Registration Requirements
An HOA is usually created to manage and take care of a community. For example, taking care of community
buildings, landscaping, watching parking rules, checking home improvements, handling noise complaints,
playgrounds, or clubhouse upkeep.
You need to register your HOA with the state if you do any of these things:
- Collect monthly or yearly fees from homeowners
- Enforce community rules (CC&Rs)
- Take care of shared areas like pools or parks
- Review and approve home improvements
- Give fines or penalties to homeowners
- Act as the official voice for the community
Important Warning: HOAs that do these activities
without proper registration can get in legal trouble and lose important protections under state law.
Why Register Your HOA?
Registering your HOA helps in several important ways
Legal Protection
- Board members can't be personally sued for HOA decisions
- HOA can go to court if needed
- HOA's money and property are protected
Business Benefits
- Can open bank accounts
- Can sign contracts
- May not have to pay some taxes
Main Benefit: Registered HOAs become official nonprofit
businesses, which gives them important protections and the ability to operate legally.
Registration Process,
Costs & Forms
The Registration Process: Registration is also called "incorporation." You create Articles of
Incorporation by registering with the Corporations & Charities Division
of the Secretary of State. This makes your HOA a legal business. When you're done, you'll get a
confirmation and a state business number (UBI#).
Costs
- $180.00 – First Time Filing Fee
- $30.00 – Changes to Your Filing
Check registration forms for exact fees
View All Fees | All fees are non-refundable per WAC
434-112-085
How to Pay: Check, money order, or credit
card. Make checks out to "Secretary of State."
Processing Time
You can submit forms online or by mail (depending on the form type). Forms are processed in the order they're
received. Rush orders go first.
- Online Forms: Usually processed within 5 business days
- Rush Processing: Goes first (costs an extra $20)
- Paper Forms: Only some forms can be mailed, processed after online forms
Tip: Online filing is the fastest option and
provides immediate confirmation once your
submission is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions | WAC 434-112.075
Duration
You need to file an Annual Report every year by your expiration date. This date is the last day of the month when
your business was first registered with the Secretary of State. You can file this report up to 180 days early.
What Must Be in Your Articles of Incorporation
Required Information
- Business name (must include "Association" or "Corporation")
- Office address in Washington
- Registered agent name and address
- What your HOA will do
- Who is starting the HOA
- A specific purpose statement and rules about what happens to assets if the HOA dissolves when
applying for tax exempt status. Visit the IRS for more information
Extra Documents
- Copy of CC&Rs (if you already have them)
- Bylaws (recommended but not required)
- Board decision to start the HOA
- Payment for filing fee
Name Requirements: Your business
name must be different from other registered businesses in Washington. Use the business name database to check if your name is
available before filing.
Where to Send Your Forms
Submit Online: Corporations and Charities Filing System
(CCFS)
Contact Information:
Washington's Office of the Secretary of State
Corporations & Charities Division
Email: corps@sos.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-0377
Mail Your Forms:
Washington Secretary of State
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
Visit in Person:
801 Capitol Way S.
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Important Information
The Secretary of State's Office doesn't keep copies of Bylaws. Bylaws are internal documents that
your HOA keeps. All documents filed with the Secretary of State become public records that anyone can see.