Starting a Washington LLC includes a state Certificate of Formation filing fee (currently $180) and may involve a business license application processing fee (currently $50). The EIN itself is free directly from the IRS, and paid formation services are optional.
Washington LLC Filing Fee — Government Filing
Filing the Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division is the step that legally creates your LLC. The current base state filing fee is $180. Additional online processing charges may apply. This is a required government cost — no commercial service is needed to file it yourself.
Source: Washington Secretary of State · Last checked: September 12, 2026
Business License Costs
Forming the LLC and getting licensed are separate processes. The Washington Business License Application currently has a processing fee of $50; additional variable / additional charges can apply depending on your activities. Your city may also require its own license.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue · Last checked: September 12, 2026
Registered Agent Cost
If you act as your own registered agent (and you meet the requirements), this costs $0. Hiring a professional registered agent service is a common convenience — it's an optional commercial service with pricing set by the provider, not a government fee.
EIN Cost
The IRS EIN application is $0. Apply directly on the official IRS website — companies that charge for EIN "assistance" are selling an optional service, not the EIN itself.
Source: Internal Revenue Service · Last checked: September 12, 2026
Annual Report Cost
Washington LLCs file an annual report, currently $70. This is a recurring cost of keeping the LLC in good standing, due on the schedule the Secretary of State sets for your entity.
Optional Business Expenses
These are not required to form or run your LLC: paid formation services, professional registered agent services, bookkeeping software, and similar tools. Pricing depends entirely on the provider — we never mix these into the government fees above.
Fees and requirements can change. Verify current amounts with the appropriate government agency before filing.
Common Mistakes
Assuming a paid formation service is required — you can file directly with the state yourself.
Mixing optional service pricing into required government fees when budgeting.
Forgetting the annual report is a recurring cost, not a one-time fee.
Paying a third party for an EIN when the IRS application is free.
Overlooking city-level license requirements on top of the state application.
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FAQ
What is the minimum I must pay to form a Washington LLC?
At minimum, the state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation, plus any applicable license application processing fees. The amounts above come from our verified state data — always confirm current fees with the agency before filing.
Is the EIN really free?
Yes — the IRS does not charge for an EIN application. Some companies charge for application assistance, which is optional.
Do I have to pay the annual report fee right away?
The annual report is a recurring requirement, not part of the initial filing. Your first one will be due based on your formation date — check the official Secretary of State information for your date.
Related LLC Guides
How to Start an LLC in Washington
The full 10-step overview with official resources.
Read the GuideWashington LLC Annual Report
What it is, the current fee, and how due dates work.
Read the GuideDoes a Washington LLC Need a Business License?
Formation and licensing are separate — see what applies to you.
Read the Guide