How to Start an S-Corp in Washington Step 1 – Choose a Name. Step 2 – Appoint a registered agent. Step 3 – File a Washington Certificate of Formation. Step 4 – Create an operating agreement. Step 5 – Apply for an EIN. Step 6 – Apply for S Corp status with IRS Form 2553.
To form a Washington S corp, you'll need to ensure your company has a Washington formal business structure (LLC or corporation), and then you can elect S corp tax designation. If you've already formed an LLC or corporation, file Form 2553 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to designate S corp taxation status.
LLC members may be any person or organization while S Corporation shareholders must be individual U.S. citizens or U.S. residents, estates or certain trusts (they cannot be other corporations or LLCs). Also, the number of shareholders is limited for an S Corporation while an LLC may have an unlimited number of members.
In Washington, an S corporation is treated as a regular C corporation for state tax purposes because the state does not recognize the federal S corporation election.
An S corporation can have only one class of stock, although it can have both voting and non-voting shares. Therefore, there can't be different classes of investors who are entitled to different dividends or distribution rights. Also, there cannot be more than 100 shareholders.
The Bylaws are the rules of operation for the corporation and are required by state law. Bylaws are not filed with the state. A nonprofit should keep a file of the Bylaws and any associated amendments in the office.
Copies of your Business License (BLA) can be ordered with the Department of Revenue .dor.wa or by calling 360-705-6741.
How to Download Articles of Incorporation from the Washington Secretary of State Website Navigate to ( ) Scroll down and select "Contains" as your search option. Insert your organization's legal entity name into the "Business Name" field. Click "Search"
This certificate also goes by other names, including a certificate of existence, status certificate, certificate of authorization, and certificate of status. But “certificate of good standing” is the most common way to refer to the document.