LLC cost in Washington in 2026
A middling $200 to open and $60 a year to keep, with a separate business licence most owners forget.
Updated August 2026
Educational estimates only. The figures on this page are general market research, not legal advice, and no attorney client relationship is created by using this site. Cost of Legal does not provide, broker or arrange legal services, and does not sell or pass on your details to anyone. Confirm current fees with the relevant government office or a licensed professional before you spend money.
Washington charges $200 to file a Certificate of Formation online and $60 for the annual report. There is no personal income tax, which helps, but the state runs a business and occupation tax on gross receipts, which is charged on revenue rather than profit.
Most LLCs also need a state business licence, which carries its own application fee and any city endorsements the business needs.
Washington LLC fees at a glance
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of FormationOnline filing with the Secretary of State. | $200 |
| Annual reportDue each year on the formation anniversary month. | $60 |
| Business licence applicationPlus city endorsements where they apply. | $90 or so |
| Registered agent serviceOptional if you act as your own agent. | $100 to $300 a year |
First year, doing it yourself
$290
First year with a formation service and paid agent
$390 to $590
Every year after that
$60 to $360
Ranges assume a registered agent service at $100 to $300 a year where one is used, and a formation service package of $0 to $300 on top of state fees. The business and occupation tax applies to gross revenue with no deduction for costs, so a low margin business can owe tax in a year it made no profit.
The quirk worth knowing
Owners compare Washington to states with no income tax and assume the tax burden is zero. The business and occupation tax changes that picture, particularly for resellers and agencies with large pass through costs. Model it before you assume Washington is a cheap tax home.
Who Washington suits
Service businesses with healthy margins that are physically based in the state. The formal fees are modest and the annual report is easy to file.
Run your own numbers
The calculator lets you change the formation route, the registered agent choice and expedited filing, then shows first year and ongoing totals as line items.
Open the LLC formation cost calculator