How to incorporate in Washington

There are three ways to incorporate your business in Washington: hire a lawyer to do the job for you (a very expensive option), walk in to the State Department office and do it by yourself or to use a professional incorporation company, like Active Filings. Whatever method you chose, this section will provide you the basic information you need to know about WA filings.

WA Articles of Incorporation Requirements

Corporate Name Endings

The corporate name must include the word "corporation", "incorporated", "company" or "limited" or abbreviation "corp", "inc", "co", "ltd". The name must not imply a purpose other than the purpose stated in charter. The name must be distinguishable from the name of any other domestic corporation or of any foreign corporation authorized to do business in state. Name must not include certain enumerated words indicating that it is bank or savings and loan or any other words or phrases prohibited by any state statute.

Director Information

* Minimum Number - One or more.

* Residence Requirements. - No provision.

* Age Requirements - None.

* Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

Officer Information

* The officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

Stock Information

* No extra filing fees based on number of share or amount of par value.

Yearly Requirements

* Annual Statements

* File statement with Secretary of State on or before expiration of the corporation's corporate license, or not less than 30 days or more than 90 days prior to the expiration date of any staggered yearly license. Secretary of State mails notice to each domestic corporation that its annual license fee must be paid. Annual license fee is $50 ($10 for inactive corporations), payable to the Secretary of State.

Income Tax Rate

* No income tax.

For more information on taxes, visit www.wa.org/dor/wador.htm

Active Filings can help you with your WA Filings!

Steve We work every day with the Washington Department of Business by filing corporations, limited liability companies, non profit corporations, filing articles of amendment, obtaining certificates of good standing (certificates of status), apostille certifications, filing DBAs, and more.

We also provide Registered Agent services to Foreign (out of state), and local companies as well as Foreign Qualifications (companies from other states setting a branch in Washington).

Starting Your Business in Washington State:

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