Building Businesses
Getting your business set up right, from day one.
Not every business should be structured the same way, and getting it right at the start saves headaches — and money — later.
How you structure your business also has real tax consequences — how you're taxed, what you can deduct, how you'll eventually sell or wind it down. We help you think through those questions upfront, not after you've already filed.
We handle LLCs, the most common structure we form, as well as Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) for licensed professionals — Washington law requires this structure instead of a standard LLC for many licensed professions, and we'll help you figure out if that's you.
Why do people create a business?
A million reasons.
Turning a side project into something real. You've been freelancing, consulting, or selling informally, and it's time to make it official.
Protecting yourself from liability. You want your personal assets separated from the business before it takes on any real risk.
Bringing on a partner or co-founder. More than one person means you need clear terms from day one — who owns what, who decides what.
Launching a licensed practice. Doctors, dentists, therapists, and other licensed professionals need a PLLC, not a standard LLC.
Raising outside investment. Investors typically want a corporation, not an LLC — and it's easier to set that up right from the start than convert later.
Buying an existing business. You need a new entity to hold what you're acquiring, structured to protect you from the seller's past liabilities.
LLCs
Certificate of Formation, filed with the WA Secretary of State
Federal EIN (Tax ID) application
Initial Annual Report filing
LLC resolutions and consents
Initial Operating Agreement
A guide to ongoing entity formalities
S-election filing and tax consultation, if that's the right fit for you
PLLCs
Confirmation that your license qualifies for PLLC formation under Washington law
Certificate of Formation, filed with the WA Secretary of State
Federal EIN (Tax ID) application
Initial Annual Report filing
PLLC resolutions and consents
Initial Operating Agreement
A guide to ongoing entity formalities
S-election filing and tax consultation, if that's the right fit for you
Corporations (S-Corp / C-Corp)
Articles of Incorporation, filed with the WA Secretary of State
Federal EIN (Tax ID) application
Initial Annual Report filing
Corporate resolutions and consents
Bylaws
Shareholders' Agreement
Stock register and certificates, if wanted
A guide to ongoing entity formalities
S-election filing and tax consultation, if applicable