Start a Washington D.C. LLC in a few simple steps.

Start a Washington D.C. LLC in a few simple steps.
FORM AN LLC IN WASHINGTON D.C.

5 Simple Steps to Get Started

According to the IRS, each state may use different regulations around forming an LLC, and you should check with your state if you’re interested in starting a Limited Liability Company. To simplify the process of forming an LLC in the state of Washington D.C., we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to detail each step of the process and answer any questions you may have.

Apply for an EIN and Review Tax Requirements
Create an Operating Agreement
File the Articles of Organization
Appoint a Registered Agent
Name your LLC

Step 1

Name your Washington D.C.

Your first consideration when choosing a name for your LLC is that it be unique from any other business in the state of Washington D.C..  You can quickly and easily check your company’s potential name options at the Washington D.C. Corporations Division of the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) business name database.  For a $50 fee through said Washington D.C. state website, you can also reserve a company name for 120 days.  To do so, you’ll need to submit the Statement of Reservation of Name form.

In order to comply with Washington D.C. state law, your company’s name must end with the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC.”

Step 2

Appoint a Registered Agent in Washington D.C.

The state of Washington D.C. requires that any LLC have a registered agent for service of process.  This means your LLC must have an entity that agrees to physically accept any legal papers on the company’s behalf should it be sued.

The registered agent does not have to be an individual person and can be any resident of the state of Washington D.C. or a business entity authorized to do business in Washington D.C. so long as the agent has a physical street address within the state.

Step 3

File the Washington D.C. Articles of Organization

To officially create your LLC in the state of Washington D.C., you’ll need to file Articles of Organization, with the office of the Corporations Division.  This can be done online at the Washington D.C. Secretary of State webpage with a $220 fee.  To complete this form you will need to know the following:

1.  The final name and address of your LLC

2.  The name and address associated with the company’s registered agent

3.  Whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed

4.  The name, address, and signature of the person filing paperwork

Step 4

Create an Operating Agreement

You may want to consider preparing an operating agreement to outline the ownership and operating procedures for your LLC.

Though not required by the state, an operating agreement will set the guidelines for running your company. This does not need to be filed with the state, but it can go a long way to ensuring your company’s success.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Foreign LLCs and Business Licenses

Foreign LLCs

If yours is a foreign LLC, also referred to as an out-of-state LLC, wanting to do business in the state of Washington D.C., you’ll need to follow all the aforementioned steps.

The main difference is that the form required to make your LLC legal to operate is referred to as a Statement of Foreign Entity Authority.

You can file paperwork online at the Washington D.C.  Corporations Division of the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) web page.  The filing fee is $220.  Once all the other requirements are met, your foreign LLC will be fully operational.

Business Licenses

The location of and specific type of business you are creating can potentially require additional federal, state-authorized, and/or local business licenses.  You can obtain federal licenses and perform a Washington D.C. license and permit search to try to procure all the appropriate licensing for your business.

Since business licenses and permits are issued at all levels of government and for many reasons, you should do careful research to find out what licenses and permits you need.  You can also hire a professional service to do it for you.

Why Jumpstart?

Jumpstart uses technology and automation to file your company so that we can bring you the lowest cost and highest quality service. That combined with our world class support team means you'll spend less time focused on tedious paperwork and more on your business.

Our proprietary automation is leagues ahead of the competition and can provide you your company almost instantly compared to 1 week+ average times with the competition.

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