These are the public and nonprofit bodies in Washington that help two or more owners start a business together, fund it and settle it when they disagree. Every one is free or low cost, each is public, nonprofit or university-run, and every link goes to the organization itself.

This is general information as of October 2026; a lawyer in Washington should read your actual agreement.

Washington partnership rules at a glance

  • The law. General partnerships follow the Revised Uniform Partnership Act (RCW 25.05). LLCs have Washington's RULLCA (RCW 25.15). Both LLPs and LLLPs are open to any partnership. All 50 states compared.
  • The cost. An LLC files for $190 (including the initial report), then owes a $70 annual report every year, $95 if it is late. A general partnership files nothing to form. Fees in every state.
  • Non-competes. Void below a 2026 earnings floor of $126,858.83 a year for employees ($317,147.09 for contractors), but a covenant tied to selling 1% or more of the business is carved out entirely. Every noncompete is void from 30 June 2027. Every state's rule.
  • When a court can end it. An LLC can be dissolved when it is not reasonably practicable to carry on, or when other circumstances make dissolution equitable; the ground cannot be waived in the LLC agreement, and there is no statutory buyout in its place. Grounds by state.

Forming and filing

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