How to Incorporate in Washington
The State of Washington is not quite as stringent with its incorporation rules as other states but it is still a good idea to work with someone who has experience with incorporating in Washington,especially if you have never formed your own business before.
Forming a business or corporation is a complicated process. It is a good idea to have someone experienced helping to make sure that you take care of all of the details that will need attention.
The State of Washington does require that your business have a registered agent in place in order to file for incorporation. A registered agent is any person or company that has been qualified by Washington's Secretary of State Offices to do business within the borders of the state.
Your business's registered agent is the person or company that accepts all official and legal notices on behalf of your business and then forwards them to you. It is a good idea to appoint a registered agent who is authorized to act as your corporation's lawyer.
When you file your articles of incorporation you must name at least one director. Who you name as your company's director is completely up to you.
Washington has no age or residence requirements for a corporation director. You do not have to list this person on your articles of incorporation but it is a good idea to have someone in place in case any issues arise.
Your corporation's name is required to include one of the following words: company, incorporated, limited or corporation (or their abbreviations). You must also make sure that your business's name has not already been taken.
While you prepare your articles of incorporation you should put together materials for an Annual Report as this report is required to be filed to the State within a few months of filing your articles of incorporation in Washington.
Your annual license fee will be fifty dollars and your annual report is due within a few months of paying your annual license fee or the State of Washington will not issue you your certificate of incorporation.
Many states have specific rules surrounding shares of stock, officer information and other details. The State of Washington does not require that share or officer information is included in your articles of incorporation.
That does not mean that you should not set them up before you file for incorporation in Washington. It is always better to be prepared and ready to go as soon as the state issues your certificate of incorporation.
Your professional can help you with all of this and make sure that your corporation is formed correctly.
About the Author Scott Letourneau, CEO of Nevada Corporate Planners, Inc.Since 1997,NCP has helped more than 5,000 clients get their businesses off to a fast start!Download our 78 pg report The Insider Guide to IncorporatingYour Business & Protecting Your Assets!"
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