Document Genius

Free Washington LLC Operating Agreement Template

Protect your business and establish clear internal rules with a Washington LLC operating agreement. Build your custom agreement in minutes using our guided online form.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Fill in Your Details

Enter your LLC name, member information, and business address.

2

Customize Your Agreement

Define ownership, voting rights, and management structure.

3

Sign and Store

Download your completed document as a PDF or Word file, e-sign, and save it for your records.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Washington LLC Operating Agreement?
  2. Laws, Costs, and Fees in Washington
  3. How to Create a Washington LLC Operating Agreement

What Is a Washington LLC Operating Agreement?

A Washington LLC operating agreement defines your company’s structure, ownership, and daily operations. It explains how decisions are made, how profits and losses are distributed, and what happens if a member leaves or the business dissolves.

Although not required by state law, having an operating agreement is highly recommended. It helps prevent internal disputes, clarifies expectations among members, and reinforces your limited liability protection by showing that your business operates separately from your personal assets.

Both single-member and multi-member LLCs benefit from this agreement—it provides credibility with banks, investors, and regulatory authorities.

Laws, Costs, and Fees in Washington

Washington LLCs are governed by Chapter 25.15 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Key statutes that relate to LLC operating agreements include:

  • RCW 25.15.018 — Effect of limited liability company agreements and non-waivable provisions.
  • RCW 25.15.141 — Remedies for breach of LLC agreement by a member.
  • RCW 25.15.171 — Remedies for breach of LLC agreement by a manager.
  • RCW 25.15.801 — Construction and application of the chapter and LLC agreement.

LLC formation and maintenance fees in Washington:

  • Certificate of formation (domestic or foreign): $180
  • Initial report: $10 (due within 120 days of formation)
  • Name reservation: $30
  • Annual report: $70, late fee of $25

All LLCs must submit an annual report to remain in good standing. Annual reports are due on the last day of the month in which the company was originally formed.

How to Create a Washington LLC Operating Agreement

Follow these steps to form your LLC and create your operating agreement in Washington:

  1. Choose a business name: Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC.” Confirm availability using the Washington Business Name Search. Ensure your name isn’t misleading or identical to another registered entity.
  2. Appoint a registered agent: Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Washington. The agent can be an individual or a company authorized to do business in the state. They receive legal and tax documents on your LLC’s behalf.
  3. File your certificate of formation: Submit your filing online through the Washington Secretary of State portal or by mailing the paper form. Include your LLC’s name, address, registered agent, and management type. The filing fee is $180.
  4. Create your operating agreement: While not mandatory, this agreement provides structure and ensures every member understands their rights and obligations. Use Document Genius’s customizable Washington LLC operating agreement to simplify the process.
  5. Obtain an employer identification number (EIN): Apply for free through the IRS website. Your EIN is used for filing taxes, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account.
  6. File required reports: File your initial report within 120 days of forming your LLC, and then submit your annual report each year by the last day of your formation month to stay compliant.