How much should I set aside to form it?
Expect the state to take $200, plus $199 for a service in the first year.
When the recurring report are counted, the state collects $340 over three years. sos.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026 (official)
What goes to the state to form the LLC?
Just one paper forms the LLC: the Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company, sent to the Washington Secretary of State.
Where the law says so: RCW 25.15.071. sos.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026 (official)
Does my LLC need a registered agent here?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, a noncommercial agent (any person or business with a Washington address), or the holder of a named position in the company. The agent consents in advance.
app.leg.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026 (official)
Does the state bill me later on?
Put $70 aside every year for the annual report. The due date, per the state, is last day of the entity's anniversary month; put it on your calendar.
Filing late means $25 more.
sos.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026 (official)
Could I file this on my own?
Yes, you can. On your own you'd owe just the state's fees, which come to $340 over three years.
Hiring a service runs $397 to $597 over three years, and Mainstay Filing folds the reports into that price, in exchange for the filing work.
Why is the list in this order?
WA Registered Agent.org is strongest on cost across three years, which counts for 33% of our score.
Cost across three years (33%) and work taken off your hands (31%) matter most, and three lighter checks sit behind them.
Picking WA Registered Agent.org over Mainstay Filing keeps $200 in your pocket across three years.
The five checks