Step #1: Domain & Email

By getting your email and domain name first, it will allow you to use your correct email address throughout the entire business setup process.

Buy Domain Name

Setup Email

Workspace (aka Gmail) also gives you cloud based documents, spreadsheets, calendar, document storage, and more!

Optional Steps

  1. Sign up for a password management service (recommended: LastPass.com - it’s free). This way you can save all your passwords as you go through the business setup process

  2. Get a business phone number...options include Google Voice (free w/ G Suite) or for more options try Number Barn ($6 / mth).


Step #2: Get Business License

Get Your LLC ($200 + $60 / year)

  • Sign-up for a Secretary of State CCFS Account: ccfs.sos.wa.gov (instructions HERE)

  • Click “Create or Register a Business” from the left menu (follow instructions HERE)

Get Your EIN Number

Register with the State of Washington ($35)

  • Sign-up for a My DOR account: secure.dor.wa.gov/home/

  • Click “Apply for a new business license” on the home page under “Quick Links”

Record Important Dates on Calendar

  • Secretary of State (CCFS Account) ~ Annual renewal required

  • Washington State (My DOR Account) ~ Monthly or Quarterly Exise Tax filings required


Step #3: Open a Checking Account

You will need your EIN # plus your Articles of Formation - both items you should have received during Step #2

Get a Business Checking Account

You may want to sign up for an account with a local credit union instead. They have local branches however they usually contain fees.

Get a Credit Card

  • Recommended: Any card will do...pick the best rewards options. Chase Ink or Capital One Business are the most common for small businesses. If you prefer, you can use the debit card that comes with your business checking account but you won’t get any rewards.


Step #4: Setup Your Accounting System

Sign up for an Accounting System

Create Your Chart of Accounts

This is your list of categories for tracking income and expenses...it’s recommended that you talk to your accountant about this. If you want to do it yourself, then see Appendix A for a sample Chart of Accounts

Link Checking Account & Credit Card(s) to Accounting Software

Both accounting programs above will automatically download transactions from your business checking account and business credit cards directly into the accounting software. Follow the instructions within the individual software to make this happen (again, your accountant can help with this).


Pro Tip! Use a single Credit Card (or debit card) that is dedicated only to your business for all expenses whenever possible. This will allow your accounting software to automatically download all business related expenses.


Appendix A - Chart of Accounts

This is just a sample, and very basic (basic is good though)...if possible, talk to your accountant


  • Income:

    • {Your primary source of income}

    • Other

  • Expenses:

    • Accounting & Legal Fees

    • Auto Expenses

    • Education

    • Insurance - Business

    • Internet, Phone & Utilities

    • Marketing

    • Meals & Entertainment

    • Misc Expenses

    • Office Expenses

    • Rent Expense

    • Software - Subscriptions & Fees

    • Travel Expenses