How to File an LLC Annual Report in Washington? (Guide)
All LLCs in Washington must file an annual report to remain compliant with the Washington Secretary of State.
To ensure you take the proper filing steps, we consulted with our professional legal staff with over a decade of experience with LLCs.
We also reviewed the Washington Secretary of State website for months to provide the most up-to-date information about filing yearly reports.
This comprehensive guide will review everything included in the Washington annual report, including who needs to file an LLC yearly report, the filing fee, and the due date.
Quick Summary
- Filing an annual report for an LLC in Washington State is mandatory.
- The annual report is due by the end of the LLC's anniversary month, with a filing fee of $60 for online submissions.
- According to the Washington Small Business Profile, small businesses employ 1.4 million people, nearly half (49.8%) of Washington's workforce.
- The Washington Secretary of State sends reminders for annual report filings 45 days before they are due, and expedited service is available for mail or in-person filings for an additional $50.
What Is A Washington Annual Report?
A Washington annual report is a required business filing with the Washington Secretary of State that must be completed by any business registered with the state [1].
"Companies use the Washington Annual Report service to update any information that has changed since the initial report, such as the principal office address, business mailing address, business name, or any additional changes." - Mark David Nusz, Business Law Attorney
How To File A Washington Annual Report?
To file a Washington LLC annual report, businesses can utilize the state's annual report service, available online, by mail, or in person.
In preparing your Washington LLC's annual report, consider the state's labor market, where, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is 4.6%, a bit above the national 3.6% average [2].
This suggests a strong job market but potentially less competition for hiring, offering unique opportunities and challenges for small businesses in compliance, recruitment, and expansion.
1. Online Filings
You can use the Corporation and Charities filing system to file an annual report for your Washington LLC [3].
The steps are as follows:
- Visit the Corporations and Charities Filing System and log into your account.
- Select file annual report.
- Search for your business name or UBI number and choose your business.
- Complete the annual report by updating any information necessary since your first or last Washington annual report, such as your business address, registered agent's address, Washington registered agent service, or any other information.
- Checkout and pay the filing fee for filing online
- The express annual report will complete automatically, and your documents can be downloaded.
We completed our online filing process by paying the filing fee using a Visa card. You can also use Discover, Mastercard, or American Express.
2. Mail Filings
You can also file an LLC annual report through mail or in person by downloading the annual renewal paper form and taking it or mailing it to the state office.
To file your annual report by mail, you must download the document online, fill it out, and then mail it.
- Visit the Secretary Of State website.
- Click "Corporations and Charities".
- Click ”Business Entities”.
- Click "Download Forms".
- Click "Maintenance Forms".
- Click “Annual Report Profit Business Entity Types”.
- Download the document, mail it to the correct address, and pay the fee.
The Secretary of State accepts different payment methods for mail filing, including:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Check
- Cash
- Money order
Direct your paper Washington LLC annual report to the following address:
Corporation And Charities Division
801 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA 98501-122
What To Include in the Annual Report?
The Washington LLC annual report must include key business details such as the company name, principal office address, registered agent information, and other essential data.
Here's the list of all the information you have to provide when filing a Washington LLC annual report:
- Company/business name
- Principal office address
- Registered Agent full name and office address
- Email address
- Governors
- Nature of the business
- Effective date
- Controlling interest
- The return address for filing
- Authorized Signature
When filing your Washington LLC annual report, consider the significant role your business plays in the state's economy. According to the Washington Small Business Profile, small businesses employ 1.4 million people, nearly half (49.8%) of Washington's workforce, highlighting the critical importance of your LLC in the state's economic framework [4].
How Early Can I File My Annual Report?
All LLCs, Washington corporations, or any other type of business registered with the state are required to file an annual report as early as January 1st.
This early filing option allows ample time for compliance, well ahead of the due date, which is the end of your LLC's anniversary month
In our experience, we always file on or after January 1st, which ensures we meet the annual requirement promptly, thus avoiding any late fees and maintaining good standing with the Washington Secretary of State.
What Is the Filing Fee for the Report?
The annual report filing fee in Washington is $60.
Running an LLC in Washington, the Secretary sends annual report reminders by mail to our LLC registered agent. We receive these reminders 45 days before the business maintenance filings are due.
They also offer expedited service for mail or in-person filings for $50. Mail expedited processing usually takes around 2 to 3 business days to file an annual report.
In-person, expedited requests received before 3:30 p.m. will be processed the same day [5].
Related Articles:
- How to Open an LLC in Washington
- Top LLC Formation Services in Washington
- Cost of an LLC in Washington
What Is the Due Date for Submitting the Report?
The Washington LLC annual report is due by the end of your LLC annual report anniversary month.
For example, if your Washington LLC initial annual reports were filed in June, regardless of the day, you would have until the end of the month to file online.
What Are the Penalties for Not Filling Out the LLC Annual Report?
Failing to submit the LLC annual report in Washington results in a $25 late fee and, after 90 days, may lead to the dissolution of the LLC by the Secretary of State, affecting the business's legal standing and operational ability.
This dissolution can have severe implications for the business, including the loss of legal protections and the ability to conduct business legally in the state.
You must adhere to these reporting requirements to maintain good standing and operational status.
FAQs
How Do I Correct a Mistake in My Filed LLC Annual Report in Washington?
To correct a filed LLC annual report in Washington, file an amendment via the Secretary of State's website, make necessary changes, and submit with any applicable fees.
Can I Get an Extension for Filing My LLC Annual Report in Washington?
No, Washington State does not offer extensions for filing LLC annual reports. All LLCs are required to file their annual report by the end of their anniversary month each year. Failure to file on time results in a late fee, and prolonged non-compliance can lead to the dissolution of the LLC by the Secretary of State.
How Can I Verify That My LLC Annual Report Was Successfully Filed in Washington?
To verify your Washington LLC annual report filing, use the state's online business search, check for an email receipt, or look for a mailed confirmation. If uncertain, directly contact the Washington Secretary of State for status confirmation.
References:
- https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/1.2022---annual-report-form.pdf
- https://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm
- https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/12.19.2022%20FINAL%20-%20Nonprofit%2024.03A%20AR%20online%20instructions.pdf
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Small-Business-Economic-Profile-WA.pdf
- https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/download-forms-online-filing-instructions
