Whether you’re a single proprietorship or an LLC, registering your business is a need if you’re thinking of expanding your business to Washington state. However, how do you approach it? Here is a step-by-step instruction manual for registering an out-of-state company in the state of Washington.
Select a business name in the first step. The first step is to choose a company name that stands out from others operating in Washington state. To check whether the name you’ve selected is available, use the Washington Secretary of State’s website. In Washington state, registering a business name costs $20.
Select a Registered Agent in Step 2 A registered agent is a person or organization in charge of receiving court paperwork on your company’s behalf. You must designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state when registering an out-of-state business in Washington state. You can select a Washington state resident as your registered agent or use a registered agent service.
File the Registration Documents in Step 3 The registration papers must then be submitted to the Washington Secretary of State. A Certificate of Authority, a legal document that gives your out-of-state company permission to conduct business in Washington state, is one of the registration documents. A Certificate of Authority must be filed for $200.
Step 4: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
You could require additional licenses and permits to operate in Washington state depending on the type of business you are running. To find out which licenses and permits your firm needs, contact the Washington State firm Licensing Service.
What Is the Difference Between a DBA and an LLC? A DBA, or “doing business as,” registration enables you to conduct business under a name other than your given legal name. An LLC, or limited liability company, on the other hand, is a type of legal entity that shields its owners from liability and permits pass-through taxation. An LLC is a distinct legal body that is able to hold assets and enter into contracts, whereas a DBA is merely a registration. Which Is Better: LLC or Sole Proprietorship?
Your company’s demands will determine whether an LLC or a sole proprietorship is best for you. The simplest and most economical business structure is a sole proprietorship, but it doesn’t offer liability protection. In contrast, an LLC provides liability protection but necessitates more paperwork and costs.
Do I Need a Business License in Washington to Sell on Etsy? Yes, a business license is required in Washington state in order to sell on Etsy. You might also need to apply for extra licenses and permits, depending on the nature of your firm. To find out which licenses and permits your firm needs, contact the Washington State firm Licensing Service.
In conclusion, choosing a distinctive business name, appointing a registered agent, submitting the registration paperwork, and acquiring the required licenses and permits are all required when registering an out-of-state business in the state of Washington. An LLC is a distinct legal company that offers liability protection, as opposed to a DBA, which is a registration that enables you to use a different name for your business than your legal name. Your company’s demands will determine whether an LLC or a sole proprietorship is best for you. Additionally, you may need additional licenses and permits if you’re selling on Etsy in the state of Washington. A business license is also required.
Although they are not exactly the same, trade names and DBAs (doing business as) are frequently used interchangeably. A DBA is a legal document filed with the state or county that permits a business to operate under a name other than its legal name, whereas a trade name is the name under which a firm works and is known to the public. A trade name is also known as a fictitious business name in some areas.
You must do the following actions in Washington state in order to establish a sole proprietorship: 1. Pick a name for your company and confirm that it can be used in Washington state. 2. Either online or by mail, register your company with the Washington Secretary of State. 3. Obtain any licenses and permits your firm may require. 4. Register with the Washington Department of Revenue for state taxes. 5. Register with your city or county for any required municipal taxes and licenses. 6. Open a company bank account and get any insurance that may be required.
It’s crucial to remember that although though sole proprietorships don’t require as much formal registration as other business structures, you should still take the required precautions to make sure your company is protected and comply with the law.