LLC Cost in DC – How Much to Pay for an LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in DC. People assume how to start an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in DC.

DC LLC Cost of Filing

Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in DC.

Cost of Filing Formation Certificates

The DC Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the DC Secretary of State.

DC Domestic LLC

  • Online Filing costs $220.
  • Expedited Filing Fee $320
  • By mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Corporations Division PO Box 92300 Washington, DC 20090. costs $320
  • In-person filing: Fill out the application form, and send it to the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs, 1100 4th St. SW, Washington, DC 20024. costs $320.
  • Biennial Report filing costs $300.00. Late filing of the report bears a penalty of $100.00.

DC Foreign LLC

  • Online Filing Costs $220
  • By mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Corporations Division PO Box 92300 Washington, DC 20090, costs $220.
  • Biennial Report filing costs $300.00. Late filing of the report bears a penalty of $100.00.

Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.

DC LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee

You need a registered agent to form an LLC in DC, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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$0 + State Fees

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  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

Business Permits and Licenses

The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the DC Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.

Business taxes

Apart from the filing of the Annual Report, the DC LLCs are also subject to state tax filing obligations. Though the taxes vary from place to place. There are different types of taxes imposed on entities operating their businesses in DC, such as federal income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, etc.

Income Tax

The income tax in the State varies between 4%-8.95% depending on the amount of income earned. If your business sells products into the State, it shall also attract sales tax at the rate of 6%.

Self-Employment Tax

DC Federal Self-Employment Tax is imposed on the business members who take profits out of the LLC. The current tax rate is 15.3%.

Federal Income Tax

DC Federal Income Tax is paid only on the income that you extract from the profits of your business, reducing the allowances and other deductions. The bracket for this is the same as the State Income Tax.

Withholding Tax

If you employ any person in your business, you must withhold the payroll tax from your employees at the rate of 7.65% of their taxable salary.

Other Mandatory Costs

DC LLC Name: It costs $50 to reserve the name of your LLC for 60 days.

Home Occupation Permit: The application for a Certificate of Occupancy for a DC LLC costs $72.60.

Business License: Obtaining Basic Business License costs around $200 for DC LLCs. Assessment of the licenses is done every two years and the licenses can be renewed at a cost of $70 with $25 for each endorsement. The DCRA Government website provides updated costs information to set up an LLC in DC.

Comparison with the Neighbouring States

Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you wish to gain a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to DC, check out the table below:

StatesDCMarylandPennsylvaniaDelawareWest Virginia
Online filing fee$220$100 (Mail)
$150 (online or in-person)
$125$90$100
LLC Annual fee$300 (Biennial)$300$520 times the number of members of the LLC$300$25
Name reservation fee$50$25$70$75$15
Sales Tax6%6%6%No sales tax6%

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs offers several programs for the District of Columbia to support businesses. Those who want to start an LLC in DC can explore different sectors and trade as per their preferences. The major sectors contributing to the GDP of DC are retail trade, wholesale trade, construction, and utilities.

Other Costs

F.A.Qs

Can I start an LLC for free?

It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.

Is an LLC expensive?

It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.

Does an LLC need a bank account?

The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in District of Columbia

To maintain an LLC in District of Columbia you will need to pay a biennial fee of $300 along with sales tax at 6%, income tax (4-8.95%) and federal taxes.

One of the key costs associated with maintaining an LLC in the District of Columbia is the initial filing fee required to register the business entity with the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). This fee covers the administrative costs of processing the LLC formation paperwork and officially recognizing the business as a distinct legal entity. While this cost may vary depending on the specifics of the business, it is an essential expense that should be budgeted for when establishing an LLC in D.C.

In addition to the initial filing fee, LLCs in the District of Columbia are also required to pay an annual report fee to the DCRA. This fee is necessary to keep the LLC in good standing with the state and to maintain its legal status. Failing to pay the annual report fee can result in penalties, fines, or even the dissolution of the LLC, so it is essential for business owners to ensure that this cost is accounted for in their annual operating budget.

Another cost associated with maintaining an LLC in D.C. is the expense of hiring a registered agent. Under D.C. law, LLCs are required to designate a registered agent who is responsible for receiving legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the business. While some business owners may choose to act as their own registered agent, others may prefer to hire a professional registered agent service to handle this responsibility. The cost of hiring a registered agent should be factored into the overall budget for running an LLC in D.C.

In addition to these specific costs, there are other general expenses associated with running a business in the District of Columbia that LLC owners should be aware of. These may include business license fees, zoning permits, professional licensing fees, and taxes, among others. While the exact amount of these costs can vary depending on the nature of the business and its location within the District, they are all essential for ensuring that the LLC remains in compliance with state regulations and operates legally within D.C.

Overall, while there are costs associated with maintaining an LLC in the District of Columbia, these expenses are necessary for running a successful and compliant business. By understanding and budgeting for these costs upfront, LLC owners can ensure that their business remains in good standing with the state and can focus on growing and expanding their operations. Ultimately, the investment in maintaining an LLC in D.C. is an important step towards building a solid foundation for long-term success in the competitive business landscape.

In Conclusion

The cost of D.C. is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.

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