You withdraw money directly from the LLC's bank account as needed throughout the year. The draw is treated as a distribution of your ownership share, not as wages or salary. There's no set schedule or amount required.
Tax treatment: Owner's draws are not subject to payroll taxes, but the LLC's entire net profit is subject to federal self-employment tax (15.3% for 2026). Washington has no state income tax, so you only owe federal income tax on your share of LLC profits. You'll receive a Schedule K-1 showing your profit allocation.
How to do it
Transfer money from your LLC business account to your personal account, documenting it as an owner's draw
Record the transaction in your accounting system with the date, amount, and note that it's an owner distribution
Set aside approximately 25-30% of LLC profits for federal income and self-employment taxes since no taxes are withheld from draws
2
Guaranteed Payment
The LLC pays you a fixed amount on a regular schedule (monthly, quarterly, etc.) for services performed for the LLC. This payment is guaranteed regardless of whether the LLC is profitable. Any remaining profits after guaranteed payments are distributed based on ownership percentages.
Tax treatment: Guaranteed payments are treated as ordinary income subject to federal self-employment tax (15.3%) and federal income tax. Washington has no state income tax, so there are no state taxes on guaranteed payments. The LLC deducts guaranteed payments as a business expense, reducing its taxable income.
How to do it
Document the guaranteed payment amount and schedule in your LLC operating agreement or partnership agreement
Set up regular payments from the LLC business account, treating them as business expenses in your accounting system
Issue yourself a Form 1099-NEC at year-end if guaranteed payments exceed $600, and make quarterly estimated tax payments
3
Salary via S-Corp Election
Your LLC elects to be taxed as an S-Corporation by filing Form 2553 with the IRS. You become an employee of your own LLC and must pay yourself a reasonable salary for services performed. Additional compensation can be taken as distributions, which aren't subject to payroll taxes.
Tax treatment: Your salary is subject to payroll taxes (15.3% split between employer and employee portions), while distributions above your salary are not subject to self-employment tax. Washington has no state income tax, so you only owe federal income tax on both salary and distributions. The LLC pays employer payroll taxes and issues you a W-2.
How to do it
File Form 2553 with the IRS to elect S-Corp tax treatment and obtain an Employer Identification Number if you don't have one
Set up payroll to pay yourself a reasonable salary based on industry standards for similar work, withholding federal income and payroll taxes
Take additional compensation as distributions after paying your salary, ensuring you maintain proper documentation for both salary and distribution payments
Washington Tax Notes for LLC Owners
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Income Tax
Washington has no state income tax, which is advantageous for LLC owners. You'll only owe federal income taxes on your LLC income, regardless of which payment method you choose.
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Self-Employment Tax
Washington LLC owners must pay federal self-employment tax (15.3% for 2026) on their share of LLC profits when using owner's draws or guaranteed payments. Only the S-Corp election allows you to avoid SE tax on distributions above your reasonable salary.
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Estimated Taxes
Since Washington has no state income tax, you only need to make quarterly federal estimated tax payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes. Payments are due on January 15, April 15, June 15, and September 15 each year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Mixing personal and business funds by using business accounts for personal expenses or failing to properly document owner's draws
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Not making quarterly estimated tax payments, leading to penalties and interest when you file your annual return
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Failing to maintain proper records of all payments to yourself, including dates, amounts, and the type of payment (draw, guaranteed payment, or salary)
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Over-paying yourself early in the year without considering cash flow needs, or under-paying yourself and creating personal financial strain