Dissolving a Washington LLC can be a complex process, involving various fees and requirements. However, understanding the benefits and steps involved in forming an LLC including key steps such as searching for available names, can significantly aid in navigating this procedure efficiently. One crucial aspect is the operating agreement, which outlines the dissolution process and other key aspects of the LLC's operations. Additionally, considering taxes and annual reports is essential to ensure compliance and avoid future liabilities. Whether you're a single member LLC or have multiple members, ensuring asset protection during dissolution is paramount. This article will guide you through the process, offering insights on voting to dissolve, filing necessary documents, and addressing tax obligations.
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure in the United States whereby the owners are not personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities. Limited liability companies are hybrid entities that combine the characteristics of a corporation with those of a partnership or sole proprietorship.
When applying for an LLC in Washington, your business becomes officially registered with the state. To end your LLC legally, you need to go through a process referred to as dissolution. Business members may consider dissolution once the LLC completes its purpose or when it stops being viable economically. The members may also agree to dissolve the LLC if they are at an impasse regarding fundamental decisions concerning the LLC's business operations.
There are several steps you need to take when closing a business. It's important to take careful action to ensure proper compliance and protect yourself from future liabilities. Following the proper procedures can help you move forward quickly when winding down your business. This will protect you from being responsible for paying annual fees, filing annual reports, and paying business taxes. The following describes how to dissolve an LLC business structure. The dissolution process is state-specific, so make sure you look into your state's requirements. This article will cover the dissolution process for an LLC in Washington.
There are many reasons for dissolving an LLC. This can include that the company is going out of business, is not paying its taxes, or following state regulations. In some cases, LLCs are created to fulfill a purpose. Once the goals are completed, there may be no reason to continue the LLC. Members may also disagree about the direction of the business, what subsequent actions to take, or how to disburse profits. Another reason is if a single person formed an LLC, the death or retirement of the individual might signal the end of the organization. Finally, if there are decreasing demand or liability concerns for the products sold, you may decide to dissolve the business as running the company no longer becomes profitable.
There are some basic steps to dissolving an LLC in Washington.
Review your company’s operating agreement. Most likely, it will contain information on how to dissolve the company. Typically this includes a vote amongst the members on whether to dissolve your company. If so, ensure you follow the requirements as part of the dissolution rules, including setting up the meeting to vote and providing notice to all members.
If it is not outlined in these documents, follow the procedures in your state's LLC laws.
You will then need to fill out the Certificate of Dissolution. These articles of dissolution must be submitted to the Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Division. The articles of dissolution will contain the LLC name, the return address for the filing, the UBI number, and the signature of an authorized individual. There is no filing fee in Washington.
After completion of the vote for dissolution, several final tasks need to be completed. This step is referred to as winding-up and means closing the operations of a business, selling assets, paying creditors, and distributing assets to members. One or more LLC members may be designated to take charge of this step.
Certain states require LLC owners to obtain a tax clearance, consent to dissolution or verify good standing from the state's tax agency. You may be required to file your last tax return before applying for dissolution. Make sure to indicate that this will be your company's final tax return. You can submit a request electronically or via mail to receive the clearance from your state's tax agency. If you are up to date on filing tax returns, you will receive the certificate that declares you have no tax liability.
Washington does not require a clearance before you submit your certificate of dissolution. However, you should still make sure to submit your final tax return to present any fees or penalties.
Other steps needed when properly closing a business include letting go of employees and settling severance packages, paying final payroll taxes, negotiating contract cancellations, and canceling business licenses and permits.
Finally, you'll have to close your business bank accounts, and your Federal Employer Identification Number and state tax identification number will be inactivated.
If your business operates in other states, you will need to also file separate forms to terminate your right to conduct business in each of the states. You will continue to be liable for annual report fees and minimum business taxes otherwise.
Once the Secretary of State receives the certificate of dissolution, it takes approximately one month before it’s processed. If you request expedited service for an extra $50 fee, your processing may be completed as quickly as within a week.
After your LLC dissolves, you have to call the Secretary of State at 360-725-0377 to find out what the fees and procedures need to be completed for reinstatement. In Washington, a dissolved LLC is able to be reinstated for five years after dissolution.
Keep in mind that after you dissolve your LLC, the name can be requested by another entity on the day of. If the name is no longer available and you want to reinstate your company, you will need to attach an amendment to the certificate of formation form and pay the filing fee to the Secretary of State.
If you fail to file a tax return and pay taxes, you must contact the Washington Department of Taxation and Finance for any taxes, penalties, or interest due. You also may be liable for any debts left unpaid.
If you have any additional questions, contact your business attorney for more information.