Initial Costs and Fees
How much does it cost to register an LLC in DC?
It costs $171.60 plus the cost of the Basic Business License to start an LLC in Washington DC. This is a one-time filing fee for the LLC Articles of Organization ($99) plus the fee to obtain the Home Occupation Permit or Certificate of Occupancy ($72.60). All DC LLCs need a Basic Business License, but the cost varies on what type of business your LLC does. So the total cost of starting a District of Columbia LLC is at least $171.60, plus the cost of your LLC’s BBL.
To start an LLC in Washington DC, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent, choose a name for your business, and file Articles of Organization with the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs. You can file online, by mail, or in person.
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How much does an LLC cost in DC? The state fees range between $220 and $370 in Washington DC, but those are subject to change by the Secretary of State.
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Can you be your own registered agent for an LLC in Washington DC? Yes, as long as you have a physical address in the state where your LLC is being formed, you can be your own registered agent.
The cost for a foreign LLC in DC is $220. You can file a Foreign Registration Statement (Form FN-1). Optional costs are: Name Reservation – $50; Trade Name – $55.
It takes ~3-4 weeks by mail or ~10 days online to form a DC LLC.
Biennial Costs and Compliance
There are no annual fees in Washington DC. However, there are two types of bi-annual fees (costs that are paid every 2 years). The cost for registering a Washington D.C. foreign LLC is $220.
The main cost to start an LLC in Washington DC is $99.00 for filing your Certificate of Formation. You will also need to file an annual report with the state of Washington DC on an every 2 years basis, which also costs $300.00.
In the district of Columbia, you can use your LLC to either run a business or purchase assets such as real estate and vehicles.
To register a new business with the District of Columbia, you will need your Federal Employer Identification Number and/or Social Security Number to complete the tax registration form on the District’s online tax portal, MyTax.DC.gov.
LLC registration in DC takes 1-5 days, depending on method and state workload. Costs range $99-150 annually. You may be your own registered agent.
The major expense is the $200 Certificate of Formation filing fee. The annual report fee is $60. LLCs must submit annual reports and franchise taxes to stay compliant.
Steps to Establishing an LLC
Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name by searching the state’s business name database. Add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" per state requirements.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent with a DC physical address available during business hours to receive legal and tax documents.
In DC, use your LLC to run a business or purchase assets like real estate and vehicles. Naming your LLC is the first step.
First, complete the articles of organization listing your LLC name, registered agent, and business offerings.
Steps before forming a DC LLC: Pick the name; Get an agent; File formation docs; Get operating agreement; Do taxes; Get an EIN.
Usually, filing yourself online is the fastest way to get a DC LLC. However, DC is backed up for online approvals. It might be faster to file by mail and pay for expedited processing.
The cost of filing forms and fees to set up an LLC is small, compared to other startup expenses.
DC issues a Basic Business License for restaurants, retail, contractors, rentals, etc. Other licenses are industry specific.
File a $200 Certificate of Formation to start a DC LLC. Most don’t have a UBI so one is issued after approval.
It takes 1-2 more weeks after approval to set up a bank account. Discuss requirements with banks, decide, then provide paperwork.