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Washington · WA

Business Banking for Lawyers in Washington

Free business checking with 1.75% APY, built-in accounting, and unlimited sub-accounts for lawyers in Washington.

Starting a Law Business in Washington

State Tax Rate

0% (no state income tax, but 7% capital gains tax)

LLC Filing Fee

$200 (LLC/PLLC)

Major Markets

Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver

Key Requirements in Washington

Must pass the Washington bar exam (or qualify via UBE score transfer)
IOLTA trust account required for client funds
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements vary by state
Professional liability (malpractice) insurance recommended

Best Banks for Lawyers in Washington

Compare Washington's top business banking options for lawyers.

1

Holdings

$0/mo · 1.75% APY

Free business checking with built-in AI accounting, unlimited sub-accounts, and FDIC insurance up to $3M. Available nationwide including Washington.

Key Features

  • Free business checking
  • Built-in AI bookkeeping
  • Unlimited sub-accounts
  • 1.75% APY on all balances

Pros

  • No fees, no minimums
  • Accounting included free
  • FDIC insured up to $3M

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • No cash deposit
2

Washington Federal

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers wanting a PNW-rooted bank

Pros

Pacific Northwest-focused, strong business banking

Cons

Monthly fees on some accounts

3

Banner Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers in eastern Washington

Pros

Washington-headquartered, extensive PNW branch network

Cons

Moderate digital features

4

HomeStreet Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers in the Seattle metro

Pros

Seattle-based, strong business and commercial lending

Cons

Primarily western Washington

Why Lawyers in Washington Choose Holdings

Free Business Checking

No monthly fees, no minimums, no hidden costs. Every dollar stays in your business.

Built-In AI Bookkeeping

Automatic transaction categorization, real-time P&L and balance sheet. No QuickBooks needed.

1.75% APY on Every Dollar

Your operating funds earn interest while they sit. No tiered rates, no caps.

Unlimited Sub-Accounts

Organize funds by job, project, or purpose. Track payroll, taxes, and expenses separately.

Lawyers Banking in Washington — FAQ

Do law firms in Washington need a separate business bank account?

Yes — Washington attorneys are required to maintain an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers' Trust Account) for client funds, separate from their operating account. This is a core ethical requirement enforced by the Washington State Bar Association.

What type of business entity should a law firm use in Washington?

Most Washington law firms operate as a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company), PC (Professional Corporation), or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership). Filing fee is $200 for an LLC/PLLC. Check with the Washington State Bar Association for entity restrictions.

What banking features matter most for Washington law firms?

Law firms in Washington need IOLTA-compliant trust accounting, easy separation of client and operating funds, robust transaction tracking for billing, and ideally integration with practice management software. AI bookkeeping can automate trust reconciliation.

Can Washington lawyers use online-only banks?

Yes, but your IOLTA account must be held at an institution approved by the Washington State Bar Association. Many online banks qualify, but verify IOLTA eligibility before opening. Your operating account can be at any bank.

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Ready to open your account?

Holdings offers free banking with 1.75% APY for lawyers in Washington. Open your account in minutes.

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