Hiring a reliable service provider will significantly cut your Washington LLC startup costs while offering essential registered agent services to get you started.
We teamed up with our professional lawyers to review and test different LLC services in Washington. We’ve narrowed them down to the seven best LLCs to make it easier for you.
Continue reading to get a detailed side-by-side comparison of these services. At the end of this article, you’ll get a proper insight into our list and select the LLC formation services that perfectly suit your business entity type.
ZenBusiness
Northwest
IncFile7 Best LLC Formation Services in Washington (October 2023)
1 - ZenBusiness (Editor's Choice)
2000+ Reviews
ZenBusiness offers a range of the best LLC services designed to make the process of forming a limited liability company in Washington as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
With its competitive prices, comprehensive services, and knowledgeable customer service team, ZenBusiness is a good choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs nationwide.
Our professional team ordered ZenBusiness an LLC formation service to create our business. We were impressed with the speed and efficiency of their process.
Our LLC was registered in just a few days and had all the necessary paperwork. Their customer support team was very attentive and knowledgeable. Their interface was also really easy to navigate through.
Aside from that, we also loved the discounts that ZenBusiness provided for their other legal services.
Service Feature:
- Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $200 State Fee): This LLC formation service package features the standard filing speed (ready in about 2 to 3 weeks), expense and deduction tracking, and a 100% accuracy guarantee. Additionally, the package includes a 1-month free trial for banking services and a bank account, followed by a low monthly fee of $5. You'll have access to Money Pro Bookkeeping with a 1-month free trial, priced at $30/month thereafter. Plus, enjoy a 1-month free trial of the Website Builder, available at $15/month after the trial period. If you opt for worry-free compliance during the first year (optional), it's free, and should you choose to continue, it renews at $199/year.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $200 State Fee): The enhanced LLC formation service package includes all Starter package features and a lightning-fast "rush" filing speed, ensuring your formation is completed in just 1-2 business days on average. Additionally, the package offer a comprehensive LLC operating agreement template for only $99, and an Employer Identification Number.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($349 + $200 State Fee): This LLC services package includes all Pro package features, domain name & email address, business document templates and customizable business website.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The $199 yearly renewal fee is a postponed payment that must be made after the company has been legally incorporated.
- Offering cost-effective LLC formation packages
- Affordably priced Washington LLC services packages
- Feedback from online customers is outstanding
- Speedy formation process
- Offers hassle-free compliance
- Formation of non-profit business is not supported
2 - Northwest Registered Agent
1000+ Reviews
If you seek a well-established provider boasting an exceptional online reputation, chances are you'll encounter Northwest Registered Agent.
We tried Northwest Registered Agent's Washington LLC service and were impressed with the affordability of their packages.
Northwest Registered Agent's LLC formation packages were highly affordable—starting at $39. And you already get a free year of registered agent services in this package.
We recommend this company for Washington-based start-ups and entrepreneurs due to its proven track record of reliability.
Their expert customer support team was always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help with any issues.
Service Features:
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $200 State Fee): This LLC formation service package includes articles of organization, an operating agreement, a one-year free registered agent, standard & expedited processing speeds available, and it can be used to form LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $200 State Fees): This LLC formation service package includes same business day filing, a full year of registered agent, free limited mail forwarding, an operating agreement, and a client account loaded with free forms and tools.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): In this package, the registered agent will be free in the first year if you hire Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC. If you get registered in all 52 jurisdictions, it will cost 5,200. It includes free mail forwarding, expert corporate guides, and privacy by default.
- Transparent service fees
- More than a decade of experience
- A one-year free registered agent is included
- Prioritizes client privacy
- Pricey full service formation packages
3 - IncFile
1000+ Reviews
With IncFile, you can form a Washington LLC at a much lower cost.
In contrast to most other companies in the industry, it doesn't charge business owners and entrepreneurs for its Washington LLC services.
LLC formation services at IncFile are free, except for the Washington state fees, address fees, and certification fees. Furthermore, everything else is handled by it, so you don't have to worry about it.
In our experience, they have an excellent customer service department that responds quickly to emails and phone calls.
The only downside of IncFile is its third-party offers and upsells. Despite this, IncFile remains one of the best in its field.
Service Features:
- Free Silver LLC Formation Package ($0 + $200 State Fees): This LLC formation service package includes preparing & filing the Articles of Organization, you will also get unlimited name searches, a free registered agent for a year, as well as unlimited phone and email support.
- IncFile Gold LLC Formation Package ($199 + $200 State Fee): Including Silver package, EIN business tax number, IRS Form 2553, operating agreement, banking resolution, lifetime company alerts, online access dashboard, business banking account, and business tax consultation.
- Platinum LLC Formation Package ($299 + $200 State Fee): This LLC formation service package includes Gold Package, and offers free business websites, domain names, business contract templates, and free next-day filing.
- Registered Agent Service ($119): This is a yearly subscription but IncFile gives you a free year if you form your LLC with them. After that first year, the renewal will be $119 per year.
- Provides affordable LLC formation services
- Stable reputation with more than 800,000 businesses assistance
- Registered agent is included for an entire year
- Excellent support team
- There are more pricey upsells
4 - Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer offers clients prompt access to the legal assistance they need, be it for business formation, Washington registered agent services or even legal support.
Rocket Lawyer’s incorporation service costs $29 plus state taxes. They also have limited liability company registration, premium registered agent packages, and client privacy protection, among other features.
We appreciated their customer service professionals who were always eager to help out. Their Corporate Guides are experienced professionals who are highly knowledgeable in the formation process.
We were allocated a Corporate Guide for our individual accounts, so were always able to speak with the same person if we had any issues or problems.
Various Rocket Lawyer packages are available to assist you with meeting federal, state, and local licensing obligations.
Service Features:
- LLC Formation Package($99.99 + $200 State Fee): This LLC formation service package is free with a $39.99 membership per month. Benefit from free legal documents, attorney services, free LLC formation services, and 25% off registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99 for non-members): A 25% discount for members. Membership costs $39.99 monthly.
- Helpful customer support team
- One-year free registered agent
- Solid data privacy
- Expensive monthly subscription packages
- You pay extra for add-ons
5 - Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings is a powerful corporation that has seen significant growth in the few years it has been in operation.
We can tell you that they've risen to prominence for a reason. We found that they offer pretty decent services.
Considering that they offer Swyft Filings some of the lowest pricing points for limited liability company formations online, at $49. They also guarantee their services and have excellent client feedback.
Their customer support team was very helpful and professional.
However, the absence of yearly reports or registered agent service in their formation packages is a minor disadvantage.
Swyft Filings might be an excellent choice for your LLC if affordable rates, short turnaround times, and 100% satisfaction assurance from a growing company appeal to your business structure.
Service Features:
- The Basic LLC Formation Package ($0 + $200 State Fee): This package includes filing the articles of organization to form an LLC.
- The Standard LLC Formation Package ($199 + $200 State Fee): Includes the Basic Package + lets you obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) and most documents needed to start your business (operating agreement, banking resolution, and organizational minutes).
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $200 State Fee): It goes with all basic and standard services and domain & business website hosting, and a customized digital corporate kit.
- Registered Agent Service ($99 per three months): This will be an ongoing quarterly subscription.
- Cheaper base rate
- Strong client feedback
- Free 1 hour business tax consultation in all packages
- Expensive registered agent per year
- No annual reports
6 - MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks is another great choice if you're looking for formation services in Washington.
Upon evaluating them ourselves, we understand why so many people praised them online as well. We really appreciated their reasonably priced packages and same-day document delivery.
In our experience, our orders were filed on the very day we made the purchase. It's important to note that this expedited processing is offered across all their packages.
MyCompanyWorks provides great customer service since they handle everything in-house. The company didn't send us to an automated call center when we phoned them.
Instead, we spoke with a qualified MyCompanyWorks representative.
Service Features:
- Basic LLC Formation Package ($59 + $200 State Fee): Clients in this package receive organizational minutes, an LLC operating agreement, and unlimited phone and email customer service.
- Entrepreneur LLC Formation Package ($179 + $200 State Fee): Under the entrepreneur package, you'll get everything the Basic Package includes, plus MyCompanyForms lifetime forms & tax guide, federal tax ID, and one-year registered agent service.
- Complete LLC Formation Package ($259 + $200 State Fee): Here, you get a comprehensive My Company Works premium package that includes all service features from the two previous tiers.
- Registered Agent Service ($99): Free registered agent service is included in the Entrepreneur Package and the Complete Package.
- Formed over 60,000 LLCs
- Positive online customer reviews
- Prompt customer support
- The basic package does not have an EIN registration
- No registered agent services for lower packages
7 - Harbor Compliance
The Harbor Compliance website might be a little daunting, but that's just because the organization offers so many services.
They are a one-stop solution for all your compliance needs, whether you run a for-profit or a nonprofit organization.
In addition to the business license and limited liability company establishment, this LLC formation service assures fundraising compliance while offering yearly reports and registered agent services in Washington.
Another crucial feature we appreciated about Harbor Compliance's online legal services is that they are done quickly.
Harbor Compliance, unlike other online business formation services, saves you the burden of creating compliance papers.
As part of the LLC creation procedure, the firm assigned us a registered agent who collected our information and then prepared and mailed any necessary documents.
Service Features:
- LLC Formation Package ($99 + $200 State Fee): This single package includes checking name availability, and preparing and filing your articles of organization with the state.
- Registered Agent Service ($88): Annual fees from $89 to $99 per state with no additional charges. You can get a 5-10% discount if you pay ahead for registered agent services for +2 years. You get immediate online access to the registered agent's address.
- Registered agent services available
- Personalized customer services
- Single-day turnarounds
- Pricey packages
- No free domain services
Advantages of Creating an LLC in Washington
Washington LLCs offer various benefits to your business, depending on its type. Find out how creating a Washington LLC can help you establish your company below.
1. Personal Liability Protection
An LLC in Washington provides its owners with personal liability protection. Thus, you cannot have your assets seized by debt collectors once your business has been established [1].
Also, LLCs offer small businesses and members protection if a fellow LLC or owner incurs liabilities.
2. Pass-Through Taxation
A Washington LCC gives you an advantage over corporations, especially regarding taxation. Taxes passing through your business as an LLC will be taxable to you as personal income because of pass-through taxation [2].
You can also minimize taxes with a Washington LLC. Due to this, your LLC in Washington benefits from a lack of corporate and personal income taxes.
3. Less Complexity in Formation and Operation
Your Washington LLC makes it easier to document legal paperwork. Forming an LLC is much more straightforward than with a corporation.
Moreover, your LLC only needs to file articles of organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State. And with your Washington LLC, you don't have to keep detailed minutes or hold annual meetings like a corporation.
4. Flexibility in Raising Capital
Unlike before, your Washington LLC allows you to raise capital more straightforwardly [3].
Additionally, new members can join with limited control over management. Unlike sole proprietorships and general partnerships, you must be a partner to accept investments.
Washington LLC Formation Process
The following seven (private will guide you through the formation of your Washington LLC:
- Step 1: Find an LCC name
- Step 2: Have Washington registered agent
- Step 3: Provide the Washington formation certificate
- Step 4: Formulate your Washington LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Get your EIN
- Step 6: Select the right LLC in Washington
- Step 7: File your Washington LLC yearly report
Our Selection Process
Teaming up with our attorneys, we selected these seven services based on customer support, prices, turnaround time, and service features. Let's take a look.
1. Service Features
When starting an LLC, we looked at the best LLC service provider who offered us value for our money.
This means their packages are well-jammed with excellent service features that allow you to set up and run your business efficiently per Washington state laws.
2. Price
For your Washington LLC, we needed an LLC service with competitive pricing. We selected the best LLC services that offer the right tools you need for your business but at a reasonably affordable price.
If you are just starting, we recommend picking a free LLC service package because this will significantly reduce the cost of starting an LLC in Washington.
3. Customer Support
We chose the best LLC service with quick response time to facilitate a hassle-free and worry-free LLC service.
4. Turnaround Time
Here, we grouped the best LLC services in Washington with a track record of delivering legal documentation in less than seven business days.
We tested each one individually and prioritized ones that offer expedited processing at an affordable cost.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take For My LLC To Be Approved in Washington?
It takes 4-5 weeks for your LLC to be approved by mail in Washington. The online filling is a much faster option taking anywhere between 7 to 12 business days. With the online option, you’ll not have an additional transit time due to the instant downloading of documents immediately after acceptance.
Do I Need An LLC Service in Washington?
No, you do not need an LLC service in Washington but hiring one takes a lot of work off your plate. The best LLC service provider will handle all the hassle of creating your LLC, plus filing legal paperwork on time. This is a great way if you want to punctually comply with state laws and get a certificate of good standing.
Best LLC Services in Washington
With a pool of Washington LLC service providers offering different packages, choosing a premier company with premium service features at a reasonable price is crucial.
We recommend ZenBusiness as our one-stop shop for a comprehensive LLC service.
We tried ZenBusiness's service and were impressed. They ensured we maintained good standing with the Washington secretary of state with their swift processing and attentive customer care.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness
- Offering cost-effective LLC formation packages
- Affordably priced Washington LLC services packages
- Feedback from online customers is outstanding
- Speedy formation process
- Offers hassle-free compliance
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of October
- Formation of non-profit business is not supported
