The 4 Best LLC Services in Washington 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in Washington
Forming a limited liability company in Washington? To ensure you get it just right, consider using a professional business formation service.
To help with the decision-making process, we reviewed the best LLC services in Washington based on factors like customer support, comprehensiveness of services, added features, and cost.
Recommended LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best Washington LLC Formation Services
 |
Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
|
TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
|
ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
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Incfile 4.0/5 |
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We reviewed and ranked the four best business formation services by actually forming separate Washington LLCs with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll explore some of the best Washington LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in Washington:
Best Washington LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes Washington LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important company formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is a platform that helps streamline small business formation. If you want to register as an LLC, the Elite Plan, our top choice, gives entrepreneurs complete access to tools like a website builder and digital business cards. You’ll also get a social media post maker, help with your operating agreement, and more for $199 plus state fees.
Pros
- Graphic design tools for social media to help boost your company's marketing efforts
- Access to a website builder and a free year with your chosen domain name
- Up to five logos to represent your brand through the Tailor Brands logo maker
Cons
- Expensive for those on a budget
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to launch a new venture and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a reliable LLC formation service, with prices starting at $0 plus state fees. The Starter plan provides basic features, and as you climb up to the Pro plan, you’ll get expedited filing and an operating agreement. ZenBusiness charges $299 for its Premium Plan, which offers formation paperwork completion in one to two business days, a customizable website, a free domain name and email address, and more.
ZenBusiness offers a 100% accuracy guarantee. It can also help with expense and deduction tracking, so you are better prepared for tax season.
Pros
- ZenBusiness has helped launch over 300,000 small businesses.
- Help with expense and deduction tracking, so you are better prepared for tax season
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors for fewer features
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential services to help get your business up and running.
($0+ State Fees)
4. Incfile
Incfile is another great platform that assists with LLC formation. Even its basic package ($0 plus state fees) provides a free year of registered agent services. It has several package options, but the top tier caps at $299. With that top-tier plan, you get access to a number of helpful tools and services to get your new company up and running.
Pros
- Included registered agent services for the first year
- Budget-friendly prices
Cons
- It may take a couple of tries to get in contact with a customer support agent.
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
How to Form an LLC in Washington
You can start an LLC in Washington on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Business
You won’t be able to form your company until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the Washington naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a Washington state LLC name search on the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your venture.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
You are required to designate a registered agent for your Washington LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
If you form your enterprise online on the Washington Secretary of State website, you’ll gain access to all the resources you need to appoint a registered agent.
If you form your venture by mail, download the Certificate of Formation form, fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy to the Washington Secretary of State. Your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested in Section 5.
Learn more by reading our guide on Washington registered agents.
3. File the Certificate of Formation
To register your company, you'll need to file the Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State. You can apply online or by mail.
Learn more with our Washington Certificate of Formation guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement, known in Washington as a limited liability company agreement, is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your venture.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to Revised Code of Washington Section 25.15.006(7), all members of an LLC may enter into an operating agreement to regulate the internal affairs of the company.
You can read more about Washington LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your enterprise. Get one for free through the IRS website.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a Washington LLC online?
It costs $200 to form a Washington LLC online.
How do I file the Washington annual report?
You can file your annual report with the Secretary of State. You must have your UBI number in order to file, which can be found using the business entity search.