The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Washington D.C. is $99. This fee is paid to the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
The cost of hiring a registered agent in DC can range from $75 to $300 per year.
The processing time for forming an LLC in DC is typically 15 days.
One of the first steps to saving money is to have a clear and well-thought-out business plan. A comprehensive plan will help you identify potential areas of expense and find ways to minimize them. By detailing your company’s market analysis, competition, and financial projections, you can better understand which parts require more investment and focus on cutting costs in other areas.
Operating a successful limited liability company (LLC) in Washington D.C. requires understanding and fulfilling the ongoing requirements to maintain compliance and legal standing. Here are the primary ongoing requirements for a Washington D.C. LLC:
- Biennial Report: Washington D.C. LLCs are required to file a biennial report every two years.
It costs $171.60 plus the cost of the Basic Business License to start an LLC in Washington DC. This is a one-time fee for the LLC Articles of Organization ($99) plus other costs. All DC LLCs need a Basic Business License, but the cost varies depending on what type of business your LLC does.
The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $220 online or by mail and $320 in person.
All registered business entities are required to have a DC registered agent and office.
Although the details differ depending on your business activities, many Washington DC LLCs begin their formation by:
- File Washington DC Articles of Organization
- Write an operating agreement
- Apply for required permits
- Apply for a district business license
Yes, you need an EIN for your Washington DC LLC. The EIN stands for "Employer Identification Number," and it’s like the social security number of your business.
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 costs $500 for an LLC in Massachusetts, the most expensive state. Kentucky only charges $40, the cheapest state. The average nationally is $122.