How to Register a Business in District of Columbia

If you want to create a legal entity for your business in District of Columbia, you have several options. A District of Columbia Limited Liability Company, or LLC, provides key legal protections for your company while requiring a minimum of paperwork.

A District of Columbia Corporation provides all of the legal protections of an LLC, in addition to special treatment as a full business entity for accounting and tax purposes, at the cost of slightly more paperwork and reporting requirements.

On IncorporationForms.org, we have all of the papers you need to create your own business entity.

Registering a Limited Liability Company

1. Check your local government for any permits or licenses you may need. This usually at the county level.
2. Register with the IRS by obtaining a Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is your federal tax ID.
3. Fill out the Articles of Incorporation of Domestic Business Corporation DBU-1, Name Reservation Registration & Transfer Form GN-3, and Trade Name Registration Form.

Registering a Corporation

1. Check your local government for any permits or licenses you may need. This usually at the county level.
2. Register with the IRS by obtaining a Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is your federal tax ID.
3. Fill out the Articles of Organization for Domestic Limited Liability Company DLC-1, Name Reservation Registration & Transfer Form GN-3, and Trade Name Registration Form TN-1-4.