A global city with a highly educated workforce, District of Columbia provides businesses with just the platform they require. Incorporation in District of Columbia means you will have access to global influencers and policymakers. There are a variety of DC industries that your business can be a part of like the hospitality industry, which is one of the strongest sectors. Data Science & Analytics, Retail, and Security Technology are also some of the top industries. One of the salient aspects of DC is the “smart city” initiative wherein it is ranked 6th smartest city in the World according to IESE Cities in Motion Index 2017. Economically, it is on the rise with the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the District of Columbia in 2017 crossing the $110 billion mark.

Home to Lockheed Martin, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and 18 other Fortune 500’s!

Why Choose District of Columbia for Incorporation?

If you are planning to set up company in District of Columbia then the good news is that it is the perfect platform for small businesses. In fact, the small business scene in D.C. area has everything right from sewing studio’s to fish-and-chips shop, prohibition-inspired gin distillery, and pie shop with music rehearsal studio, and many other innovative businesses.

Now let’s take a look at some of the salient benefits that are responsible for fuelling growth of small businesses:

Supermarket Tax Incentives

As a part of the Supermarket Tax Exemption Act of 2000, DC will waive fees and tax to retail and grocery stores located in specific neighborhoods. This is an incentive directed at encouraging investment and development in areas that lack access to fresh food and groceries. You can avail of the incentive post company incorporation in District of Columbia. A supermarket or retail store can receive the following benefits for a period of 10 years post renovation or development:

• Exemption in business license fee
• Exemption in real property tax
• Sales and use tax exemption especially on building materials used for construction
• Exemption in personal property tax

Eligible Areas | More Information

How do you incorporate in District of Columbia?

What is the process of incorporation in District of Columbia? What type of documentation is required? These are some of the common questions that you will be confronted with if you planning to start a new business in the state. The following steps will enable understanding of the entire process:

Business Type

The first step towards company incorporation in District of Columbia is choosing the type of business you want to form. You can choose to form an LLC or a Corporation. The type of business entity you want to form can be domestic or foreign entity. The forms and fee will be different for each type of entity.

Business Entity Name

One of the most important steps towards incorporation in District of Columbia is naming your business entity. You have to start by identifying, searching, reserving, or registering the business entity name. There are 3 steps towards business name formation and they are:

1. Naming Requirements: According to District of Columbia Code § 29–103.01 and § 29–103.02, the name of a business entity should contain words like “corporation”, “incorporated”, “limited liability company” or abbreviations like “corp.”, “inc.”, “ltd.”, “L.L.C.”, ”Ltd., ” or similar abbreviation.
2. Business name search: You need to search for a business name that is not in use currently. You can conduct name availability search here.
3. Name Reservation: Once you have identified business entity name, you will have to reserve the name pursuant to District of Columbia Code § 29–103.03 as a part of company incorporation in District of Columbia process. You can reserve the name for a period of 120 days with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division.
4. Name Registration: According to District of Columbia Code § 29–103.04, a foreign business entity that is not registered to do business in the District under subchapter VI of this chapter will be required to register its name, or an alternate trade name as required by § 29-105.06. A foreign business entity will be required to submit the name registration application with the Mayor’s office.

Choose a Registered Agent

Whether you form a corporation or an LLC business entity, in order to transact business in the state of District of Columbia, you will have to maintain a registered agent pursuant to District of Columbia Code § 29–104.04 (July 2, 2011, D.C. Law 18-378, § 2, 58 DCR 1720; Mar. 5, 2013, D.C. Law 19-210, § 2(a)(18), 59 DCR 13171).

We are one of the respected registered agents in Washington DC and will be responsible towards initiating incorporation in District of Columbia through processing of your Certificate of Formation and Application for Registration for LLC and Articles of Incorporation and Certificate of Authority for business corporations.

Articles of Incorporation and Foreign Registration Statement

You will be required to file “Articles of Incorporation” pursuant to D.C. Code § 29–302.02, if your business is a domestic corporation. You will have to file a “Foreign Registration Statement” pursuant to District of Columbia Code § 29-102.11, if it is a foreign business entity. In order to streamline the process of company incorporation in District of Columbia, we can file documents on your behalf through the online process or through expedited process.

Date Stamped Copies

As a part of the process of company incorporation in District of Columbia, we will ensure, you receive date-stamped and filed copies that verifies the state has filed as well as formed your corporation.

Costs and Fees associated with District of Columbia Incorporation

What would it cost to set up company in District of Columbia? Check Fees here!

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A business license is the key to business operations but in some states it is mandatory and in some it is not. The question is – do you need a permit or a license to operate in the District of Columbia? Yes, it is one of the minimum requirements.

Every business entity registered in the state needs to acquire a “Basic Business License (BBL)” to operate in the state. This said, businesses licensed by a certification board or body or licensed professionals will not be required to have a Basic Business License.

What is a BBL?

BBL or a Basic Business License in District of Columbia is issued by the Business Licensing Division of Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). It is a pre-requisite for businesses involved in specific activities such as operating a cafe or restaurant, consulting firms, retail or convenience stores, and home improvement business among others.

Application Procedure

In order to get a Basic Business License for a specific business activity, you will be required to submit the BBL EZ-Form along with supporting documentation depending on the category of licensure for which you may be applying

How to Get a Business License in District of Columbia

Here is a step-by-step approach towards acquiring a business license in the District of Columbia:

Step#1: Business Activity

One of the most important aspects of a Basic Business Licensing (BBL) is that it is issued for specific business activities. Let’s take a look at the categories that qualify for this type of District of Columbia company license.

Entertainment License

There are several sub-categories of business activities for which an entertainment business license is required in DC and they are:

• Athletic Exhibition License
• Special Event License
• Billiard Parlor License
• Carnival or Street Festival License
• Moving Picture Theatre License
• Circus License
• Live Theatre License
• Game Table License
• Mechanical Amusement Machine License
• Public Hall License
• Bowling Alley License
• Skating Rink License

Now, if your business activity involves gaming activity like billiard or pool tables, any board or table games, or even a bowling alley then you will have to apply for a Game Table Business License or a Billiard Parlor License or both.

Fee – Game Table License

• License Duration: Two (2) Years
• Application Fee: $70.00
• Category License Fee: $102.00 per table
• 10% Technology Fee: $19.70
• Endorsement Fee: $25.00
• Total Fee: $216.70 (Varies per number of tables)

Fee – Billiard Parlor License

• License Duration: Two (2) Years
• Category License Fee: $102.00 per unit
• Application Fee: $70.00
• Endorsement Fee: $25.00
• 10% Technology Fee: $19.70 (Varies per number of units)
• Total Fee: $216.70 (Varies per number of units)

Application Procedure

You can apply by submitting the Basic Business Licensing (BBL) Form or you can submit the licensing details ONLINE.

The other categories of District of Columbia company license for which a Basic Business License (BBL) is issued include:

• Employment Services License Information
• Environmental Materials License Information
• Funeral Establishment License Information
• General Business and Charitable Solicitation License Information
• General Sales License Information
• General Service and Repair License Information
• Inspected Sales and Services License Information
• Manufacturing License Information
• Mobile Food Truck Licensing Information
• Motor Vehicle Service, Sales and Repair License Information
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical License Information
• Public Accommodations License Information
• Residential Housing Rental License Information
• Retail Food License Information
• Transient Housing License Information
• Vending License

Step#2: Licenses not covered under BBL

It is important to know that a business license in District of Columbia is not always issued by Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). There are specific business activities for which licenses or permits are issued by other government or regulatory bodies. Let’s look at an example to understand this:

Opening a Restaurant

If you were to establish a restaurant that not only serves food but liquor as well then what would you require – A single license like BBL or multiple licenses or permit?

Food

In order to serve food in your Restaurant, you will have to apply for a BBL – Retail Food business license.

Application: BBL License

Alcohol

In order to serve liquor in your Restaurant, you will have to apply for either of the following licenses:

• Retailer (A) (B) (C) or (D)
• The retailer (C) and (D) categories are broken down into classes by type of establishment:

H: Hotel
N: Nightclub
R: Restaurant
T: Tavern
X: A club or a multipurpose facility

Application: ABC License

Step#3: Issuance of a Business License

A business license in District of Columbia will be issued by different state agencies and all you have to do is complete the following process:

1. Identify the type of business activity
2. Identify whether you need a BBL license or other license
3. Submit through mail or apply online

It is important to note that a business license or permit will have to be renewed annually unless specific dates have been mentioned, to keep the business operational.

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If you are planning to establish a startup company District of Columbia then you can choose from different types of business entities including Limited Liability Companies, C and S Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations, Professional Corporations, General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Benefit Corporations, Statutory Trusts, and General or Limited Cooperative Associations. It is home to one of the strongest economies in the nation with over $3.36 billion in capital investment forecasted over the years. It is a thriving marketplace for invention and innovation and is the favored headquarters for giants like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, The Advisory Board, Blackboard, CoStar, Hilton Worldwide, Fannie Mae, and the World Bank.

Salient Advantages leading to Business Growth

What makes District of Columbia a great state of small businesses and start-ups? The most important reason is that DC is the capital and supports a positive business climate. There are plenty of reasons to register a new company in District of Columbia and there are several drivers or catalyst that will aid in the overall growth of a business entity. It is also important that you identify the type of business that you want to establish as each entity type will have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of these two business entities:

Advantage#1: The benefits of Incorporation or LLC formation

C or S Corporation

Tax Credit and Exemption Programs

If you register a new company in District of Columbia then you will be able to benefit from the variety of tax credit and exemption programs and this includes:

• Stormwater Retention Credits (SRCs): The program has been implemented by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). As a part of the program, you can generate as well as sell Stormwater Retention Credits (SRCs) and earn revenue for those projects that help in reducing harmful stormwater runoff caused by installation of green infrastructure (GI). More Information
• Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Credit: If you register a new business in District of Columbia, you will be able to apply for a maximum credit of 50% of the allowable costs related to purchase and installation of alternative fuel storage stations. You derive credit of up to $10,000 on infrastructure and a maximum of $19,000 per vehicle.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): This is a Federal program and its objective is to help businesses in reducing their federal tax liability especially for private-for-profit entities. Application

Independent life

When you register a new business in District of Columbia as an S Corporation, it will enjoy an independent life. This means that the incapacity or death of a stockholder will not have a negative impact on the business operations.

Limited Liability Company

Grants, Loans & Reimbursement

A startup company District of Columbia or even a small business will require financial support in the starting phase. The good news is that there are several loan, reimbursement, and grants program that an LLC can benefit from:

• Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Program: This is a community development program and it contains the “Façade Improvement Program” that helps in facilitating a Storefront Facade Improvement Project in low or moderate income commercial or retail areas in Wards 7 & 8 of the DC area. This program is primarily for small businesses and you can get a grant assistance of almost 75% of the project cost. More Information
• The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: This is an innovative federal agency within the Treasury Department and has in the recent past awarded $2.3 billion on a competitive basis to small and emerging CDFIs and financial institutions. It’s primary objective is to promote economic development through offering a variety of financial products. More Information
• On-the-Job (OJT) Training Program: A startup company District of Columbia can participate in this program and you can benefit from a reimbursement of 50 to 75% of eligible trainee’s wages for a maximum of 1040 hours. The program has been implemented by Department of Employment Services (DOES) and is aimed at small to mid-size companies as well as large companies with over 100 employees. More Information

Flexible Profit Distribution

A startup company District of Columbia LLC has the benefit of being able to select different ways of distribution of profits unlike a partnership where the distribution is 50-50.

Advantage#2: District of Columbia Business Incentives

Once you register a new company in District of Columbia, there are several business incentives and programs that your business entity can benefit from. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular programs:

DC Main Streets Program

This is a highly comprehensive program with an objective of promoting the revitalization of traditional business districts in the DC area. In order to participate in the program, you have to first register a new business in District of Columbia. Some of the accredited DC Main Streets programs include:

• Tenleytown Main Street
• Barracks Row Main Street (DSLBD-CBO)
• Eastern Market Main Street
• North Capitol Main Street
• Georgetown Main Street
• Deanwood Heights Main Streets (DSLBD-CBO)

As a part of the program, your business entity will require Free Small Business Technical Assistance. This assistance includes information regarding marketing and social media, questions on renovations, tenant recruitment, information on permits, and other services for business entities. Some of the programs within this program like ARCH Development Corporation (DSLBD-CBO) provide a maximum of 80% of the cost for eligible exterior improvements. More Information

Qualified High Tech Companies (QHTC) Program

This is a type of DC Tech incentive program where your startup company District of Columbia can claim a really attractive incentive package in the country. The benefits or incentives include reduced corporate franchise tax rate, lowered costs of hiring & training, reduced capital gains tax rates, and lower cost of relocating workers. You can enjoy the following:

• 0% corporate franchise tax for first 5 years followed by a rate is 6% only
• New hire wage tax credit of up to $15,000 annually
• Tax exemption for a period of 10-year from the date of acquisition of personal property being used for operating your business
• Relocation tax credit of up to $7,500
• A 5-year freeze period on real property taxes

There are several other benefits of this program as well! Application Docket

Are there any Disadvantages of Incorporating in District of Columbia?

What disadvantages could possibly be there for a start-up company District of Columbia? In reality there is none except a few that are common to different types of businesses like processing of incorporation can be time consuming and corporations would require more paperwork while LLC formation has the disadvantage of limited life. These are small disadvantages as compared to the many incentives DC has to offer.

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Business Information & Rankings

• The Greater Washington area is the 2nd Best Metro Area for Entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur magazine)
• DC has over 100 million sq/ft of commercial office space supporting more than 20,000 companies.
• Three Fortune 500 companies have headquarters in the District and another 60 maintain offices.
• The Greater Washington area is home to more than 90 eLearning firms.

Cost of Living Index

Crime Rate

Washington, DC is ranked the 13th most dangerous city in the U.S. (Morgan Quinto Awards, 2005)

Fees & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax
Corporations engaging in a trade or business within the District or receiving income from District sources are subject to tax at a rate of 9.5% on their taxable income. In addition, a total surtax of 5.0% is charged, for a total effective rate of 9.975%. The minimum franchise tax for corporations is $100.

Personal Income Tax (2003)
The first $10,000 is taxed at 5%
$10,001-$17,000 is $500 + 7.5% of excess over $10,000
$17,001-$30,000 is $ 500 + 7.5% of excess over $10,000
$30,000 $ 2,000 + 9.3% of excess over $30,000

Real Property Tax
The metropolitan area average burden for the real property tax is 3.7% of income at the $25,000 level; 3.5% at $50,000 and $75,000 levels; 3.3% at $100,000; and 3.1% at $150,000.

State Sales and Use Tax
Base Rate: 5.75%

Unemployment Insurance
New employers are assigned a standard tax rate equal to the average rate of contributions paid by all employers during the preceding year, or 2.7% whichever is higher.

Once your company is set up, you will need:

1. Tax ID (EIN) – free over the Internet or phone.
2. Yearly Requirements and Fees for Florida companies – The first annual report must be delivered to the Department of State between January 1 and May 1 of the year following the calendar year in which a domestic corporation was incorporated or a foreign corporation was authorized to transact business. Subsequent annual reports must be delivered to the Department of State between January 1 and May 1 of the subsequent calendar years. The fee is $150.00 for corporations and $138.75 for LLCs.
3. Company Minutes & Stock Certificates – are included in incorporation. You will have access to documents generated on your client account.

Florida additional services

• Registered Agent
• Annual Report
• EIN (Tax ID)
• More Additional Services

• Why Florida?
• Florida Registered Agent
• Florida Annual Requirements
• Florida Corporation Statutes: Florida Statutes, Title 36, Chapter 607