Washington C-Corporation Compliance Guide
Everything you need to legally form and operate a C-Corporation in Washington. Filing fees, tax forms, ongoing requirements, and the trade-offs of this structure.
Is a C-Corporation Right for You?
Startups raising VC funding, businesses planning IPO, or those needing multiple share classes / foreign owners.
Double taxation on distributed profits. Most complex structure. Rarely optimal for small businesses.
Tax treatment
Entity-level federal tax (flat 21%). Dividends taxed again to shareholders (double taxation).
| Item | Washington Requirement |
|---|---|
| Formal state filing required | Yes — file Articles of Incorporation with the Washington Secretary of State. |
| State filing fee | $200 |
| Federal tax form filed | Form 1120 |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | Required — apply free at irs.gov (5 minutes online) |
| Registered agent required | Yes — must have a physical Washington address available during business hours. |
| Annual/periodic report | annual — fee $70 |
| State income tax | Washington has no individual income tax. |
Filing Sequence in Washington
- 1
Choose a business name
Search Washington SoS name database. Reserve the name if desired (~$25 fee, optional).
- 2
Get an EIN from the IRS
Free at irs.gov. Takes ~5 minutes online. Required for all business banking, payroll, and tax filings.
- 3
File formation documents ($200)
Submit Articles of Incorporation to Washington Secretary of State. Include registered agent info. Processing ~7 business days.
- 4
Register for state taxes
Register for sales tax if selling taxable goods/services in Washington.
- 5
Open a business bank account
Separate business finances from personal. Bank will require EIN, formation docs (for entities), and often an operating agreement.
Compare Other Structures in Washington
Not legal or tax advice.
State filing requirements change. Verify fees and deadlines with the WashingtonSecretary of State and Department of Revenue before filing. Structure choice has tax and liability implications — consult a licensed CPA or attorney for your specific situation.