Wyoming LLC: Complete Formation Guide
A Wyoming LLC is a popular choice for non-US founders because it is inexpensive to form and maintain, does not require you to list owners in the public filing, and has no state income tax. You file Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State, appoint a registered agent with a Wyoming address, and pay a $100 filing fee. After that you owe an annual report with a license tax that starts at $60.
Key takeaways
- State filing fee is $100, and the annual report license tax has a $60 minimum.
- Wyoming allows members to stay out of the public record, which appeals to owners who value privacy.
- There is no state income tax, but federal rules for foreign-owned LLCs still apply.
- You need a Wyoming registered agent; a US address of your own is not enough.
- Formation is quick, but the EIN and bank account usually take longer than the state filing.
Why founders choose Wyoming
Wyoming was the first US state to create an LLC, in 1977, and its law is friendly to small companies. Three reasons come up again and again for founders in India, Nigeria, the UAE or the UK.
First, cost. The state fee and the yearly minimum are among the lowest in the country. Second, privacy: members and managers do not have to appear on the Articles, so a search of state records does not automatically show who owns the company. Third, simplicity. Wyoming has no state income tax and no franchise tax for an ordinary online business, and the annual report is short.
It is not the right answer for every company. If you plan to raise venture capital, investors often prefer Delaware. Compare the choices in our article on Wyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico or the broader best states to form an LLC in 2026.
What it costs to form and maintain a Wyoming LLC
These are the government fees only. Our own service fees are separate and shown on the pricing page.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $100 |
| Annual report license tax (minimum) | $60 |
The annual license tax is calculated on the value of your assets located in Wyoming. An online business with no Wyoming property normally pays the minimum. Your registered agent charges their own yearly fee on top. Check the Secretary of State website for current amounts, because fees can change.
How to form a Wyoming LLC step by step
- Choose a name. It must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable from names already on the register. Search the Secretary of State database first.
- Appoint a registered agent. The agent needs a physical Wyoming street address and must be available during business hours to receive legal papers. Read our guide to choosing a registered agent.
- File the Articles of Organization. You can file online through the state portal. The document lists the name, agent, mailing address and organiser. Standard processing in our records is about 5 business days, and expedited options exist for an extra state fee.
- Write an operating agreement. Wyoming does not require you to file one, but you should have it. It sets ownership, decision rules and what happens if a member leaves. See the operating agreement guide.
- Get an EIN. Without an SSN you apply on Form SS-4. Our EIN without SSN guide walks through it.
- Open a bank account and set up payments. This is where non-US founders lose the most time, so plan for it early.
If you would rather have the filing handled for you, our LLC formation service covers the state filing and the registered agent set-up. Read the state page at Wyoming LLC for the current details we show.
Privacy: what is and is not public
Wyoming does not require Articles of Organization to name members or managers. That helps keep your ownership out of casual searches. It is not absolute secrecy. Banks, the IRS, payment processors and courts can all ask who owns the company, and you must answer honestly.
Federal beneficial ownership reporting no longer applies to US-formed companies, as explained in our article on the Corporate Transparency Act. Privacy also depends on how you list addresses elsewhere, for example on your website or in a Stripe profile.
Taxes for a Wyoming LLC with a foreign owner
Wyoming charges no state income tax on LLCs, and it does not impose a franchise tax on most small companies. Federal tax is a separate matter, and the treatment depends on how the LLC is classified and who owns it.
- A single-member LLC owned by a non-US person is usually a disregarded entity and files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year, even if the LLC had no income.
- Income that is not effectively connected with a US trade or business is often not taxed in the US for a nonresident owner. Income that is connected can be.
- Your home country may tax the profits as well. Check your local rules or ask a CPA.
Read how LLC taxation works and how non-US residents pay US taxes for more, and remember that this is general information, not tax advice.
Annual requirements after formation
Wyoming asks for an annual report and the license tax, due by the first day of your LLC's anniversary month. Miss it and the state can administratively dissolve the LLC. Set a reminder about two months ahead, and keep the registered agent's details up to date. The annual report guide and the LLC compliance checklist list everything that recurs.
When Wyoming is not the best fit
Wyoming suits a solo consultant, a small online store or a freelancer. It is a weaker fit in three cases. If you plan to sell shares to US venture investors, they will usually ask for a Delaware C-Corp, and converting later costs time. If most of your customers, staff or property sit in another state, that state may require you to register as a foreign LLC there and pay its fees as well. And if you want a formation date and paperwork you can show a bank quickly, remember that some banks are more comfortable with well-known states.
None of these rules Wyoming out, but they are worth a short conversation before you file. Our LLC vs C-Corp comparison helps if investors are in your plan.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming Wyoming means no US obligations
The state is cheap, but the IRS filing for a foreign-owned LLC is not optional. Budget for it from year one.
Skipping the operating agreement
Without it, state default rules decide disputes. That is a poor place to be with a business partner.
Using a home address as the registered agent address
Wyoming requires the agent to have a physical address in the state. Your address in another country does not qualify.
Ignoring the anniversary date
The annual report is due in your formation month, not on 1 January. Many founders forget because there is no state postcard.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Wyoming LLC cost?
The state charges $100 to file the Articles and a minimum $60 license tax each year with the annual report. Add a registered agent fee and any service charges.
Can a non-US citizen form a Wyoming LLC?
Yes. Wyoming has no citizenship or residency requirement for members. You need a registered agent in the state.
Is a Wyoming LLC anonymous?
The public filing does not have to name members. Banks, the IRS and courts can still ask who owns the company.
How long does formation take?
Standard processing is about 5 business days in our records. Expedited handling is available for an extra state fee.
Does a Wyoming LLC pay state income tax?
No. Wyoming has no state income tax on LLCs. Federal tax rules still apply and depend on your circumstances.
Ready to start? Form your Wyoming LLC with BookMyLLC or book a call if you want to talk through the choices first.
