Washington charges $200 for online LLC formation through the Secretary of State's portal, which includes built-in expedited processing for approval within a few business days. Paper filings cost $180 but take significantly longer to process, making online filing the preferred option for most business owners.
The state's transparent fee structure eliminates surprise charges common in other jurisdictions. Washington doesn't impose franchise taxes, mandatory publication requirements, or separate expedited fees for online submissions, providing predictable costs throughout your LLC's lifecycle.
Washington maintains a straightforward fee structure through the Secretary of State's online portal, with pricing that reflects the chosen filing method and processing speed. The state's online system automatically includes expedited processing, making it the most efficient option for most business owners.
The $200 online fee includes a $180 base cost plus $20 convenience fee for digital processing. This method allows filing your Certificate of Formation and required Initial Report simultaneously, avoiding the separate $10 fee when filed later.
Online filing provides the fastest processing and eliminates mailing delays, making it the most efficient option despite the $20 premium over paper submissions.
Washington's $200 formation fee places it above the national average, but the total cost picture becomes clearer when considering ongoing obligations. The state requires a $70 annual report, creating predictable long-term expenses without franchise tax complications.
Looking at the Pacific Northwest, Oregon charges $100 for LLC formation with $100 annual reports, while Idaho keeps costs even lower at $100 for formation with no annual fee. California starts at just $70 for formation, but hits LLCs with an $800 annual franchise tax that makes it far more expensive long-term.
Nationally, the average LLC formation fee ranges from $120-$150, putting Washington's $200 charge above typical costs. However, Washington's $70 annual report compares favorably to states with higher ongoing fees, publication requirements, and franchise taxes. Plus, expedited online processing is available for an additional fee that is lower than in many other states.
Beyond the basic formation fee, several optional and situational costs may apply during your Washington LLC's lifecycle.
Planning for these expenses helps create realistic first-year budgets, particularly for businesses requiring specialized licensing or operating across multiple Washington jurisdictions.
Washington's ongoing compliance requirements extend beyond formation to include annual reports, registered agent maintenance, and multi-state coordination for growing businesses. Discern automates these complexities through comprehensive filing management and real-time compliance tracking.
Ready to take the stress out of LLC compliance? Book a demo with Discern today to learn more about our comprehensive solutions.
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