The first step in incorporating a business in Washington, DC, is to select a business name and confirm that it is available for use. The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) website is where you can accomplish this. The business must submit articles of incorporation to the DCRA after deciding on a name. This document contains details about the company, including its name and address, its purpose, and the names and addresses of the incorporators.
One thing to keep in mind is that S corporations are not recognized in Washington, DC. This means that while companies can choose to incorporate as a C corporation or an LLC, they cannot elect to be taxed in DC as a S corporation.
The $150 filing fee and the $70 biannual report charge total $220 in DC to form an LLC. A domestic firm must pay $225 to incorporate in DC, whereas a foreign corporation must pay $220. This includes a $75 biannual report charge and a $150 filing cost.
Businesses in DC must also pay a corporate franchise tax in addition to these taxes. This tax is based on the company’s net income and is required every two years. The current tax rate for eligible high-technology enterprises is 8.25%, whereas it is 9.975% for ordinary corporations.
Overall, forming a business in Washington, DC is a simple procedure with affordable costs. Before beginning a business in the city, it’s crucial to be informed of the special characteristics of DC legislation, such as the corporate franchise tax and the absence of recognition for S corporations.
You must register your company with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and receive a business license if you intend to conduct business in Washington, DC. Furthermore, you can incorporate your firm in Washington, DC, by submitting the required paperwork to the DCRA. You might not need to register or incorporate in Washington, DC, though, if your company is based there but conducts the majority of its operations elsewhere. A legal expert should be consulted for advice on the particular needs for your company.
The price to launch a business in Washington, DC varies depending on a number of variables, including the kind of the company, the number of employees, and the location. The filing charge for registering a trade name is $54, while the basic cost of incorporation in DC is $220. Depending on the nature of their operations, firms may also need to pay taxes, licenses, and permits.