Washington requires a “general” state-level business license for Sole Proprietorships. Most cities or towns in Washington also require business licenses. Washington requires all businesses to register for taxes. And you apply for a DBA using the Washington Business License Application, as well.
How to Form a Corporation in Washington Choose a Corporate Name. Choose Directors to serve on the Board of Directors. Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation. Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Write Corporate Bylaws. Create a Shareholder Agreement. Elect S Corporation status if desired.
To form a corporation in Washington State, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. This form legally incorporates your business. The following guide will walk you through the Articles of Incorporation. You can file this form by mail or—we suggest—online.
Filing as an S Corp in Washington Step 1: Choose a Business Name. Step 2: Appoint Directors and a Registered Agent. Step 3: File Articles of Incorporation. Step 4: Create an S Corp Operating Agreement. Step 5: Apply for an Employer Identification Number. Step 6: File Form 2553 for S Corporation Election.
This governing document is not filed with the state, but it is a requirement for Washington corporations. Bylaws generally cover areas of internal management, including the roles of directors and officers and the holding of shareholders' and directors' meetings.
To serve process on a Washington corporation, you have to provide a copy of the summons, personal injury complaint, and case setting schedule. In this respect, it is just like serving an individual defendant.
Most Washington LLCs are Washington State holding companies and do not have business licenses, but if you're going to operate a business here in WA, you'll need to get registered with both departments. You must have a Washington Registered Agent.
Creating by-laws When incorporating under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act), you have to create by-laws. They set out the rules for governing and operating the corporation. They can be modified at a later date as the needs of the corporation change.
Here are some typical examples of S corporation bylaws: Yearly meetings will be held to elect a board of directors for the following year. To vote or carry on other transactional business, there must be a minimum of six directors.