How to Start an LLC in Washington DC

The center of political power in the U.S., Washington DC is a thriving city with an extremely active business community. You don’t need to be directly involved in politics to start a business in DC, however, as there are plenty of opportunities in other areas.

If you want to start your own business in Washington DC, one of the best ways to do so is by forming an LLC. Limited liability companies (LLCs) are a business entity designed for startups and small- and medium-sized businesses. DC LLCs give you many of the protections and advantages of larger corporations without all the rules, regulations and compliance issues common to larger business entities.

Briefly, the benefits of starting a Washington DC LLC include:

• Separating and limiting your personal liability from your business liability and debts
• Quick and simple filing, management, compliance, regulation and administration of your Washington DC LLC
• Easy tax filing and potential advantages for tax treatment

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure here.

Review Information From the Washington DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

In most states, LLC formation and registration is handled by the Secretary of State. In the Commonwealth of Washington DC, businesses are administered by the DC State Corporation Commission. They have plenty of information on forming and registering a business in Washington DC.

These are all the basic steps for forming an LLC in Washington DC. You’ll find other useful information below.

Washington DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs for forming and running your LLC

Washington DC Department of Employment Services for DC employers and hiring

Washington DC Office of Tax and Revenue for taxes

Form a Professional Washington DC LLC

Some regions, including Washington DC, allow certain occupations to form “Professional LLCs.” These types of businesses typically have special requirements and licensing. The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs says that “professionals—such as lawyers, architects, accountants, engineers and doctors, etc.—shall register Professional LLC (PLLC).”

Form a Foreign LLC in Washington DC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Washington DC, you’ll need to form a foreign LLC.

More information on Washington DC filing and licensing requirements here

What to Do After Setting up Your Washington DC LLC

Want to know your next steps after creating a new LLC in Washington DC? We’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to understanding your ongoing requirements, setting up new bank accounts, protecting your business name, getting accounting in place and more. 

Detailed Information for Your Washington DC LLC

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including:

Naming Your Washington DC LLC

How to search the Washington DC business registry of the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and find the right name. Includes information on naming rules, fictitious names, reserving a Washington DC LLC name and more.

Washington DC Registered Agents for Your LLC

How to appoint a Washington DC Registered Agent to your new LLC or change to a different Registered Agent. Includes information on Registered Agent rules and searching for Washington DC Registered Agents.

Fees and Requirements for Your Washington DC LLC

How to understand the various fees you’ll need to pay and the requirements you’ll need to meet for both federal and Washington DC rules. Includes details of Employee Identification Numbers (EINs), Washington DC and federal business licenses, Washington DC Annual Reports and more.

Federal, State, Sales and Other Taxes for Your Washington DC LLC

How to understand the various taxes you will need to pay to the federal and Washington DC government. Includes details of federal taxes like income and self-employment, and Washington DC taxes like sales tax and income tax.