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Many business owners in the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) choose to form a limited liability company (LLC) because it blends the perks of sole proprietorship or partnership-style taxation with the limited liability protections of a corporation.
Creating an LLC requires completing several key filings with the state. To handle the setup yourself, follow this guide’s steps for completing the necessary documentation and meeting state rules.
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1. Choose a Business Name
Your first step in launching your District of Columbia LLC is to create a business name that is original from other companies registered in the state. A distinctive name protects your brand identity and helps reduce confusion in the marketplace. You can look up available names through the District of Columbia’s business name search tool.
LLC naming rules in Washington, D.C. specify that the name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC” or “L.L.C.” within it. Certain terms are off-limits, especially those that may give the appearance of a connection with government offices or certain regulated industries. Visit the Council of the District of Columbia website for the most reliable guidance concerning name requirements.
If you’d like to hold your business name while preparing your paperwork, you can file a reservation request. The fee in the District of Columbia is $50, and your reservation lasts for 120 days.
Check Online Availability of Your Business Name
Your company’s digital profile can impact business reputation and customer perception. Establishing this presence early by securing a website and social media handles that correspond with your company name ensures brand consistency and helps people connect with your business more easily. Even if your services are local or offline, your digital footprint still matters.
Use a domain registrar to check available domains, then purchase and register your chosen name for a modest annual fee.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
Appointing a registered agent is a required step for LLCs in Washington, D.C. The registered agent’s job is to receive legal paperwork and government notices on behalf of your company, including court summons and tax info. It’s essential to pick someone who is reliable and meets state standards.
Each state lays out its own set of requirements. In the District of Columbia, eligible registered agents include an individual residing in D.C. whose business office is identical with the registered office, or a corporation authorized to transact business in D.C. having a business office identical with the registered office. Certain states also require the registered agent to formally acknowledge the appointment in writing by signing a consent form. In the District of Columbia, the agent selected is not required to officially agree to serve with a consent form.
Many business owners consider using a professional agency such as the best registered agent services in Washington, D.C. for this role, as these services help ensure compliance and confidentiality.
3. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that outlines how your LLC will be managed, how profits and losses will be distributed, and the rights and duties of each member.
While the District of Columbia does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, having one can help your business run more efficiently. It can provide clear decision-making procedures, prevent misunderstandings among owners/members and underline your LLC’s limited liability status by demonstrating that the business is managed by a separate legal entity.
4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Your District of Columbia LLC may need an employer identification number (EIN)—a federal tax identification number issued by the IRS. It’s used for paying business taxes, opening a business bank account and hiring employees.
An EIN is mandatory for multimember LLCs, but single-member LLCs may still find it useful, especially since it’s often required on business license applications and can assist in keeping personal and business finances separate.
You can complete an EIN application online via the IRS website. It’s completely free, and you’ll be able to view your confirmation once the IRS processes your application.
5. Register Your LLC With the District of Columbia
Next, you need to submit your official articles of organization to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection: Corporations Division. This form captures important details about your business, including the official name, location and registered agent name. You can submit your articles of organization online, in person ($100 extra) or by mail. To simplify the process, Washington, D.C. provides an online filing option via its business portal.
Disclosure of Members/Managers
When you form an LLC in the District of Columbia, your information will be on public record, meaning anyone can find your name when looking up your business name. Some states allow anonymous LLCs, where you’re able to keep your name off of public record. While this level of privacy can be nice, in the District of Columbia, your info will be searchable.
Registration Cost
Registration requires payment of $99. The state provides the option to pay a fee of $50 for expedited processing of your filing. When considered with other startup costs like name reservation, the filing fee keeps Washington, D.C. among the more affordable states for LLC formation.
LLC Duration
The District of Columbia assumes a perpetual operating timeline for your LLC unless you designate a shorter timeline in the articles of organization. Without making this designation, your LLC will exist in perpetuity until you dissolve it with the state.
Processing Timeline
When compared to the estimated processing time for LLC registration in other states, the timeline in Washington, D.C. is rather lengthy. The state expects it will take 15 business days to process an LLC registration.
6. Obtain Required Business Licenses and Permits
Your LLC will be subject to requirements for business licensing in District of Columbia and will likely need multiple licenses and/or permits from the government to legally operate. This could include authorization from the state or federal government to conduct business within a certain geographic location (e.g., a town or county), in a particular trade or within select professions. Each license or permit has its own process—typically requiring documentation relating to the formation of your LLC and payment of a fee—and may require periodic renewal.
Ongoing Requirements for an LLC in District of Columbia
After you’ve put in the work to create an operational LLC in the District of Columbia, you need to put in a little more to preserve its position as a legal business. That means not only maintaining compliance with permit or licensure requirements but also fulfilling documentation and reporting obligations set by the state.
File a Biennial Report
The District of Columbia requires LLCs to submit a periodic filing to keep business information current with the state. The biennial report updates the state on information such as your company’s address, registered agent and ownership or management framework. Filing ensures the state maintains accurate records and helps your LLC remain in good standing.
The biennial report filing fee in the District of Columbia is $300. Compared to other states, this is a relatively significant annual report fee for LLCs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the filing fee for registering an LLC in the District of Columbia?
The filing fee for registering an LLC in Washington, D.C. is $99. This fee must be included when you submit your LLC formation paperwork.
How long does it take to form an LLC in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, the estimated standard processing time for LLC formation paperwork is 15 business days.
What types of LLCs are permitted in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, you can form a professional LLC and series LLC, in addition to a standard LLC.
How can I dissolve an LLC in Washington, D.C.?
When you want to formally close your District of Columbia LLC, you will need to file a statement of dissolution with the state. There is a $220 filing fee required.
How do you change the name of an LLC in the District of Columbia?
You can change the name of your LLC in Washington, D.C. by filing the certificate of amendment for domestic limited liability company.
How do you add a member to an LLC in Washington, D.C.?
Adding a member to an LLC in the District of Columbia can be done by filing a certificate of amendment for domestic limited liability company with the state.
Does an LLC in the District of Columbia require an operating agreement?
No. There is no state requirement that LLCs in Washington, D.C. have an operating agreement. However, such a document can be helpful in delineating operational responsibilities and preserving the limited liability status of the business.