Key Takeaways

  • Washington LLCs must file an annual report and renew their business license annually.
  • The LLC renewal fee in Washington State is generally $71, covering both the annual report and license renewal.
  • Reports are due by the end of the formation month and late filings may incur a $25 penalty.
  • Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution and reinstatement costs.
  • Business license fees can vary based on city, county, and endorsements.
  • Using a registered agent can simplify compliance and provide privacy.

The LLC annual report WA is the form filed by a Washington LLC with the Washington Secretary of State every year to update its information in the state records.

Once you register an LLC or a limited liability company in the State of Washington, the Washington Secretary of State requires you to update certain information about your LLC on a periodic basis. Every LLC in Washington must update its information each year. This is done by filing an annual report.

In Washington, an LLC must file an annual report on a regular basis throughout its existence. You must update the address of your registered agent in the annual report, and pay a filing fee of $250. The annual report must be filed with the Washington Business Licensing Service.

The intention behind the requirement of filing an annual report is to keep your records updated with the state of Washington since creditors and others are allowed access to your business address. Also, the State uses this information to monitor your LLC's tax filings.

Information Required for an LLC Annual Report Washington

The LLC annual report filed with the Washington Secretary of State must include the following information:

You should keep the above information ready while filing an annual report for your LLC. Even if there is no change in any information provided in the last annual report, you must still file an annual report with the Washington Secretary of State within the due date.

Filing an LLC Annual Report in Washington

  • Where to File: You can file an annual report for your LLC through the website of Washington Business Licensing Service.
  • Online Fee: You must pay a filing fee of $250 for filing an annual report on paper and $300 for filing online.
  • Filing Instructions: You will need the State ID number assigned to your LLC. If you don't have this number handy, you can find it using the business entity search.
  • Filing Deadlines: You must file your first annual report within 120 days of filing the LLC formation papers. Subsequently, you must file an annual report every year before the end of the month in which the LLC was formed.
  • Penalties for Late Filing: Penalty for late filing in Washington is $25. However, the State may even dissolve an LLC if it fails to file its annual report on time.

LLC Renewal Fee in Washington State

In Washington, renewing your LLC involves two components: filing your annual report and renewing your business license. Together, these filings help keep your LLC in good standing with the Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue.

  • LLC Annual Report Filing Fee: $60
  • Business License Renewal Fee: $11
  • Total LLC Renewal Fee (Washington State): $71

This $71 total is the standard LLC renewal fee in Washington State and applies each year, due by the end of the anniversary month in which the LLC was formed. Late filings result in a $25 penalty. If your LLC fails to renew within 60 days after the due date, the state may administratively dissolve your company.

To file, you can use the Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS) online or by mail. Online filing is faster and preferred by most businesses.

LLC Annual Filing Requirements in Washington

Annual Report

  • Fee: The filing fee for the first annual report is $10. You must also pay an annual license renewal fee of $59.
  • Forms: You can get an annual report form from the SoS office by calling 360-725-0377. For filing online, you must have your UBI Number, password, and a credit card.
  • Due Date: You must file your license renewal application and annual report before the expiration of your LLC's license or within 30 to 90 days before the expiration date of a yearly license. The initial annual report must be filed within 120 days of filing your articles of organization.

LLC Tax Returns

The state of Washington does not levy any separate income tax at the state level.

Consequences of Missing the Renewal Deadline

Missing the renewal deadline for your LLC in Washington can have serious consequences:

  • $25 Late Fee: Imposed immediately after the deadline.
  • Administrative Dissolution: If the report is not filed within 60 days after the due date, the LLC will be administratively dissolved by the state.
  • Reinstatement Costs: If dissolved, your LLC must pay all past due fees and file a reinstatement application, which may cost around $140.

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to track your renewal dates and file early when possible. Many registered agents offer reminders and compliance assistance to help prevent lapses.

The Advantages of Using the Services of a Registered Agent

A registered agent is an individual or a business entity assigned by your company to receive any formal documents or legal communication, on behalf of your company. Appointing a registered agent ensures that your LLC complies with the filing requirements of the state in a timely manner.

The following are the principal advantages of using the services of a registered agent:

  • Avoid Penalties: A Washington LLC can even be dissolved by the State if it fails to file its annual report in time. A registered agent notifies you about the reports that are due, thus saving you from penalties. For an additional fee, your registered agent can also file the reports on your behalf.
  • Flexibility: Since a registered agent sends and receives official documents on behalf of the company, you get more time and flexibility to attend your core business.
  • Privacy: Since the company documents are sent to your registered agent's address, you need not make your personal address public. Even in the unfortunate event of your LLC being sued, the lawsuit is served to the registered agent and not at your company's address.

Additional Costs Tied to LLC Renewal

In addition to the basic $71 renewal fee, Washington LLCs may also incur other renewal-related costs depending on their business operations:

  • City or County Endorsements: Some municipalities require separate local endorsements with their own renewal fees.
  • Business Activity Endorsements: Certain activities (e.g., operating a limousine service) require specialized licenses with higher fees.
  • Professional Licenses or Permits: Industries like healthcare or construction may need to renew additional state or federal licenses.

Be sure to check the Business Licensing Wizard tool provided by the Washington Department of Revenue to identify all applicable endorsements and their fees. Staying compliant at both the state and local levels ensures your LLC remains legally protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the LLC renewal fee in Washington State? The total LLC renewal fee in Washington State is $71, which includes a $60 annual report filing fee and an $11 business license renewal fee.

2. When is the Washington LLC annual report due? The annual report is due by the end of the anniversary month when your LLC was formed. For example, if your LLC was formed in June, the report is due by June 30 each year.

3. What happens if I don’t file my LLC annual report on time? A $25 late fee is charged, and failure to file within 60 days of the deadline may result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

4. Can I reinstate my LLC after it’s been dissolved in Washington? Yes, but you must pay past due fees and file a reinstatement form. The reinstatement fee is typically $140.

5. Do all LLCs in Washington need to pay the renewal fee? Yes, all active domestic and foreign LLCs must pay the renewal fee and file the required documents to remain in good standing.

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