Washington LLC Annual Report – File an LLC Annual Report in Washington


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve 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.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
washington_state_seal

The objective of the annual report is three-fold. The annual report keeps the Government informed about all the updates, communicates about all the modifications or changes, & keeps the LLC members informed about the necessary taxes and costs. This article has all the information about Washington LLC annual report filing in Washington.

An annual report can be called an address book, as it features all the relevant addresses of the company & the members. This yearly report is a record of all the company’s activities in an entire year. It is also referred to as the Annual Franchise Tax Report because it helps in filing the franchise tax.

Contents of the Annual Report

Typically the annual report filed by a Washington State LLC (or any other business entity for that matter) will include all the information related to its business & members. The standard contents of the annual report or the annual franchise tax report are

  • Office Address of the LLC
  • Names & Addresses of the Members & managers.
  • Identification Documents
  • Social Security numbers of the key members of LLC
  • The objective of the business of LLC
  • List of all the signatories of the LLC
  • Information of the registered agent, if any

Washington LLC Annual Report

An Annual report is essential for all business types. It authenticates that the information provided to the Secretary Of the State is accurate & updated. The information provided in the annual report helps the State officials to ensure that all the companies pay taxes. The Washington Annual Report is filed with the Washington Secretary of State.

Does the State of Washington Require an Annual Report Filing?

Every Business Entity in Washington must file an Annual Certificate or Annual Report. This includes all the legal entities such as C Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, bound to file the Annual Report.

Annual Report Deadline

As mentioned above, filing the Annual report is a mandatory requirement even for an LLC. An LLC operating in Washington has to file the Annual report every year with the Washington Secretary of State by the end of the Business’s Anniversary month.

Penalties for Non-filing or late filing

An Annual Report is one of the important documents filed by an LLC. Any Annual Report filed after the deadline will lead to a $25 late fee & the LLC losing its good standing status. Further failure to file the annual report will cause the dissolution of the LLC.

Why Do LLCs Have to File the Annual Report?

Some of the states are not required to file this yearly report, commonly known as the Annual Report. However, there are some reasons why states should file an LLC Annual Report. Here are some reasons,

To Maintain the Accuracy of the Information

An annual report filed by the LLC has all the updated information about its official addresses & the names or addresses of all its officials. This updated information allows the State authorities to track down any LLC when communicating.

To Provide the Correct Correspondence

Many times, any creditor or other entity willing to transact with the LLC requires the correct correspondence address. If this information (which can only be modified with the help of an annual report) is not updated every year, such entities will not be able to communicate with them.

To Notify the Government About All the Significant Changes

If you have changed your main business address or had new business appointments of managers or members, the annual public information report notifies the State Government Entities about it. So, the next time someone questions a newer reform that you have introduced in your LLC, you will be saved because you had submitted the information with the Government.

To Provide an Activity Log of an LLC

The Annual Report is like an activity log of the LLC. It brings on record; all the transactions, new associations, appointments, etc. & keeps those records intact for all future references.

To Help You With the One-time Filing of Taxes

The annual report is an excellent means to keep you on your toes in case of your dues payment. Every LLC must pay the taxes through the annual report filing. By filing the report on time, the LLC can manage the exemptions & can avoid penalties imposed by the Government.

To Enable the State to Track the Payments

The government authorities use all the information filed through the annual report, for tracking the payment of State Taxes.

How to File a Washington LLC Annual Report

You can file the Washington LLC Annual Report online or file it by mail. An LLC operating in Washington has to file the Annual report every year with the Washington Secretary of State by the end of the Business’s Anniversary month.

Steps to File Washington LLC Annual Report Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

Below is the procedure to file the Washington LLC Annual Report online.

  1. Visit Washington Secretary of State Website’s Annual Reports Page.

    Your first step in filing the Washington Annual Report is to visit the Washington Secretary of State website’s Annual Reports Page.washington-llc-annual-report

  2. Select the File online link.

    Select the FIle Online link under the Profit Corporations, LLCs, Limited Partnerships Annual Report option.

  3. Log in or create an account.

    On the next page, log in or create an account. Start filing the report online.washington-llc-annual-report

  4. File Express Annual Report.

    You can file an Express Annual report (with or without changes) without the login. Just scroll down & choose either of the options.washington-llc-annual-report

Filing Washington LLC Annual Report By Mail

To file the Annual Report in Washington by mail, follow the below steps

  • Visit the Washington Secretary of State website’s Annual Reports Page
  • Select the “Paper Annual Report” option
  • A form will open on the next tab
  • Download the Form
  • Fill the form with correct information
  • Send the printed copies of the forms and relevant documents to the address: Secretary of State, P.O. Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234

Washington LLC Annual Report (Domestic & Foreign)

State Office:Secretary of State, P.O. Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234
Links to Website, Form
Due Date:An LLC operating in Washington has to file the Annual report every year with the Washington Secretary of State by the end of the Business’s Anniversary month.
Filing Fee:The Annual Report filing fee is $60.
Penalty:Any Annual Report filed after the deadline will lead to a $25 late fee & the LLC losing its good standing status. Further failure to file the annual report will cause the dissolution of the LLC.
Filing Method:An LLC can file the Annual Report Online or by mail.
Forms:Form
Important Information:Once a Domestic or Foreign Washington Limited Liability Company submits the Annual Report along with the prescribed fees to the Washington Secretary of State, the filing is said to be complete.

Seek the Help of a Registered Agent

Every State will have a different rule for filing the Annual Report. Usually, it is submitted every year, but it is submitted once in two years in some states. Some states require the filing of the report only once in ten years.

Not only the timing, the mode of filing, the proper addresses, exemptions, legality, annual report compliance, etc., have to be taken care of while paying the taxes or filing any reports with the State authorities. In many such scenarios, it is advised that an LLC appoints a Registered Agent to manage all this. Check out the best LLC service that offers all the services at an affordable price. An experienced agent is required for:

  1. Streamlining the mandatory processes & filing.
  2. Sending or receiving any documents.
  3. Reminding you about important dates of filing or payment of taxes.
  4. Simplifying the filing procedures.
  5. Avoid any penalties.
  6. Flexibility in working.
  7. Maintaining Privacy (as it keeps your personal records off the public record)

You can read more about a Washington Registered Agent here.

FAQs

Is it essential to file an Annual Report?

Yes, an annual report is essential for every business entity in most states. Some states also ask to file biennial or decennial reports to be filed.

What are the contents of the Annual Report?

A Yearly Business Report or the annual report typically incorporates the address of the business, names & addresses of the members, a list of all the signatories, SSN of the members, & details of the registered agent.

Why is hiring a Registered Agent necessary in filing the Annual Report?

A Registered Agent is well-aware of all the filing requirements, annual report filing fee, & overall Annual Report compliance. The knowledge & proficiency of the registered agent allows the smooth filing of reports & other fees.

What do I have to do for the annual business report preparation?

The most important thing for filing an Annual Report is record keeping. Make sure that you document every other transaction well.

Do the filing fees change as per the types of companies?

Yes, the fees may vary depending on the type of entity or the type of legal entity you are representing.

How Fast Can I Fill Washington LLC Annual Report

Deadline for filing annual reports in Washington is the last date of company’s anniversary month with the Washington Secretary of State. Late fee of $25 is charged.

One question that many business owners may have is, “How fast can I fill out my Washington LLC annual report?” The answer to this question largely depends on your organization and how well you have maintained your records throughout the year. If you have kept thorough and accurate financial records, as well as a detailed record of any changes in your LLC, then filling out the annual report can be a relatively quick process.

The first step to filling out your Washington LLC annual report quickly and efficiently is to gather all of the necessary information ahead of time. This might include the names and addresses of all members or managers of the LLC, a current financial statement, and any changes that have occurred within the organization since the last report was filed. By having all of this information readily available, you can streamline the process and avoid any delays.

In addition to having your information organized, it’s also important to familiarize yourself with the forms and requirements for filing the annual report. The Washington Secretary of State’s website provides detailed instructions on how to complete the report, as well as any deadlines that may apply to your specific situation. By taking the time to review this information beforehand, you can ensure that you are filling out the report correctly and avoid any mistakes that could result in penalties or other consequences.

For those who are short on time or simply want to expedite the process, there are also online filing options available for the Washington LLC annual report. These digital platforms can make it easier to complete the report quickly and accurately, as well as provide instant confirmation of submission. While some business owners may prefer to file their annual report via mail or in person, utilizing an online platform can be a time-saving solution for those with busy schedules.

Ultimately, the speed at which you fill out your Washington LLC annual report will depend on your organization’s specific circumstances and record-keeping practices. By staying organized, familiarizing yourself with the requirements, and utilizing available resources, you can ensure that the process is completed efficiently and your LLC remains in good standing with the state. So, whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a first-time filer, prioritize your Washington LLC annual report and take the necessary steps to complete it in a timely manner.

In Conclusion

An LLC has to file many types of reports, such as Application for Reinstatement, Periodic Report of a limited partnership (usually filed by the exempt nonprofit organization), etc., which are required depending on the type of entity. The Annual Report is mandatory irrespective of the entity type. It requires compliance across entities.

Leave a Comment