Incorporate in D.C. (DC)
Learn the basic facts about D.C. corporations and D.C. limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between D.C. corporations and D.C. LLCs and learn about D.C. rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a D.C. Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your D.C. business. The most advantageous entities to form in D.C. are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in D.C.. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in D.C., be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a D.C. corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in D.C., faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in D.C.
D.C. Corporate Name Endings
D.C. Corporation Requirements
D.C. Corporate Taxes and Fees
D.C. Business License Requirements
D.C. Corporate Name Endings
The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. The name shall not be the same as or deceptively similar to name of a domestic corporation, authorized foreign corporation, or reserved name already existing in the district.
D.C. Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: One or more.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: None.
Directors are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Corporate Records
A list of shareholders must be kept at the principal office.
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. Business Filings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://cfo.dc.gov/otr/site/default.asp?otrNav_GID=.
S Corporation
The District does not recognize the S Corporation election.
License Requirements
The District of Columbia requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the District. Please check with the District to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in D.C.
D.C. LLC Name Endings
D.C. LLC Requirements
D.C. LLC Taxes and Fees
D.C. Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The name of a LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
D.C. LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements : no provision
Age Requirements: no provision
Members/Managers are not required to be listed on the formation documents
D.C. Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://cfo.dc.gov/otr/site/default.asp?otrNav_GID=.
License Requirements
D.C. requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Registered Agents in D.C.
D.C. corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in D.C.. The D.C. registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A D.C. registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in D.C.. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in D.C..
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in D.C.. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in D.C., but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in D.C. benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in D.C.. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in D.C. benefit by providing a consistent D.C. address.
Another advantage to using another company as your D.C. registered agent is that the information of your D.C. registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in D.C..
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