Start a Business in Washington D.C.
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This guide on starting your business in Washington D.C. provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.
Step-By-Step Startup
Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.
- If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
- If wish to form your business in a different state than Washington D.C., click here.
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Washington D.C. Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Washington D.C. Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Washington D.C. Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Washington D.C.
- Formation and business licenses are obtained from the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). You'll hear this acronym a lot.
- Calculating the fee to include with a corporation formation can be confusing. Pay $220 for authorized capital up to $100,000. Authorized capital refers to the valuation of your stock. You multiple the authorized shares by the par value per share. So if you issue 500 shares at $3 per share, then the authorized capital is $1,500 and your filing fee to incorporate is $220.
- The DCRA requires a beinnial report from corporations and LLCs. You must file an initial report by April 1st during the calendar year after registration, then every two years by April 1st. The DCRA mails reminders ~1 month before the report is due, which you should tend to promptly because there are penalties for late filing.
- Filing your formation documents can save lots of time. Filing by mail takes ~3-4 weeks. Filing online takes ~10 days. If you need your documents fast, you can pay the state for expedited service. The fastest way is to hire a courier to deliver documents in-person then they will be processed same-day.
- The District of Columbia offers a consolidated state tax registration application, called Form FR-500: Combines Business Tax Registration. It's free to file and can be filed online.
