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Updated November 10, 2026 · 10 services tested

10 Best LLC Services in Washington (2026) For Your Startup

We tested 10 LLC services for Washington. Northwest is our pick: $39 + $200 state fee, with the first registered agent year included (then $125/yr).

Jon MorganBy Jon Morgan, Co-Founder & Chief Editor · Fact-checked by Jon Tobin, Business Attorney · How we test
Editor's Choice · Best Overall
Northwest Registered Agent logo
4.9/ 5Excellent

Northwest Registered Agent

$39 + $200 state feeForm my LLC for $39 (opens in a new tab)
  • Registered agent free for year one, then a flat $125/year with no third-party handoff
  • Automated status emails plus a real phone call after 48 hours if something is missing
  • Business Identity bundle (domain, website, email, phone) stays included while registered agent is active
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants their home address off public filings, backed by a support team that actually calls when something is missing.
2nd Best Choice
LegalZoom logo
4.7/ 5Very good

LegalZoom

$0 + $200 state feeSee LegalZoom plans (opens in a new tab)

Save 20% with code: venturesmarter20

  • Real licensed attorneys available for consultation, a differentiator none of the cheaper services match
  • 150-plus document template library ships with the Pro tier
  • Registered agent isn't offered during checkout at all and costs more than most competitors once added
Who it’s for
Business owners who want an attorney network on call and don't mind paying more for it.
60 days refund windowRead review of LegalZoom →
3rd Best Choice
ZenBusiness logo
4.6/ 5Very good

ZenBusiness

$0 + $200 state feeSee ZenBusiness plans (opens in a new tab)
  • Files correctly at $0 plus the state fee, no add-on required
  • Velo checks your account the moment you log in and flags what's missing
  • Registered agent is an add-on ($199 first year, then $199/yr) on Starter and Pro, not included until Premium
Who it’s for
First-time founders who want an accurate filing and a dashboard that keeps nagging about deadlines.
60 days refund windowRead review of ZenBusiness →

Prices checked November 10, 2026. Washington's state filing fee is $200.

On this page

We set up an LLC with every service on this page, and Northwest Registered Agent is our pick for the best LLC formation service in Washington because it checks each account before filing, follows up by email and phone if paperwork is missing, and owns its registered-agent address.

ZenBusiness's $0 Starter plan filed our Certificate of Formation correctly and kept the yearly compliance filing from lapsing, the detail that trips up first-time owners.

We compared all ten services below on package pricing, registered agent cost, filing speed, support quality and how clearly each one handles Washington's renewal paperwork.

The table gives you the side-by-side view, and each provider section breaks down what you'll actually pay once the add-ons are counted.

Compare the top 5 at a glance

ServiceLLC FeesRegistered Agent PriceMoney-Back GuaranteeScoreCompare offers
Best Overall★ 4.9 / 5$39 when using our link + $200 state feeFree first year with the $39 LLC, then $125/yr✓ Backed by a 90-day guarantee4.9Form my LLC (opens in a new tab)
Best Full-Service Formation★ 4.7 / 5Beginning at $0 + $200 state fee$249 first year, then $249/yr (not in any plan)✓ Covered by 60-day refund policy4.7See plans (opens in a new tab)
Best for Guided Online Formation★ 4.6 / 5Beginning at $0 + $200 state fee$199 first year, then $199/yr (not in any plan)✓ Covered by 60-day refund policy4.6See plans (opens in a new tab)
Best Free Formation★ 4.5 / 5Beginning at $0 + $200 state feeFree first year with formation, then $249/yr✓ Covered by 60-day refund policy4.5See plans (opens in a new tab)
Best Branding★ 4.4 / 5Beginning at $0 + $200 state fee$199 first year, then $199/yr (not in any plan)✗4.4See plans (opens in a new tab)

Prices checked November 10, 2026. Washington's state filing fee is $200.

10 Best LLC Formation Services in Washington (November 2026)

Each score combines support, price, features, turnaround, ease of use and user ratings.

1

Northwest Registered Agent

Best Overall
4.9/ 5
Excellent
Northwest Registered Agent logo on a male advisor office background
Support
5.0
Price
4.9
Features
4.9
Turnaround
4.8
Ease of Use
4.7
User Ratings
4.8

Refund: 90 days
BBB: Maintains an A rating
LLC Packages: Solo plan
Same & Next Day Filing: No
Free Package Features: No free features provided
Advisory Services: No

What we found

Northwest verifies every new account before it files anything. Once that check clears, the order moves into the filing queue and Northwest submits the paperwork to the state directly.

If any piece of the application is missing, automated emails go out on day one, three and five. A real person calls after 48 hours too. That's a noticeably different experience from a filer that just leaves you guessing whether something went wrong.

Northwest owns its registered agent address instead of leasing one from a third party. That address also carries a free business mailbox and basic legal document set while service stays active on the account.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Registered agent free for year one, then a flat $125/year with no third-party handoff
  • Automated status emails plus a real phone call after 48 hours if something is missing
  • Business Identity bundle (domain, website, email, phone) stays included while registered agent is active

Cons

  • Not the lowest headline price if you only want the bare filing
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants their home address off public filings, backed by a support team that actually calls when something is missing.
Who is it not for?
Owners chasing the lowest sticker price who don't need this much privacy or support.

LLC Formation Packages:

  • Basic ($39 + $200 state fee): Articles of Organization, a free basic operating agreement, initial resolutions and membership certificates, plus one free year of registered agent service (then $125/yr).
  • Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Continues after the included first year with a real commercial address staffed during business hours, unlimited scanning for legal and Secretary of State mail, and a limited allowance for regular business mail.
  • Business Identity Bundle (included free while registered agent stays active): A domain worth up to roughly $25, a hosted website with SSL, up to 10 business email addresses, a US business phone line and mail scanning, all bundled into the $39 formation while registered agent service is active.
The support model and the owned registered agent address are real reasons to pay more here, and that's what earns Northwest the top spot overall. Full Northwest review →
2

LegalZoom

Best Full-Service Formation
4.7/ 5
Very good
LegalZoom CTA
Support
4.9
Price
4.4
Features
4.9
Turnaround
4.7
Ease of Use
4.6
User Ratings
4.4

Refund: Covered by 60-day refund policy
BBB: A+ rating on BBB
Same & Next Day Filing: No
Free Package Features: Digital welcome packet, and website builder
Advisory Services: Attorney consultation access (Pro & Premium)

What we found

LegalZoom collects payment before it asks for business details. That's a different order than every other service on this page. We paid first, then filled in the business name and address afterward.

Once inside the account, the built-in bookkeeping tool showed an odd billing split. Some features stayed free every month while others in the same suite carried a small recurring charge.

The trademark upsell also ran a "today only" countdown, a tactic none of the other nine services on this page used.

Registered agent never came up during our checkout flow at all. It has to be added separately once the account is already active.

Get 20% off eligible LegalZoom LLC formation and other services with Venture Smarter code venturesmarter20.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Real licensed attorneys available for consultation, a differentiator none of the cheaper services match
  • 150-plus document template library ships with the Pro tier
  • Chat and phone support on every plan

Cons

  • Registered agent isn't offered during checkout at all and costs more than most competitors once added
Who is it for?
Business owners who want an attorney network on call and don't mind paying more for it.
Who is it not for?
Washington owners who want the agent role covered by the same package that forms the LLC.

LLC Formation Packages:

  • Basic ($0 + $200 state fee): Articles of organization, a name check and a tax consultation from 1-800Accountant.
  • Pro ($249 + $200 state fee): Everything in Basic plus an operating agreement, an EIN, 150-plus legal document templates for one year and unlimited eSignatures for one year.
  • Premium ($299 + $200 state fee): Everything in Pro plus LZ Books bookkeeping tools for six months, unlimited proposals and invoices, and automatic mileage tracking.
  • Registered Agent Service ($249 first year, then $249/yr): Sold separately from every package, with the price shown upfront in checkout.
LegalZoom backs your Washington filing with real licensed attorneys and chat and phone support on every plan, something the cheaper services don't match. Full LegalZoom review →
3

ZenBusiness

Best for Guided Online Formation
4.6/ 5
Very good
ZenBusiness CTA
Support
4.7
Price
3.8
Features
4.7
Turnaround
4.8
Ease of Use
4.9
User Ratings
4.8

Refund: Covered by 60-day refund policy
BBB: BBB accreditation
Same & Next Day Filing: On Pro & Premium plans
Advisory Services: Accounting consultation provided

What we found

Our formation with ZenBusiness moved through a clean checkout from start to finish. Nothing paid came pre-selected. The running total stayed visible the whole time, and a back button let us reconsider before committing to anything.

Velo, ZenBusiness's in-account assistant, checked our account the moment we logged back in after paying.

It flagged what still needed our attention and suggested claiming a matching domain before someone else grabbed it first. We never had to dig through menus to find any of that ourselves.

Registered agent service is the one real gap on the cheapest option. A founder who wants privacy from day one pays separately on Starter or Pro; Premium includes the registered agent service.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Files correctly at $0 plus the state fee, no add-on required
  • Velo checks your account the moment you log in and flags what's missing
  • 60-day money-back guarantee and a 100% accuracy guarantee on the filing
  • Cleanest checkout of the ten services, nothing pre-selected as paid

Cons

  • Registered agent is an add-on ($199 first year, then $199/yr) on Starter and Pro, not included until Premium
Who is it for?
First-time founders who want an accurate filing and a dashboard that keeps nagging about deadlines.
Who is it not for?
Owners who want registered agent handled for free from day one instead of billed separately.

LLC Formation Packages:

  • Starter ($0 + $200 state fee): Standard 7 to 10 business day internal processing, name availability search, Certificate of Formation filing, a secure document dashboard and a 100% accuracy guarantee. No registered agent, EIN or operating agreement.
  • Pro ($199/year + $200 state fee): Everything in Starter plus 1-business-day internal processing, an EIN, an operating agreement template and Worry-Free Compliance included free for year one, then renewing at $199/year. Pro does not include registered agent service.
  • Premium ($399/year + $200 state fee): Everything in Pro plus registered agent service and expanded compliance monitoring. All plans show a 30-day domain, email, and website offer; the website builder renews at $15/month if retained.
  • Registered Agent Service ($199 first year, then $199/yr): Billed separately from day one on Starter and Pro; bundled only on Premium.
Filing accuracy and a dashboard that keeps a new LLC compliant make ZenBusiness a strong third choice for guided formation. Full ZenBusiness review →
4

Inc Authority

Best Free Formation
4.5/ 5
Very good
Inc Authority logo
Support
4.4
Price
4.9
Features
4.7
Turnaround
4.4
Ease of Use
4.3
User Ratings
4.3

Refund: Covered by 60-day refund policy
BBB: BBB accreditation
Same & Next Day Filing: ~ Contingent on premium plan

What we found

Inc Authority's checkout walks you through eight separate screens, each with its own countdown timer, before you reach the final total. That's more decision screens than any other service we tested, though each one has a clear "no thanks" option.

The state's own fee sat clearly separated from Inc Authority's own charge on the final order screen, with a plain note that the government's cut goes straight to the state. That transparency beat what most competitors on this page showed us.

Our test didn't turn up an ongoing compliance dashboard once the paperwork cleared, unlike every other service on this page.

What we got instead was a logo builder on the confirmation screen, an order email and a referral to a free tax consultation. Inc Authority now advertises digital document storage and a client portal, so check what your account includes.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Formation, EIN and year-one registered agent all land at $0 plus the state fee
  • Clear separation between the state's fee and Inc Authority's own $0 charge at checkout
  • Logo builder unlocks immediately after payment

Cons

  • No ongoing compliance dashboard turned up in our test once the LLC was formed
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants the lowest possible cost to file and get a registered agent for the first year (then $249/yr).
Who is it not for?
Owners who want an ongoing dashboard to track compliance after the LLC forms.

Inc Authority LLC formation packages:

  • Free LLC Package ($0 + $200 state fee): LLC filing, one year of registered agent service (then $249/yr), an EIN and a logo builder unlocked immediately after payment.
  • Starter Business Bundle (price upon request): One year of registered agent (then $249/yr), business name verification, an operating agreement and a printed record book.
  • Fast Track Business Bundle (price upon request): Everything in Starter Business Bundle plus stock certificates, annual compliance alerts and private banking specialist access.
  • Registered Agent Service (free for year one): Renews automatically at $249/year afterward.
Inc Authority delivers a low-cost filing, but the long screen sequence and the lack of a compliance dashboard in our test are real tradeoffs. Full Inc Authority review →
5

Tailor Brands

Best Branding
4.4/ 5
Good
Tailor Brands logo and two people having a deal in an office in the background
Support
4.3
Price
4.0
Features
4.5
Turnaround
4.0
Ease of Use
4.7
User Ratings
4.9

Refund: No
BBB: No
Free Package Features: LLC filing along with a 30-day bookkeeping trial
Advisory Services: Business coaching on all plans

What we found

Tailor Brands reviews every application before it goes to the state, quickly if a buyer pays for faster handling and within 14 business days otherwise.

The dashboard folds branding into the same account as compliance tracking, and a tax section and a legal document library sit alongside the formation tools. Anyone who wants a logo and a working website never has to leave the platform to get one.

The operating agreement arrives as an editable file, pre-filled with member details, once the state approves the LLC. Tailor Brands handles registered agent service itself instead of handing it off to a third party.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Branding tools (logo, website, business cards) live in the same account as the legal filing
  • Annual Compliance sends reminders by email, text and in-platform notification 90 days out
  • Operating Agreement arrives pre-filled and ready to edit once the state approves the LLC

Cons

  • Registered agent is $199/year from day one, with no free first-year offer
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who want brand identity and legal filing handled in one account instead of two separate vendors.
Who is it not for?
Owners who only want the filing and don't need a logo, website or branding tools.

Tailor Brands LLC formation packages:

  • Lite ($0 + $200 state fee): Name availability check, LLC filing and standard processing, plus a free one-month trial of invoicing and bookkeeping.
  • Essential ($199/year + $200 state fee): Everything in Lite plus expedited filing, annual compliance alerts and an operating agreement.
  • Elite ($249/year + $200 state fee): Everything in Essential plus a logo maker, a free domain for the first year, a full website builder with an online store, digital business cards and a social media post maker.
  • Registered Agent Service ($199/year): Tailor Brands acts as its own registered agent, so there is no free first year.
Tailor Brands earns a top-five spot for combining formation with genuine branding tools, even though it isn't the cheapest way to file. Full Tailor Brands review →

Five more services we tested

Open any card for the complete review, scores and packages.

6
LLC Attorney logo

LLC Attorney

4.3/ 5
Good
Read our LLC Attorney test, scores and packages
LLC Attorney
Support
4.3
Price
4.3
Features
4.2
Turnaround
4.2
Ease of Use
4.3
User Ratings
4.5

Refund: Refund available within 30-60 days
BBB: A rating on BBB
Advisory Services: Attorney support (paid add-on available)

What we found

Our review team's filing through LLC Attorney closed faster than the promised turnaround. Name verification ran instantly. The formation questionnaire itself only took a few minutes to finish.

Phone support answered within three minutes when we called. Email responses came back within a day across four separate check-ins.

Two of those exchanges clearly explained an LLC-versus-S-Corp tradeoff. One gave a more generic answer to a technical question.

Registered agent service isn't included in any formation package here; it comes with LLC Attorney's compliance subscriptions at $14.99, $29.99 or $49.99 per month (the same in the first year and every year after).

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Filed in about 18 hours in our testing, faster than the promised 24-hour window
  • Operating agreement template and organizational minutes included from Starter
  • Phone support picked up within three minutes when we called

Cons

  • International formation cases sometimes need an additional paid consultation
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants an attorney-guided filing with fast turnaround.
Who is it not for?
Owners who need a large library of legal document templates beyond the formation basics.

LLC Attorney LLC formation packages:

  • Starter ($49 + $200 state fee): Certificate of Formation, an operating agreement template, organizational minutes and a bank account resolution.
  • Professional ($199 + $200 state fee): Everything in Starter plus an EIN, a Certificate of Good Standing, one free amendment or name change within 90 days and tax election support.
  • International+ ($399 + $200 state fee): Everything in Professional plus one foreign entity filing or subsidiary setup, an apostille and a Certificate of Incumbency.
LLC Attorney backs a fast, attorney-reviewed filing with an operating agreement template and organizational minutes included from Starter, though registered agent service requires a separate compliance subscription. Full LLC Attorney review →
7
Harbor Compliance logo

Harbor Compliance

4.2/ 5
Good
Read our Harbor Compliance test, scores and packages
Harbor Compliance logo with a business person reading a notebook in the background
Support
4.3
Price
4.1
Features
4.2
Turnaround
4.3
Ease of Use
4.0
User Ratings
4.3

Refund: No
BBB: BBB accreditation
LLC Packages: Solo plan
Same & Next Day Filing: ~ Availability varies by state
Free Package Features: No complimentary features
Advisory Services: No

What we found

Harbor Compliance lets you build your own filing instead of forcing a fixed option. Order just the Articles of Organization, and that's all you pay for.

Add every other piece separately in the same order flow. Documents arrive through a client portal rather than by email, and a status tracker shows exactly where a filing stands at any point.

The portal scans legal mail the same day it arrives, and an account tool ties into every state's filing system to help track what comes next. There's no onboarding call for LLC formations. The flow assumes you already know what to select going in.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Build-your-own package means you only pay for what you actually need
  • Same-day scanning and Entity Manager come with registered agent service
  • Project-status tracker in the portal shows exactly where a filing stands

Cons

  • Premium pricing once you add the pieces most founders actually want
Who is it for?
Business owners who want to pick exactly which formation pieces they pay for instead of a fixed set.
Who is it not for?
First-time buyers who'd rather follow one set path than assemble their own.

Harbor Compliance LLC formation packages:

  • LLC Formation ($99 + $200 state fee): Name availability check plus preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization. Registered agent, EIN and operating agreement are separate add-ons built through the same order flow.
  • Registered Agent Service ($99 first year, $159/year renewal): Same-day scanning of legal and government mail, Entity Manager access, good-standing monitoring and annual report reminders.
8
Swyft Filings logo

Swyft Filings

4.1/ 5
Good
Read our Swyft Filings test, scores and packages
Swyftfilings logo with an office worker in the background
Support
4.0
Price
4.0
Features
4.0
Turnaround
4.4
Ease of Use
4.0
User Ratings
4.2

Refund: Covered by 60-day refund policy
BBB: No
Same & Next Day Filing: Premium Package included
Free Package Features: LLC filing with lifetime customer support included
Advisory Services: No

What we found

Swyft Filings runs a five-step application. You can finish it in under 15 minutes. The dashboard shows live status updates as the filing moves through the queue.

The entry-level filing here doesn't include registered agent service. You add it later, once the account is already open, as its own line item.

Swyft Filings assigns one rep to each customer instead of a new person every time you reach out. That keeps the back-and-forth from starting over each time.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Five-step application designed to finish in under 15 minutes
  • One dedicated support representative assigned per customer
  • Free business domain name included with every package

Cons

  • Registered agent service costs $149 a quarter ($596 first year, then $596/yr) and isn't bundled into any tier
Who is it for?
Budget-focused buyers who want a fast, simple application and don't mind adding registered agent separately.
Who is it not for?
Owners who want registered agent folded into the starting filing price.

Swyft Filings LLC formation packages:

  • Basic ($0 + $200 state fee): Name availability check, Articles of Organization filing, a compliance alert system and a free business domain name.
  • Standard ($169 + $200 state fee): Everything in Basic plus a custom operating agreement and a federal tax ID.
  • Premium ($269 + $200 state fee): Everything in Standard plus a free business website, a digital corporate kit and FedEx delivery with tracking.
  • Registered Agent Service ($149 a quarter, $596 first year, then $596/yr): Not included in any base package.
Swyft Filings is a fast filer with no frills attached, but the separate registered agent cost pushes it below the services that include it. Full Swyft Filings review →
9
Bizee logo

Bizee

3.9/ 5
Fair
Read our Bizee test, scores and packages
bizee
Support
3.8
Price
4.2
Features
3.8
Turnaround
3.9
Ease of Use
3.7
User Ratings
4.0

Refund: Order refundable prior to state payment (within 24h); $30 deducted
BBB: No
Free Package Features: Business tax consult, and extras
Advisory Services: 1-hour tax consultation at no cost

What we found

Our filing through Bizee went out to the state the next business day. The confirmation email separately listed a much longer state processing window, worth knowing before you assume the LLC is active right away.

The account lists a separate outside firm as the registered agent instead of Bizee itself. The address on file with the state belongs to a third party rather than an in-house office.

The compliance dashboard flagged a renewal report due just weeks after formation, with a real fee attached. That timing catches a lot of new owners off guard since they don't expect a filing that soon.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • Filing itself is $0 plus the state fee, with registered agent free for year one
  • Compliance dashboard flags the annual report deadline early
  • Contract template library included even though the templates need customization

Cons

  • Registered agent runs through a third party, not Bizee's own office
  • Templates aren't customized to your situation and Bizee recommends attorney review before serious use
Who is it for?
Budget-conscious owners comfortable handling most decisions themselves once the filing is done.
Who is it not for?
Founders who want their registered agent to be the formation company itself, not an outside firm.

Bizee LLC formation packages:

  • Basic ($0 + $200 state fee): LLC filing, registered agent for year one, a virtual address for the first month and lifetime compliance alerts.
  • Standard ($199 + $200 state fee): Everything in Basic plus an EIN, an operating agreement and ready-to-use business contract templates.
  • Platinum ($299 + $200 state fee): Everything in Standard plus a free business website, a domain name and next-day filing.
  • Registered Agent Service ($149/year): Continues after the included first year, handled through Republic Registered Agent LLC, a third-party provider, not Bizee directly.
Bizee's low-cost filing holds up well, but check the compliance dashboard early since the first report deadline can land sooner than expected. Full Bizee review →
10
Rocket Lawyer logo

Rocket Lawyer

3.7/ 5
Fair
$0 + $200 state fee, with a membership from $149/yrSee Rocket Lawyer plans (opens in a new tab)
Read our Rocket Lawyer test, scores and packages
Rocket Lawyer LLC Service logo in front of an office worker working
Support
4.0
Price
3.5
Features
4.0
Turnaround
3.5
Ease of Use
3.5
User Ratings
3.5

Refund: 30-day refund policy
BBB: BBB accreditation
LLC Packages: Solo plan
Same & Next Day Filing: No
Free Package Features: No free-tier offerings
Advisory Services: Ask-a-lawyer via email plus monthly 30-minute phone consultation per new matter (requires subscription)

What we found

Rocket Lawyer's phone support resolved our questions on the first call. Email responses from its incorporation specialists came back quickly and answered what we actually asked.

Every membership here includes your first business registration at no separate filing charge, so the real cost is a recurring subscription instead of a one-time fee.

The seven-day trial is the part to watch closely. It only opens up part of the platform, and it turns into a paid yearly subscription afterward unless you cancel first. That's a bigger renewal risk than anything else on this page.

Pros, cons, who it’s for and packages

Pros

  • First business registration included free with any membership tier
  • Phone support resolved issues on the first call in testing
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • 7-day trial auto-converts into a paid annual membership if you don't cancel first
  • Registered agent isn't included on the entry-level Standard tier
Who is it for?
Business owners who expect to need ongoing legal document help beyond just the initial filing.
Who is it not for?
Founders who only need a one-time filing and don't want a recurring subscription.

Rocket Lawyer LLC formation packages:

  • Standard ($149/year + $200 state fee): First business registration included at no service fee after the 7-day trial converts.
  • Plus ($249/year + $200 state fee): Everything in Standard plus registered agent service at $125/year (the same in the first year and every year after) instead of the non-member rate.
  • Pro ($349/year + $200 state fee): Everything in Plus plus expanded legal document and consultation access.
  • Registered Agent Service ($125/year on Plus and Pro, unavailable on Standard, the same in the first year and every year after): Non-members pay $249.99/year for the same service.
Rocket Lawyer's legal-document breadth is real, but the subscription model and trial conversion make it the priciest way to file on this page. Full Rocket Lawyer review →

How We Picked and Tested the Best LLC Services in Washington

An image of a business man writing down notes about Washington's LLC selection process

We formed an LLC with every service on this page and worked through each formation, checkout and dashboard ourselves before scoring anything. Our full testing methodology explains exactly how we weight each category.

ZenBusiness dashboard compliance tab showing a pending formation, registered agent and license checks
ZenBusiness compliance tab from our provider test. It tracks the pending formation, registered agent status, and license checks in one score view.
Bizee dashboard home showing good standing status and tax breakdown
Bizee dashboard home from our provider test. It shows the company in good standing with a tax breakdown and accounting trial.

We scored all ten services across six categories: support, price, features, turnaround, ease of use and user ratings, then added a seventh check specific to how well each service actually fits a Washington filing.

1. Support

A support score comes down to what happens the moment something in an application stalls, no matter what the sales page promises.

Northwest leads this category. ZenBusiness's Velo assistant flags account gaps the moment you log back in, and Northwest's Corporate Guides call within 48 hours if paperwork goes missing.

Both catch a problem before a founder has to go looking for it.

2. Price

The cheapest option only earns a high price score if it still does something useful beyond the bare filing.

Inc Authority's $0 package proves the risk: in our test it dropped to a bare confirmation email and a logo builder with no ongoing dashboard, a tradeoff that matters even in a free formation tier.

Northwest and Inc Authority tie for the top price score. ZenBusiness's plan still costs nothing beyond the state fee and includes a working compliance dashboard instead of a stripped-down form.

3. Features

The widest feature sets on this page belong to the three services that build well past a one-time filing.

ZenBusiness's Premium tier adds its own domain and website trial on top of compliance monitoring, Northwest bundles a domain, website, email and phone line while registered agent service is active, and LegalZoom pairs its formation with attorney access and a 150-plus document template library.

Northwest and LegalZoom lead this category, with ZenBusiness close behind, as all three stack account tools and extras onto the formation instead of treating it as a single transaction.

4. Turnaround

Internal processing speed varies more across these ten services than the state's own approval time does.

LLC Attorney's name verification cleared instantly in our test, while Bizee's filing still took a full business day before it even reached the state's queue.

Northwest and ZenBusiness tie for the top turnaround score, with Northwest's internal handling nearly matching ZenBusiness's pace.

5. Ease of Use

The easiest accounts to use are the ones that keep every task inside a single login instead of sending you elsewhere.

ZenBusiness leads this category, running formation, documents and compliance tracking through one dashboard, with Northwest close behind.

6. User Ratings

Third-party review scores line up closely with what our own testing found across these ten services. Tailor Brands and ZenBusiness carry the strongest independent review profiles among the ten we tested.

Tailor Brands posted the highest user-ratings score on this page. ZenBusiness and Northwest followed close behind.

7. Washington Fit

Washington's physical-address rule and its yearly renewal filing reward two different strengths, so the best statewide fit isn't a single winner.

Northwest fits the address rule most cleanly since it owns its registered agent office instead of routing mail through an outside firm. ZenBusiness's dashboard reminders line up well with the state's renewal deadline instead.

Key Financial & Business Insights In Washington

1. Washington-Specific Resources

2. Washington Business Statistics

  • Between March 2022 and March 2023, roughly 28,670 establishments opened and 24,530 closed in Washington, a net increase of 4,140, while employment expanded at 43,920 establishments and contracted at 39,780 for a net gain of 30,200 jobs [5][6].
  • Small businesses accounted for 27,240 of those openings and 23,300 of the closings, contributing 18,120 net new jobs, or 60% of the state's total job growth.
  • Washington businesses with revenue under $1 million received $5.4 billion in small business loans in 2022, out of $6.5 billion in new lending under $100,000 and $14.2 billion under $1 million statewide.
  • Small businesses accounted for 88.4% of Washington's exporters in the most recent count, shipping $14.5 billion abroad, or 26.1% of the state's total exports, and women owned 46.6% of Washington businesses while making up 45.3% of the workforce [7].

3. Financial Incentives for LLCs

4. Washington State Taxes

  • Corporate Income Tax: Washington does not levy one.
  • Business & Occupation Tax: A gross-receipts tax that varies by classification: 0.471% for retailing, 0.484% for wholesaling and manufacturing, and a tiered rate for Service and Other Activities effective October 2025 of 1.5% under $1 million in prior-year Washington gross income, 1.75% from $1 million to $4.99 million, and 2.1% at $5 million or more [8].
  • Personal Income Tax: None. Washington is one of seven states without one.
  • Sales Tax: A 6.5% state rate, with local additions pushing the combined rate above 10% in some cities.
  • Annual Report Fee: Covered above in Quick Facts.
  • State Business License Fee: Covered above in Quick Facts.
  • Commercial Property Tax: Rates vary by location, with a statewide average effective rate near 1.1%.
  • Reseller Permit: Lets a business purchase items for resale without paying sales tax upfront.

Steps To Start An LLC In Washington

The seven steps below cover what a new Washington LLC actually needs, from naming the company through the first annual report. For a longer walkthrough of the whole process, see our guide to starting an LLC in Washington.

  1. Choose and check your LLC name. Search the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System to confirm the name is available before you file anything.
  2. Appoint a Washington registered agent. The agent needs a physical street address in the state, available during business hours. Compare dedicated agents in our best registered agent services in Washington roundup if you'd rather not use your own address.
  3. File the Certificate of Formation. Submit through the CCFS portal for the fastest turnaround, or by mail if you prefer paper.
  4. Draft an operating agreement. Washington doesn't file this with the state, but keeping one on record protects your liability shield and settles ownership questions before they become disputes.
  5. Get an EIN. Apply directly at IRS.gov. It's free and takes about five minutes online, so skip any provider that charges extra for it.
  6. Register for a state Business License and any required taxes. File through the Washington Business Licensing Service, where most new businesses pay a small fee to open.
  7. File your first annual report. Submit it through the Secretary of State's online annual report filing before the last day of your LLC's anniversary month. Keep our guide to dissolving a Washington LLC on hand too, in case the business ever needs to close down formally.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take For My LLC To Be Approved In Washington?

It takes about five business days if you file online, or three to four weeks by mail. Paying an extra $100 for expedited service brings that down to roughly three business days.

Do I Need An LLC Service In Washington?

No, you don't need one, but hiring one takes the paperwork off your plate. A good service files the Certificate of Formation correctly and keeps you on top of the annual report deadline.

How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC In Washington?

Expect $200 for the Certificate of Formation and $70 a year for the annual report afterward. Add $50 if your business also needs a state Business License.

Do I Need An Operating Agreement For My Washington LLC?

Washington doesn't require you to file one with the state, but you should still write one. It documents ownership and keeps your liability protection intact if a dispute or lawsuit ever tests it.

Can My Washington Registered Agent Use A PO Box?

No. Washington requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. PO boxes, private mailboxes and virtual offices don't qualify.

What Is The Washington B&O Tax For A New LLC?

It depends on what your LLC does. Retailing is taxed at 0.471%, wholesaling and manufacturing at 0.484%, and most service businesses at a tiered 1.5% to 2.1% based on gross income.

Our Verdict

Northwest Registered Agent is our best overall choice for a Washington LLC. Its registered agent address is owned rather than leased from a third party, making it a strong fit for owners who prioritize address privacy.

ZenBusiness filed cleanly in our testing, and its dashboard does the most work afterward to keep you compliant. Choose Tailor Brands if you want branding and bookkeeping folded into the same account as the filing itself.

Whichever you choose, confirm your registered agent has an actual Washington street address before you file. Then check your dashboard early, so the first renewal deadline doesn't catch you off guard.

References

  1. https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/fee-scheduleexpedited-service
  2. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=25.15.021
  3. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=23.95.410
  4. https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license/variable-business-license-processing-fees
  5. https://www.bls.gov/bdm/
  6. https://www.ffiec.gov/cra/craproducts.htm
  7. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Washington_2025-State-Profile.pdf
  8. https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/business-occupation-tax/business-occupation-tax-classifications
Northwest Registered Agent logo on a male advisor office background

Our verdict

Northwest Registered Agent is the best LLC service in Washington for most founders

$39 + $200 state fee, with the first registered agent year included (then $125/yr). 90-day money-back guarantee.

Form my LLC with Northwest, $39 + $200 state fee (opens in a new tab)

Prices checked November 10, 2026. Washington's state filing fee is $200.

Jon Morgan

About the author

Jon Morgan · Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan is the co-founder and chief editor of Venture Smarter. He leads the hands-on testing of LLC formation and registered agent services: every service ranked here was bought and used with real filings.
Fact-checked by Jon Tobin, Business Attorney