Submit an Initial Report (Multiple Entity Types) Online
Initial Report (Multiple Entity Types): Online Instructions
Purpose: An Initial Report may be used by any domestic or foreign to record the principal office information and the business entity’s governors. The initial report can be filed with the origination document for free or it can be submitted at any point within the first 120 days of existence for an additional fee.
Filing Fee: The filing fee is $10. In addition, the online processing fee applies.
Expedited Service: You may add expedited priority for an additional $100 at checkout, which is generally processed within three working days.
Email: An email address is required for the Registered Agent & Principal Office fields, per WAC 434-112-045(4).
This filing type is not available for Nonprofits & Limited Liability Partnerships through our online filing system. Visit our Download Forms - Initial Report Section for more info.
1. Visit our Corporations and Charities Filing System (opens in new tab) landing page and log in to your account.
2. Once logged in, select “Business Maintenance Filings” from the navigation bar on the left side, then select “Initial Report”. Search for your business by entering your UBI number or Business Name, then select the “Search” button.
3. Select the desired business from the business search results then select the “Continue” button. The page will advance to the online Annual Report to be completed
Select each section dropdown below for instruction and important information.
- Business Information
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This is a reference section, and it reflects the information that is currently recorded for the business. Fields to edit the information will follow and this pane will not update as you make changes.
- Registered Agent
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All businesses must designate a Registered Agent in Washington State, as required by RCW 23.95.415. The current Registered Agent on record can be edited by selecting the edit button or replaced by selecting the trash can to the right of the listed agent. The Consent of the Registered Agent is required if any changes other than contact info is made. By selecting one of the radio buttons under “Registered Agent Consent” the submitter is attesting to the statements listed.
List a new Agent Type
Choose either a Commercial or Noncommercial Registered Agent.
Commercial Registered Agent: A business or individual registered with the Secretary of State to receive legal documents on behalf of entities.
- Use the search tool, select the agent from the results, and click “Select Agent.”
Noncommercial Registered Agent: A business or individual who agrees to receive legal documents but is not registered as a commercial agent.
- Click “Add New Agent” (even if search results appear) to ensure accurate entry.
- Enter and confirm the agent’s email address
- Provide a physical street address in Washington State (no PO Boxes or PMBs) and mailing address (optional).
- Phone number (optional).
- Principal Office
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This is the location where the business keeps its records. If data is prepopulated, review for accuracy and update as needed.
- Email: Enter and confirm the email address (required). ACP Participants: Only check the ACP box if you are enrolled in the Address Confidentiality Program and can provide your participant number. More information about the ACP program.
- If you have trouble entering your address, uncheck the ACP box and try again.
- Street Address: Must be a physical address (no PO Boxes or PMBs). It does not need to be in Washington State. and mailing address (optional).
- Phone number (optional).
- Email: Enter and confirm the email address (required). ACP Participants: Only check the ACP box if you are enrolled in the Address Confidentiality Program and can provide your participant number. More information about the ACP program.
- Governors
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List the current individuals and/or businesses responsible for governing the business. If data is prepopulated, review for accuracy, and add, remove, or edit governors as needed.
To remove a governor, select the trash can icon under “Actions” in the governor list.- Do not include individual names in the business entity name.
- To add a governor, select the type (individual or entity), enter the name, and click “Add Governor.”
- Added governors will appear in the list below the entry fields.
- Nature of Business
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If data is prepopulated, review for accuracy and update as needed. Provide the nature of business of the business entity.
- Standard selections are available in the drop-down list
and/or - Check “other” to unlock the text box and enter a brief description of the nature of business.
- Standard selections are available in the drop-down list
- Effective Date
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Choose when the filing should take effect.
- To update the business’s record immediately upon completion, select “Date of Filing.”
- A future effective date will delay the updates to the business’ record until the date provided.
- Controlling Interest
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This section is required by the Department of Revenue.
All answers are initially defaulted to “No”. Review for accuracy and change the answers to “Yes” if applicable.
- If the question to 1 AND 2a, are “Yes” you must report a Controlling Interest Transfer to Return per RCW 82.45.220. Indicate by checking “Yes” or “No” in question 3 if the documentation has been filed with the Department of Revenue.
- For more information about Controlling Interest, contact Department of Revenue by visiting https://www.dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/other-taxes/real-estate-excise-tax.
- Return Address for this Filing
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If entered, confirmation for this filing will be sent to this address in addition to the Registered Agent’s address.
- Upload additional documents
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Use this section to upload any required supporting documents.
Uploading documents will delay the acceptance of the annual report until it can be reviewed in-office.
- Do not upload meeting minutes, ownership details, operating agreements, bylaws, or other internal governance documents, these uploads will be removed before the filing is completed.
- Authorized Person
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Provide the first and last name of the authorized person submitting the filing. Then select the checkbox next to “This document is hereby executed under penalty of law and is to the best of my knowledge, true and correct.”
4. Confirm the information is accurate and all sections marked with red asterisks are complete.
- Select "Continue" to advance to the next screen.
- If you are unable to advance, review for missing information.
5. Within the Review page, confirm the information is correct.
- If the information is accurate, then select “Add to Cart” at the bottom of the screen.
- To make changes to the information on this page, select "Back” at the bottom of the screen.
6. Select a maximum of five items, then select “Checkout”.
7. Review the items in your cart, then select “Proceed to Checkout”.
- Filing fees will be calculated automatically when they are added to the cart.
8. Enter the required payment information and select “Place your Order”.
Next Steps: Upon review and acceptance by Secretary of State staff. All documents associated with this filing will be available in the user account’s “Notices and Filed Documents” folder.