Washington LLC Annual Report

An annual report is a key business document that various forms of business entities such as public corporations and LLCs need to provide to the office of the Secretary of State and shareholders annually. The requirement and the contents of an annual report vary depending on the type of entity and the state of formation (jurisdiction). Normally, corporations have to provide information concerning their business operations and existing financial status but this is not required for a Washington LLC annual report.

What is the Washington LLC annual report?

Most types of businesses are required to file a Washington annual report as it contains important business information regarding the entity. If you registered a limited liability company in the state then you will need to file initial reports and annual reports according to Revised Code of Washington, WA Rev Code § 25.15.106 (2020). The Washington LLC annual report filing is necessary for both domestic and foreign LLCs in the state.

• Business name
• UBI number
• Principal Office street address
• Registered agent information
• Nature of Business
• Controlling Interests like real property in Washington

Why is filing Washington LLC annual reports important?

Once you have formed a new business in the state, it is mandatory according to state laws to file Washington LLC annual reports. The annual report is also known as the Annual Statement, Statement of Information, Periodic Report, and Biennial Statement, among others. This report not only helps a company to comply with state regulations but also ensures the said entity can maintain a good standing with the state. When you file a Washington annual report, it provides the state with valuable information, including the names and addresses of members or owners as well as that of their registered agent.

Filing Washington LLC Annual Report

A Washington LLC annual report is one of the most important business requirements concerning the maintenance of a limited liability company in the state. The annual report is normally filed after you have registered your company with the state. You will be required to file this report as long as your business is active. Once you dissolve your company; it will not be necessary to file this report will not be necessary. There are several points that you need to be mindful of like the Washington LLC annual report fee and the due date as this will help you to file the report on time. Let’s take a detailed look at the several processes involved.

How do I file LLC annual reports in Washington?

If you’ve recently formed a new business in Washington then you are required to be compliant with the annual requirements of the state. According to the 2020 Revised Code of Washington, Title 25 – Partnerships, Chapter 25.15 – Limited Liability Companies; you are required to submit an initial report followed by a Washington LLC annual report.

Do you want to submit a Washington Annual Report?

Washington LLC Annual Report Fees

If you are getting ready to form a new business in Washington then you will need to file an initial report. This Washington LLC annual report filing can be done online or by mail. The fee to file is $10. You can expedite the process by making an additional payment of $50.

When is the due date to file your Washington LLC annual report?

If you are filing a Washington LLC annual report for the first time or as a newly formed business then it is important to remember that you have to file an initial report. The initial report is the first annual report that you have to submit to the state. It is due within 120 days from the day of LLC approval.

For Example: If you registered or formed your limited liability company on October 18, 2022, then the Washington annual report due date will be October 18, 2023.

Consequences of Filing the Washington LLC Annual Report Late

The Washington annual report due date as well as the due date for filing an initial report is especially important and should not be overlooked. If you are unable to file the initial report within 120 days then the office of the Secretary of State has been given the power to administratively dissolve your limited-liability company. The state will not send you any reminder notice to file the initial report.

Why is using a Washington Registered Agent Service a Better Option?

If you intend to form a limited liability company in the state of Washington then one of the mandatory requirements is hiring and maintaining a registered agent in the state. This requirement for a registered agent is governed by the 2020 Revised Code of Washington, WA Rev Code § 25.15.021 (2020). A reputable registered agent service like IncParadise can offer you several advantages or benefits in the state including filing your Washington LLC annual reports. Some of the other benefits are:

• When you hire IncParadise as your Washington registered agent; you will be notified of the Washington annual report due date as well as the annual report fee. This will ensure that you can submit the annual report on time and avoid any penalty or dissolution.
• We can also assist you in making certain that your business is in compliance with all LLC annual maintenance requirements in Washington.
• We also offer a variety of business-related services from filing LLC registration documents, (Certificate of Formation) to obtaining an Employee Identification Number (EIN).
• If by any accident or due to late payment, your LLC gets administratively dissolved by the Secretary of State, then we can assist with the process for LLC reinstatement or renewal.

Need Any Assistance in Filing Your Washington LLC Annual Report?

Annual compliances can vary from one state to another. The annual requirements in Washington might not be similar to requirements in California or Texas. Annual compliances mostly comprise of business taxes and the Washington LLC annual report filing. If you choose us as your registered agent in Washington then we can assist you with any information you may require related to the annual report and also help you file it before the due date.

Doing Business in Washington

Every state in the nation has its advantages and strives towards offering the best possible environment for new businesses. Washington has a strong economy and pro-business climate. The state is home to some of the greatest companies in the world like Costco, Boeing, Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft. If you start a new business in this state then you can take advantage of the Washington small business grants and incentive programs. The grants and incentives have been designed around high-growth industries like food manufacturing, aerospace, information and communication technology, and e-commerce, among others.

Why do businesses prefer doing business in Washington?

Entrepreneurs and first-time business owners prefer to establish their businesses in Washington because of the many advantages and opportunities the state has to offer. When you form a business in this state, you can utilize the valuable small business resources that will help companies to achieve their short-term and long-term objectives and goals. The accessibility of resources helps with doing business in Washington and constitutes the pro-business environment in the state. The resources can vary from Washington small business grants to tax credits and exemptions, mentoring programs, programs for emerging leaders, and many more.

• Robust Economy – Washington has a strong economy as it witnessed a Gross Domestic Product of $575 billion. At the backbone of its economy are several industries, startup accelerator programs, advancement of information and communication technology, and availability of skilled labor. It is home to more than 600 thousand businesses including several Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies. Washington has a strong trade infrastructure and is considered the fourth largest in the nation where exports are concerned.
• Pro-Business Climate – One of the reasons why Washington is a good idea for small businesses is the pro-business environment the state has to offer all forms of entities. This environment is driven by several elements like the no personal income or franchise taxes, high quality of life, importing and exporting opportunities through Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), and the availability of Washington small business grants.
• STEM Pools – One of the advantages of doing business in Washington is that it is a leading state for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workers. The state has the necessary infrastructure to impart STEM education, which prepares students for high-growth industries. This type of education enhances the collective potential and opens the doors for creation and advancing solutions for businesses and industries. As a result, the state does not have any scarcity of talent and therefore is considered a decisive feature for doing business in Washington.

Small Business Assistance and Grants in Washington

When you start a business in Washington, there are several resources that you can utilize to establish the company. One such resource is the Washington small business grants as well as other types of financial and economic assistance. A business grant consists of a small amount of seed money, which is awarded by the government and private institutions and does not need to be repaid. If you are wondering why Washington is a good opportunity for small businesses, then the answer lies in these grants along with several other funding and incentive programs.

Associate Development Organizations

Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) in Washington serve as partners for local economic development. This is a local organization that exists in each county and can provide valuable resources to new businesses. They also offer export assistance and support. Although the organization itself doesn’t offer Washington small business incentives, its economic partners have implemented several business assistance programs. Partners like the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW) provide free export finance advice and consultation on payment risk mitigation.

Innovation Partnership Zones

Washington is home to Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZ) and each zone focuses on a specific area of business. Vancouver focuses on applied digital technology accelerators, while Snohomish is considered the Aerospace Convergence Zone. The objective of each of these zones is to create new opportunities for small businesses through innovation and partnership. As a new business, you will be able to build relationships with private and public entities. Your business can benefit from Washington tax incentives that are applicable in these particular zones.

For example: If your business is located in the Tri-Cities Research District and focuses on advanced technology, manufacturing, or clean energy, then you can apply for Washington small business grants and funding programs like the Fuse Fund.

Small Business Flex Fund

If you are planning to start a small business in Washington then one of the important points of business operation is availability of proper funds. There are different types of Washington small business grants and funding options that you can choose from. One of the more popular funding options is the Small Business Flex Fund as it provides access to growth capital for startups, home-based businesses, and other small businesses quickly. It is a simple loan wherein you can borrow up to a maximum of $150,000.

Startup Washington 365

If you plan on doing business in Washington then Startup Washington 365 can be quite beneficial for you. It is a program dedicated to providing business owners and entrepreneurs with a competitive advantage. Starting a business requires a lot of paperwork, but making it operational is another story altogether. Startup Washington 365 provides information and resources concerning the operational details of a business including Washington small business incentives, entrepreneurial education, training, tools on data and analytics, co-working and maker spaces, and other funding sources.

Form Your Startup in Washington Today!

Public Participation Grants

Another popular Washington small business grant is the Public Participation Grant (PPG). This grant, unlike Washington tax incentives, is administered by the Washington Department of Ecology and is aimed at providing funds to small businesses, individuals (sole proprietorship or home-based business), and not-for-profit organizations. The PPG Grant award limit can be up to a maximum of $120,000, and eligibility is based on contaminated site projects.

Export Voucher Program

The export voucher program is one of the reasons why Washington, for a small business, is a growth-oriented option. The program has been implemented by the Washington State Department of Commerce and you can receive only one export voucher in a fiscal year. The export vouchers provided as a part of this program can help with offsetting the exporting expenses of small businesses. The export vouchers are considered one of the key elements of Washington’s small business incentive programs and they cover a wide range of export expenses from digital advertising, to e-commerce platform fees, international shipment of product samples, sales trips to foreign markets, and trade show fees among others. You will be eligible after registering your business in Washington and once your company is considered to be in accordance with the small business size standards.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The primary goal of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), is to provide a variety of financial awards to state governments so that they can assist small businesses that are involved in exports. The financial support as a part of the STEP program can help entrepreneurs to participate in various foreign trade missions, develop e-commerce capabilities, and learn more about exporting their products globally. This Washington small business incentives program provides an award ranging from $2,000-$5,000 depending on the business activity, with a maximum amount that does not exceed more than $10,000 for each eligible small business.

Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)

The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) is responsible for providing funding to the Washington state government so that they can support small business growth and expansion. The Washington small business incentives and funding support are primarily for projects that revolve around wastewater, industrial and domestic water, stormwater, telecommunications, public buildings, and port facilities. They provide grants of up to 80% of the total cost of a project with a limit that does not exceed $50,000.

Small Business Retirement Marketplace

The Small Business Retirement Marketplace is a virtual marketplace operated by the Washington Department of Commerce. The objective of this marketplace is to provide low-cost retirement savings plans to small businesses, especially those with less than a hundred employees including self-employed individuals and sole proprietorships. The Department of Financial Institutions has verified each of these retirement plans. The virtual hub allows business owners to compare various retirement plan options. If you plan on doing business in Washington then you can choose from plans like traditional individual retirement account (IRA), traditional 401(k), and Solo 401(k) among others.

Small Business Grants for Women

The number of women and minority-owned businesses (WMBE) has grown steadily over the years in Washington. Today there are 114% more women entrepreneurs, which is approximately 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the nation. This is why one of the popular Washington small business grants is those that are focused on women entrepreneurs. The Amber Grant is one such grant and the grant money awarded can vary from $10,000 to $25,000 annually.

Ready to Start a Business in Washington?

Every new business or startup, whether owned by men or women, requires a certain degree of financial assistance. You may require funds to make the company operational and also to handle the logistics aspects of it. Washington tax incentives and small business grants play a key role in providing much-needed financial support. If you are thinking of starting a new business in this state then the first step will be to register your company. This will help you to apply for these grants, awards, and incentives.

Washington Business Tax

Every type of business is required to file tax returns at the federal level and also in the state that it is based in. Some businesses like foreign entities have to file taxes in their formation state (home state) as well as any other state where they are conducting their business. If you start a business in Washington then you will not be required to file any income tax but your company may be required to file a small business tax in Washington. It is important to note that each state including Washington has its own set of tax requirements. The Washington business tax rate and filing processes would be different from other states.

What taxes do businesses pay in Washington?

Washington is a popular state amongst entrepreneurs as it is ranked 11th in the list of states with the best business tax climate. The state does not have any personal or corporate income tax. You can form different types of domestic and foreign entities in Washington including a sole proprietorship, a limited-liability Company, a C corporation, and even an S Corporation. Each type of entity will have a different tax status in the state and will be required to file some sort of Washington business tax. Your company may be required to file a single form of business tax or multiple taxes, which will require you to use a Washington business tax calculator for determining the rate or amount of taxes. Let’s try to understand the different types of taxes applicable to small businesses in the state of Washington.

Business and Occupation tax

A primary Washington business tax is known as the Business and Occupation tax (B&O tax). The B&O tax is a type of gross receipts tax. It is calculated based on the value of products, gross income of the company, or gross proceeds from sales. This tax rate varies depending on tax classifications for common business activities like accounting, actuarial, amusement services, and advertising among others. If your company conducts multiple activities then you will be required to report under multiple tax classifications. You will need a Washington business tax calculator to determine the total B&O tax under such circumstances.

• Retailing B&O tax
• Wholesaling B&O tax
• Manufacturing B&O tax
• Service and other activities B&O tax

Example: If you have a company that provides computer services then it will be classified under retailing B&O tax or wholesaling B&O tax. If you provide data processing services then the classification category will be Service & Other Activities B&O.

Washington Retail sales tax

One of the types of small business tax in Washington is the retail sales taxes and it is an important source of revenue for the state government. Normally, if your company is providing retail services or selling retail products to a customer then you will be required to collect retail sales tax. Retail sales in the state are also defined as the sale of any tangible personal property. A business will also be required to pay retail sales tax on the purchase of any items that are meant for business use like equipment and supplies. The retail Washington business tax rate is currently 6.5 percent and is governed by chapter 82.08 RCW.

Washington Use Tax

Use tax is a type of small business tax in Washington, which is levied on the use of specific products and certain services in the state, especially where sales tax is not applicable or not paid. Goods that are used in this state will be subject to either use tax or sales tax but both taxes cannot be levied simultaneously. The use tax may be applicable in the following scenario:

• If a company purchases goods in another state that does not have any sales tax or its sales tax rate is lower than that of Washington
• If goods have been purchased from a company or individual who cannot collect sales tax
• The Washington business tax rate for use tax will be levied on goods that have been purchased out of state through the Internet, by subscription, or using a mail order catalog.

Are you thinking of forming a new company in Washington?

How are Washington Businesses Taxed?

If you are planning to form a startup in Washington, then one of the important annual requirements will be filing business taxes. The state does not have any corporate or personal income tax but there are several other types of small business taxes in Washington. The taxes and the business tax rate may vary depending on the type of business structure as well as the location of the company. You may need to file more than one type of business tax and therefore, it is important to use a Washington business tax calculator to determine the taxes. Let us look at the different types of entities and their tax obligations in this state.

Taxes for an LLC

If you are thinking of starting an LLC in Washington, then for taxation purposes, it will be considered a pass-through entity. This means that your LLC will not be required to file federal or Washington business tax. Instead, the income will pass through to you, the owners, and other members. Normally, in such a situation, members have to file personal income taxes, but the state doesn’t have any. Consequently, other forms of business taxes will be applicable for a limited liability company in Washington.

Taxes for a C Corporation

If you are planning to form a Washington C corporation then the good news is that there are no corporate taxes in this state. Alternatively, your company will be subjected to business and occupation (B&O) tax. The other types of Washington Corporation taxes applicable include:

• Retail sales tax – Applicable on sales of any tangible personal property to consumers like office & stationery supplies, prepaid wireless cards, T-shirts, etc
• Use tax – It is applicable on goods purchased outside Washington and sold in the state like showroom and office supplies, equipment, mechanical and electrical parts, accessories, etc.
• Other industry-specific taxes – This is a type of excise tax administered by the Department of Revenue in specific industries or business activities like aircraft, spirits sales, and petroleum products, among others.
• Personal property tax – This small business tax in Washington will be applicable if the personal property owned by individuals is used for business including land, structures, and equipment.

Taxes for S Corporation

If you choose S Corporation tax treatment then one of the Washington benefits is that you will be exempt from self-employment taxes. An S corporation will be required to file the business and occupation (B&O) tax. Washington Corporation tax applicable for an S Corporation would include retail sales tax, use tax, excise taxes, and other industry-specific taxes.

Taxes for a Sole Proprietorship

If you form a sole proprietorship in Washington then you will need to report your profits by filing the income as individual tax returns. These taxes have to be filed with the IRS every quarter and you will need to use Form 1040-ES (estimated tax form). Apart from this, you may be required to file other small business taxes in Washington like retail sales and use tax depending on the business activity and jurisdiction of your business.

Taxes for Partnerships

If you form a partnership company in Washington then the applicable taxes would be similar to the Washington LLC tax or taxes for sole proprietorships. Partners will be required to file individual tax returns based on the income they have earned through the business. If you use a personal property for business then you will have to file personal property tax. You may also need to file sales and use tax depending on your business activity.

Ready to Incorporate Your Company in Washington?

You can choose to form a variety of entities in Washington from a Sole Proprietorship, to a C Corporation, an LLC, and S Corporation. The process for a new business formation and the annual requirements including taxes would be different, exhaustive, and time-consuming. This is where IncParadise can provide meaningful assistance. We are one of the top incorporation service providers in the state. We can help to register your LLC or corporation in Washington.

Introduction – Why Washington?

The state of Washington has been consistently ranked as one of the top destinations for entrepreneurs and small enterprises. It boasts of a pro-business climate, and the State Department of Commerce has several programs as well as resources that will help entrepreneurs to relocate a business to Washington. The state is home to several top companies like Microsoft, Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, Deloitte Digital, Danaher Corporation, Starbucks, MSN, and Nordstrom Inc., among others. If you plan on moving a corporation to Washington or if you would like to move your LLC, then it is important to identify the benefits this state offers.

Pro-business climate

Business climate plays a decisive role especially if you plan on moving your business to Washington. There are several elements that empower this business climate and ensure that new, existing, and relocated companies can maximize their growth and stability. Some of the features driving this pro-business environment include:

• Strong industrial and manufacturing hub
• Wide variety of tax incentive programs
• Good regulatory environment
• Centralized export hub and foreign trade zones (FTZ)
• Robust infrastructure and supply chain
• Several business grants & loan programs

Taxation benefits

One of the top business benefits in Washington is its overall business-friendly tax climate. The state does not have any personal income tax or corporate income tax. This helps small businesses lessen their tax burden. The state has implemented several tax incentive programs targeted at different industries as well as Community Empowerment Zones (CEZ).

Excellent workforce

The state of Washington has been consistent in providing long-term postsecondary education and meeting the demands of a strong and able workforce. If you plan on moving your business to Washington then you will benefit from the steady stream of highly qualified and educated workers in all essential industries. A study has revealed that compared to the national average of 83%, 91% of Washington residents are high school graduates. The state is home to more than 20 colleges, universities, and other technical institutions. There are several integrated workforce training programs available to you like Talent and Prosperity for All (TAP), which are focused on increasing employer productivity and profitability.

Culture of Creativity

Washington is ranked among the top states for businesses. The state’s creative culture is the compelling trait that led to this ranking. The state has a legacy and tradition of innovation and bold inventions from personal computers to rocket engines for NASA and backpacks. Whatever the idea, if you plan on moving an LLC to Washington then you will find opportunities and a platform for all your new and existing ideas.

Business Incentives

One of the salient business benefits in Washington is the wide variety of business incentives. You can apply or participate in any of these programs that include everything from grants and loan programs to deferrals and exemptions. Once you relocate a business to Washington, you can take advantage of some of their top incentive programs like:

• Multiple Activities Tax Credit (MATC)
• Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax Credits
• Sales and Use Tax Exemptions
• Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund (GSRF)
• Rural County/CEZ Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax Credits
• Job Skills Program (JSP)
• Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
• B&O tax exemption for manufacturers and sellers of dairy and seafood products
• Remittance of state sales tax for warehouses

Low-Cost Energy

If you are moving a corporation to Washington or an LLC that requires higher energy consumption then You’ll be happy to learn that energy costs are low in this state. The state is home to the largest coordinated hydroelectric system globally. It is also home to several wind and solar energy systems. Therefore, energy costs in Washington can be as low as 2.88 cents per kWh. The industrial energy rates in the state are 38.1% lower while the commercial rates are 17% lower than the national average.

Centralized Export Hub

One of the leading business benefits in Washington is the centralized export hub. The state is one of the foremost export hubs in the nation that exports $60 billion in goods each year. It has also been ranked as the 4th largest shipping center of containers in North America. The primary goal of the centralized export hub is to help small businesses to expand their business globally. The hub also provides a wide variety of support services like consulting, advocacy, trade missions, risk mitigation, custom programs, and trade show support.

Steps to Move a Corporation to Washington

Seattle and Redmond are considered the finest cities for establishing and expanding businesses. They provide support, resources, and infrastructure. When moving your business to Washington, you may have questions concerning the options available to you for expanding your business in the state. There are three major options for moving a corporation to Washington, so let us look at each of the options in detail.

Register as a Foreign Corporation

Registering your business as a foreign company is one of your first options to relocate a business to Washington. This option is recommended for owners who don’t want to close their existing business in other states and also want to operate in Washington. The Washington domestication of a foreign corporation is governed by the 2020 Revised Code of Washington – WA Rev Code § 23B.15.070 (2020). The process for foreign qualification is as follows:

• Designate a registered agent in Washington for handling service of process pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.070 (2012)
• Identify and reserve a corporation name pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.060 (2012)
• Apply for a certificate of authority also known as Profit Foreign Registration Statement, pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.030 (2012)
• Submit a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Good Standing from the home state

Do you want to form a foreign corporation in Washington?

Convert a Foreign Corporation to a Washington entity

If you want to relocate a business to Washington then your second available option is an entity conversion. The process of conversion varies from one state to another and refers to changing the type of entity. For example, moving from a limited liability company to a corporation or vice versa. This process is similar to a Washington domestication of foreign corporations in which case, out-of-state company is converted into a domestic entity. The process of conversion involves:

• select and reserve the name of the said corporation
• Hire a Washington registered agent
• File a Cover Sheet for a Conversion of Business Entity specifying “Converting from” and “Converting to” along with current and new domicile.
• File Articles of Conversion pursuant to WA Rev Code § 24.03A.840 (2021)
• Filing new entity formation documents like Articles of Incorporation
• The conversion documents have to be submitted to the Washington Secretary of State – Corporations & Charities Division

Dissolve a home Corporation and establish a new Corporation in Washington

The third and final option for moving your business to Washington is the process of dissolution. This process involves dissolving your home corporation by initial directors, incorporators, or board of directors and establishing a new Corporation in Washington. The dissolution will be governed by the laws of the home state and vary from one state to another. The laws and process also vary depending on the type of dissolution such as: voluntary, judicial, and administrative. The process of dissolution will involve:

• The approval of dissolution of a corporation
• Filing the Articles of dissolution in the home state
• Filing any outstanding federal, state, and local taxes
• The publication of notice of dissolution
• Wind up all affairs in the said state like canceling business licenses and permits

• Appoint a Washington registered agent for service of process
• Identify and reserve a business name pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.04.020 (2012)
• File Articles of Incorporation pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.02.020 (2012) along with the appropriate fee
• Prepare bylaws for your Washington Corporation
• Apply for business licenses and permits

Steps to Move an LLC to Washington

The state of Washington offers a wide variety of opportunities, support, resources, and infrastructure to small businesses. If you plan on moving your business to Washington, then it would benefit you to know that certain cities provide unique advantages like Bellingham, Tacoma, and Bellevue. When moving an LLC to Washington, you may have questions concerning the processes involved and options available. Let us look at each of the options in detail.

Register as a foreign LLC

There are three options available for moving your business to Washington. The first option is to go through a foreign qualification. This option works best for those entrepreneurs who want to expand their business in Washington while keeping their home state business operational. The Washington domestication of a foreign LLC is governed by the 2020 Revised Code of Washington – WA Rev Code § 25.15.310 (2012). The process for registering a foreign LLC is as follows:

• Hire and maintain a registered agent in Washington for handling service of process pursuant to WA Rev Code § 25.15.325 (2012)
• Choose and register the name of the said LLC while being compliant with RCW 23B.04.010 and 25.10.061
• File the Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration application or Certificate of Registration, pursuant to WA Rev Code § 25.15.315 (2012)
• Submit a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Good Standing from the home state

Do you want to move your LLC to Washington?

Convert a foreign LLC to a Washington entity

If you plan on moving your business to Washington but are not interested in registering as a foreign entity then you have the option to convert the said entity. Conversion of an entity simply refers to a foreign entity being converted into a domestic entity. To transfer LLC to Washington through conversion, the necessary steps are as follows:

• Identify and then reserve the name of the limited liability company
• Hire a Washington registered agent
• File a Cover Sheet for the Conversion of the Business Entity specifying “Converting from” and “Converting to” along with the current and new domicile.
• File the Articles of conversion pursuant to RCW 25.15.436
• File the new entity formation documents

Dissolve your home LLC and form a new LLC in Washington

Your third option for moving an LLC to Washington involves dissolving the home state entity and registering a domestic LLC in the chosen state. The rules for dissolution will be governed by the LLC Act., of the state where it was initially formed. The rules and processes for dissolution can vary from one state to another, although some aspects remain the same like the approval of dissolution and filing of the articles or certificate of dissolution. The process to form a new LLC in Washington will involve the following:

• Hire a Washington registered agent to initiate service of process
• Reserve a business name in accordance with the state guidelines
• File Certificate of Formation pursuant to WA Rev Code § 25.15.071 (2016)
• Apply for appropriate business licenses or permits

Move Your Business to Washington with IncParadise

Washington is a leading state when it comes to a pro-business climate and robust infrastructure. It is quickly becoming an IT hub with startups enjoying steady growth and expansion. If you want to relocate a business to Washington then great opportunities await you. IncParadise can help you with the process of moving your LLC or corporation to Washington with ease.

Washington Foreign Qualification

The state of Washington offers many advantages and opportunities to small businesses and medium enterprises. It is home to over 600,000 small businesses, this includes both domestic and foreign entities. If you are planning to expand to this state then simply opt for Washington LLC foreign registration or foreign business incorporation to leverage the state’s favorable business environment. You can become an important part of the vibrant industry from aerospace to information technology, life science, clean technology, and food manufacturing among others. A Washington foreign business entity registration ensures that you’re able to apply for state grant and loan programs as well as tax incentive programs.

What is a Washington foreign qualification?

If you’re already conducting business in any other state but want to expand your operations in Washington then one of the best options is to undergo a Washington foreign business entity registration. This process doesn’t require you to incorporate your company all over again. When you opt for a foreign qualification in Washington; you will be able to operate your company in your home state as well as the new state (Washington). The home state refers to the jurisdiction where the business was initially formed or incorporated.

Example: You have formed a domestic LLC in Idaho by filing the Certificate of Organization. Idaho will be considered your home state. You need to now expand to Washington. One of the options is to close your Idaho LLC and start a new LLC in Washington. If you don’t want to close your Idaho LLC then you can apply for a Washington foreign business entity registration. The process of foreign qualification will provide you with the authority to transact business in Washington as well.

Doing business in Washington

When a business corporation, a limited-liability company, or any other form of entity operates within any state other than their home state or the state of incorporation, then they are required to “foreign qualify”. The foreign qualification in Washington provides a company formed in another state, with the authority to conduct business in this state. The foreign qualification is applicable if a company is doing business in Washington.

• If a company is collecting debts
• When a lawsuit is filed against a company in this state
• Internal business activities like board meetings don’t qualify as doing business
• Opening or having a bank account in Washington
• Businesses that have agents, offices, and representatives in Washington
• Selling of services or goods through independent contractors
• Delivery and installation
• Participating in an isolated or one-time business transaction
• A company transacting business in interstate commerce

Washington Foreign Qualification Process

If you have formed a limited liability company or a corporation in another state but want to conduct business in Washington then you will have to apply for foreign qualification in Washington. It is important to note that all out-of-state businesses require an authority to transact business in Washington, and operating without it is considered as breaking the law. There are consequences for transacting business without authority including severe penalties pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.020 (2012). Let us study in detail the Washington foreign business entity registration process for limited liability companies and corporations.

Washington foreign Corporation registration

If you already own a corporation in another state and want to expand the operations to Washington then you will need to apply for Washington foreign corporation registration. The foreign qualification will be governed by the 2020 Revised Code of Washington, Title 23B – Washington Business Corporation Act, 23B.15 – foreign corporations. You will have to obtain the authority to transact in this state before starting your company. The process for obtaining this authority is as follows:

• Business Name – Washington foreign corporation registration is incomplete without a corporate name. According to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.060 (2012), the business name should contain words like “corporation”, “incorporated”, or abbreviations like “inc.”, “corp.”, and “co.” Once you have chosen a name, it is important to conduct a Washington foreign entity search. The business name search will help you find out if your chosen name is available. If the said name is available then you need to file the “Foreign Name Registration” application along with a fee of $30. The application has to be filed with the Secretary of State, Corporation Division. The name registration has to be renewed annually between October 1st and December 31st.
• Registered Agent – There are several important requirements for the Washington foreign business entity registration and a registered agent is one of the most paramount. According to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.070 (2012), a foreign corporation will not be authorized to transact business in this state without a registered agent. We at IncParadise are one of the top Washington registered agents and have helped several domestic and foreign entities to incorporate in this state.
• Certificate of Authority – Another necessary step towards the Washington foreign corporation registration is to file the Application for a certificate of authority pursuant to WA Rev Code § 23B.15.030 (2012). This application is also known as the Profit Foreign Registration Statement and has to be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division along with a filing fee of $180. You can apply online as well as by mail. There is an option for expediting the process of Washington foreign business entity registration by paying an additional fee of $50. It is important to note that you will also be required to submit a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Good Standing acquired from the state of incorporation or home jurisdiction.

Do you want to register a foreign Corporation in Washington?

Washington foreign LLC registration

If you have already formed an LLC in any other state and want to expand your business in Washington then all you need is a Washington LLC foreign registration. This process will help you to not only conduct business in the state but it will also help you avoid going through the formation process of a new limited-liability company again. You can opt for a single-member or multi-member LLC depending on the requirement. Foreign LLC qualification in Washington will be governed by the Revised Code of Washington, Title 25 – PARTNERSHIPS, 25.15 Limited liability companies, Article IX – Foreign Limited Liability Companies. The process for a Washington foreign business entity registration is as follows:

• Business Name – One of the foremost requirements for Washington LLC foreign registration is a business name. You have to select a name in accordance with the naming regulations of the state. You can verify your name choice availability through a Washington foreign entity search also known as a name database search. If your chosen name is available then you need to use the “Foreign Name Registration” application to register it with the secretary of state pursuant to RCW 23.95.525 and Article 3 of chapter 23.95 RCW. The fee for name registration of a foreign LLC is $30, and by making an additional payment of $50; the process can be expedited.
• Registered Agent – The service of process which is executed by a registered agent, is a major component for any new business formation or foreign qualification in Washington. According to WA Rev Code § 25.15.331 (2016), a foreign limited liability company has to continuously maintain a registered agent in their state. Registered agent services offered by IncParadise, not only fulfill the service of process requirements but also assist with other business compliances like filing annual reports. IncParadise is one of the state’s top registered agents and has helped with several Washington foreign business entity registrations.
• Certificate of Authority – Company Registration is another significant requirement for conducting business in Washington. A Washington LLC foreign registration will help you to get the necessary authorization. You will have to file the Application for a certificate of authority or the Profit Foreign Registration Statement pursuant to WA Rev Code § 25.15.321 (2016). The registration statement can be filed online or by mail with the Office of the Secretary of State, Corporations Division. The filing fee is $180 and you can also choose the expedited service by paying an additional $50. The Washington foreign business entity registration will require you to submit a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Good Standing acquired from the state of formation or home jurisdiction.

Need Any Assistance in Applying for Washington Foreign Qualification?

Washington is considered one of the top states in terms of business climate, which encompasses opportunities for startups, robust infrastructure, availability of skilled labor, and business incentive programs. You can expand your business to this state using the process of foreign qualification in Washington. As one of the leading registered agents in Washington, IncParadise can assist you with the process of foreign corporation registration or foreign LLC formation.

DBA or Trade Name in Washington

Washington is home to over 600,000 small businesses including partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. All company structures require a business name to operate. Some of these companies may opt to use the owner’s legal name like Brad Cooper LLC or use a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name like Brad’s Tours & Travels. If you want to register a trade name in Washington or a DBA, then it is important to comply with the requirements of RCW 19.80.010. If you are wondering how to look up a DBA in Washington, there is a process although it is important to first understand the conditions under which a DBA is used.

What is DBA or trade name in Washington?

When starting a small business in Washington, you must first choose a name for your company. You can choose your name (owner’s name), any other business name, or a DBA (Doing Business As). A DBA is also known as a trade name or fictitious business name and it should be distinguishable from any other name. Once you choose a name then filing a DBA in Washington should be your next step.

• Entity Structure – If you want to start a company in any name other than your own name or legal name then you should fill out a Washington DBA online application. More often than not, a trade name or DBA is preferred by sole proprietorships or general partnerships. This is because these particular entity structures are considered unincorporated businesses and don’t require legal formation or registration papers.
• Name Combination – Sometimes, business owners like to use a combination of their name as well as the product or service being provided like James Gordon Catering Services. Such a name would not require filing a DBA in Washington. Alternatively, if the owner decided to use the combination of their first name and product or services like Gordon’s Catering Services then registration of DBA would be necessary.
• Multiple Businesses – If you want to operate multiple businesses, especially LLCs or corporations, then you would be required to form a separate corporation or LLC for each of those entities. If you choose to fill out a Washington DBA online application for each of those businesses then it would cut down on the expenses as well as paperwork.

Filing DBA or Trade Name in Washington for LLC and Corporation

A DBA (doing business as) is known by many names and in Washington, it is known as a trade name. If you are thinking of starting a new LLC or corporation in the state then one of the foremost requirements is a business name. You can start a company in your legal name, opt for a business name, or even choose a trade name. There is a specific process to register a trade name in Washington for a business corporation or an LLC. The process and fee are different from the business name reservation process and fee.

Do a Washington Trade Name Search

If you are planning to register a trade name in Washington then the first step is to conduct a name search. Business owners are often faced with the question – how do I look up a DBA in Washington? These are the three ways to conduct a DBA search:

• Conduct a business lookup on the website of the Washington State Department of Revenue. The business lookup offers the option to search through an extensive database of tax accounts, business licenses, and reseller permits
• You can also conduct a Secretary of State Corporations Registration Data Search for names of LLCs and corporations registered with the state.
• You can also search for federally registered names or trademarks using the trademark database also known as Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

Register a DBA Trade Name with the Department of Revenue

Once you have chosen a trade name and have conducted the necessary name search; the next step is filing a DBA in Washington. The registration of a trade name is required and will notify your prospective customers or the general public about the company, which is conducting business under the said DBA. The registration of the Washington trade name is governed by WA Rev Code § 19.80.010 (2013). This law is applicable to both domestic and foreign companies.

• Business Licensing Service
  P.O. Box 9034
  Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Register your Washington DBA with ease!

Managing your Washington DBA

When you register a trade name in Washington or file a DBA then it will mean that you can conduct your business within the state using the DBA or assumed name. Each state has rules and regulations concerning a DBA or trade name. These laws are applicable for the renewal, changing, or canceling of a trade name or DBA in the jurisdiction where you are conducting your business. Let’s look at the various processes for managing a Washington DBA or trade name in the future.

How to renew Washington DBA?

Once you apply for a Washington DBA online with the Department of Revenue, you will not be required to renew it. There is no expiration for a trade name in Washington.

How to change a Washington DBA?

After filing a DBA in Washington, you may want to change the registered name shortly after. There could be many reasons, like a change in products or services being offered. To change the existing trade name, you will need to file a notice of change with the Washington State Department of Revenue pursuant to WA Rev Code § 19.80.025 (2013). The form you will need for this change is the Business License Application, wherein there is an option to Change the trade name. The fee for changing a trade name is $5 and the submission process would be the same as the registration for a DBA.

How to cancel a Washington DBA?

At any given point in time, if you want to cancel or withdraw your Washington DBA or trade name, you will be required to complete and file the business information change form (Form BLS 700 160). The cancellation of a DBA is governed by WA Rev Code § 19.80.080 (2013). There is no fee for cancellation and you can file the request online.

Need Any Assistance in Filing for a Washington Trade Name or DBA?

The process to register a trade name in Washington requires you to provide complete and accurate information while being compliant with state and federal trademark laws. The process of conducting a trade name search and adhering to trademark laws can be perplexing. IncParadise can gladly assist you with this process. We have expertise and knowledge regarding the Washington Business Regulations and can help you to apply for a Washington DBA online.