Washington compliance pre-filing verification

Name availability and reservation: Check name availability using the Secretary of State online filing system (Corporations & Charities Filing System). The SOS tool can look up proposed names; name availability is subject to final review by SOS.

Optional Name Reservation holds a name up to 180 days prior to filing. Name Reservation is filed by mail or in-person (not available online in all cases) and fees apply (examples: $20 for nonprofits; $30 for other entity types as stated on SOS pages). 2) Entity formation filings and fees: Domestic LLC: File Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State via the Corporations & Charities Filing System (CCFS).

Online filing is available. Filing fee for a Certificate of Formation is $180 (plus online processing/expedite fees when chosen).

Foreign LLC/corporation: File a Foreign Registration Statement to register to do business in Washington (SOS provides forms and online filing; typical filing fee examples shown on SOS pages e.g., $30 for some foreign filings).

Where to file: SOS Corporations & Charities Filing System ( https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov ) and SOS Filings & Forms pages.

Name availability and reservation: Check name availability using the Secretary of State online filing system (Corporations & Charities Filing System). The SOS tool can look up proposed names; name availability is subject to final review by SOS.

Optional Name Reservation holds a name up to 180 days prior to filing. Name Reservation is filed by mail or in-person (not available online in all cases) and fees apply (examples: $20 for nonprofits; $30 for other entity types as stated on SOS pages). 2) Entity formation filings and fees: Domestic LLC: File Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State via the Corporations & Charities Filing System (CCFS).

Online filing is available. Filing fee for a Certificate of Formation is $180 (plus online processing/expedite fees when chosen).

Foreign LLC/corporation: File a Foreign Registration Statement to register to do business in Washington (SOS provides forms and online filing; typical filing fee examples shown on SOS pages e.g., $30 for some foreign filings).

Where to file: SOS Corporations & Charities Filing System ( https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov ) and SOS Filings & Forms pages.

Registered Agent requirements (Washington-specific)

All domestic and registered foreign entities must maintain a Registered Agent in Washington State (RCW cited on SOS pages). Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Washington (no PO Boxes or PMBs) and must consent to serve. Commercial registered agents may be selected through SOS CCFS.

Initial report and timing details (pre-filing considerations)

The Certificate of Formation filing process in CCFS offers an Initial Report. The Initial Report is due within 120 days of the effective date when deferred; the filer may see a “Defer Initial Report” option acknowledging the 120-day requirement. Make sure to decide whether to submit the initial report at formation or defer; missing required reports can create compliance risk. 5) Unified Business Identifier (UBI) and Business License (Department of Revenue / Business Licensing Service): After or concurrent with formation (but for corporations/LLCs SOS recommends filing with SOS first), apply for a Washington Business License / UBI through the Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service (BLS) using the Business Licensing Wizard or MyDOR system. The Business License Application (BLA) is used to obtain a UBI, register for state taxes (B&O, sales tax) and get state and city endorsements; when you receive a business license you’ll be assigned a nine-digit UBI number. DOR processing: online applications typically processed ~10 business days (may be longer with city/state endorsements). Some specialty industries must file by mail. Important filing order note: If the business structure is a Washington domestic corporation, partnership, or LLC, you must file formation with SOS before filing the Business License Application to avoid duplicate UBIs.

State tax and employer registrations

Use DOR/MyDOR to register for B&O tax, sales tax collection (if applicable) and other excise taxes. The Business Licensing Wizard lists required tax registrations. If you plan to hire employees, register with Employment Security Department (unemployment insurance) and Department of Labor & Industries (workers’ compensation) as applicable; the Business License Application will flag these agencies.

Local licenses and city/county endorsements

BLS provides one-stop local licensing for many cities (over 200 cities/towns) via endorsements. Check whether your city participates and whether additional local permits or approvals are required (Zoning, health, fire, building, professional licenses). Many specialty licenses (contractors, healthcare, liquor, etc.) are handled by other state agencies — verify specific agency requirements before opening. 8) Annual reports, renewals, and delinquency: Annual Report: All domestic and foreign business entities must file an Annual Report yearly with SOS to maintain active status. Due on the last day of the month in which the business was formed or registered; can be filed up to 180 days early. Fees: Profit entities (including LLCs) have an annual report fee (SOS lists $70 for profit entity types including LLC). A delinquency fee (typically $25) applies if filed after the expiration date and may lead to delinquent status or administrative dissolution if not cured. 9) Common pitfalls and practical recommendations (for pre-filing verification): Don’t file SOS formation and DOR Business License at the same exact time — file formation first if setting up a domestic LLC/corporation to avoid duplicate UBIs. Verify the Registered Agent’s physical address and written consent before filing; incorrect agent info causes rejections or compliance exposure. Confirm whether your business requires specialty state or local licenses (contractor, liquor, health, professional) and collect required documents prior to opening. Keep calendar reminders for initial reports (if deferred) and the annual report due month; file annual reports up to 180 days early to avoid last-minute problems. Budget for filing fees, DOR processing time, and potential expedited service fees.