District of Columbia Secretary of State filings, deadlines, and how to do them right.
Annual reports, business search, registered agent changes, reinstatement, dissolution, tax registration. Every District of Columbia filing explained, plus the business environment, regulatory bodies, and a year-round compliance calendar. Verified against the District of Columbia Department of Licensing + Consumer Protection, Corporations Division as of June 2026.
Why founders choose District of Columbia (and what to know first)
Federal government access and proximity. Major professional services and nonprofit ecosystem. Note: DC imposes Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax on LLCs and partnerships at 8.25%, making it less favorable than nearby Virginia or Maryland for many founders.
Tax obligations at a glance
Tax obligations depend on entity type, where you operate, and where revenue is sourced. Consult a licensed CPA for entity-specific advice. File.Business connects you with vetted CPAs in District of Columbia on request.
Other District of Columbia agencies your business will touch
The Secretary of State handles formation and corporate filings. These agencies handle the rest of your District of Columbia compliance.
Income tax, sales tax, franchise tax
Unemployment insurance, wage and hour
Insurance, banking, securities
Workers comp
Professional licensing
Alcohol and cannabis licensing
Year-round filings every District of Columbia business should know
Recurring federal and state deadlines that affect District of Columbia businesses. Our Compliance Calendar tracks these and 200+ others against your entity.
How to form an LLC in District of Columbia: step by step
Each step explained with what District of Columbia requires. File.Business handles all of this for $0 service fee plus the $220 state fee.
Search the state business name database to confirm the name is distinguishable. Must include LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company.
State street address required (no P.O. Box). The agent must accept the appointment and be available during business hours.
Submit to the Secretary of State with the state filing fee. Online filing is the fastest channel.
Not filed with the state but legally important. Defines members, contributions, distributions, and manager rules.
IRS Form SS-4. Online if a member has an SSN; mail/fax if all members are non-US.
Most banks require: Articles, EIN letter, operating agreement, and beneficial-owner ID.
Department of Revenue for sales tax, withholding accounts if hiring employees.
Ready to file your District of Columbia paperwork the easy way?
Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.
Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing + Consumer Protection, Corporations Division or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing + Consumer Protection, Corporations Division. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Filing fees and deadlines verified against the District of Columbia Department of Licensing + Consumer Protection, Corporations Division as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed District of Columbia attorney or CPA.
Every District of Columbia Secretary of State topic, in one place.
24 keyword-focused guides covering every filing, form, and compliance question for District of Columbia businesses.