington State Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing Washington Foreign LLC Online

Steps to Filing Washington Foreign LLC by Mail

If you wish to file your foreign LLC registration application by mail, you can do that easily.

• Download the Application form PDF on your device.
• Read all the instructions attached to the application form carefully.
• Start to fill in the application form as per the guidelines.
• Recheck all the details mentioned by you in the form to be correct and accurate.
• Issue a money order or check for $180 as the filing fee, payable to the ‘Secretary of State’.
• You must also attach the Certificate of Good standing/ Existence issued by the State of Original Jurisdiction.
• Collect all the documents together and mail it to the following address, Corporations & Charities Division, PO Box 40234 Olympia, WA 98504-0234. You can also drop your application in person to the following address, Corporations & Charities Division, 801 Capitol Way S Olympia, WA 98501-1226.

After Forming a Washington State Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Washington State Foreign LLC

1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC. 

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form a foreign LLC in Washington State. 

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Washington

To register as a foreign LLC in Washington, you can file through mail or online by paying a filing fee of $180 to the Washington Secretary of State.

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Washington State is a great way to launch a business or invest in the Evergreen State. An LLC is a business entity that can be owned by one or more individuals, and offers limited liability protection to its owners. However, there are several costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Washington, and potential owners should understand what they are before taking the plunge.

The first cost associated with registering a foreign LLC in Washington is the filing fee. This fee varies depending on the type of entity being formed and the amount of information being provided. For example, the filing fee for a foreign LLC is $180, while the fee for a foreign corporation is $180 plus $5 for each additional class of shares. Additionally, there may be additional fees for service of process, registered agent fees, and publication requirements.

The next cost is the Washington business license fee. This fee is required for all businesses operating in the state and is based on the type of business, the number of employees, and the gross receipts of the business. The fee ranges from $19 to $700, so potential business owners should research their business’s requirements to determine the exact amount they will need to pay.

Third, potential business owners need to consider the costs associated with opening a business bank account. This includes the cost of any required starter documents, such as a state-issued business license, as well as the monthly maintenance fees associated with the account. Additionally, if the business will be accepting credit cards, there will likely be additional fees associated with setting up a merchant account.

Finally, potential business owners should consider the costs associated with hiring a lawyer. A lawyer can help with the formation process and provide guidance on business operations and regulatory compliance. Depending on the complexity of the business, a lawyer may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee.

In total, registering a foreign LLC in Washington can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The exact cost will depend on the type of entity being formed, the number of employees, the amount of information being provided, and the fees associated with a lawyer and bank account. Additionally, potential business owners should factor in the cost of ongoing compliance costs, such as taxes and fees.

By understanding the costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Washington, potential business owners can make informed decisions about their business. With the right business plan, the costs associated with starting a business in the Evergreen State can be well worth the effort.

F.A.Qs

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Washington does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.