Form an LLC in Wyoming.
Filing an LLC in Wyoming costs $100 for the Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($99/yr) and the $60-minimum annual report license tax, a typical first-year cost lands near $259. Ongoing cost runs about $159/year.
Run the numbers for Wyoming.
Estimates only. Verify with the Wyoming Secretary of State before paying. Not legal advice.
Wyoming LLC fees, line by line
| Component | Cost / Rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $100 | One-time charge to register the LLC with the state. |
| Annual report license tax | $60 / year minimum | Due the first day of the LLC's anniversary month. Scales at $0.0002 per dollar of in-state assets, so asset-light LLCs pay the $60 floor. Missing the filing leads to administrative dissolution. |
| Franchise tax | None | Wyoming has no LLC franchise tax. The annual report license tax above is the only recurring state fee. |
| Registered agent | Required | Every state requires a registered agent. You can be your own RA in your home state at no cost; commercial services run $35–$300/yr. |
| Expedited filing | Available | Typical add-on $50–$100 for 1–3 day turnaround. |
Wyoming's annual report license tax
Every Wyoming LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State, due the first day of its anniversary month. The report carries a license tax of $0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming, with a $60 minimum — so an LLC with little or no in-state property pays the $60 floor each year. There is no separate franchise tax; this license tax is the state's only recurring LLC fee. Skip the filing and the state will administratively dissolve the LLC, so put the anniversary-month deadline on your calendar.
Should you form in this state if you don't live here?
For most operators, the answer is no. An LLC pays state income tax wherever it operates, not where it's formed. Forming in Wyoming while doing business in another state means paying both states' fees plus a foreign-qualification fee in your operating state. Real reasons to form in a non-home state: pure IP holdcos, real estate holdcos in the property state, asset-protection structures, or non-US residents with no US nexus. Full breakdown of when forming out-of-state pays off →
Forming an LLC in Wyoming
Wyoming's Secretary of State administers LLC formations through the Corporations Division. Articles of Organization are filed exclusively online via the state's digital portal or by mail. Online filings typically process within 1-2 business days; mailed submissions take 7-10 business days. The state charges $100 for standard online filing and offers a $50 expedited option for same-day processing. Wyoming does not require newspaper publication of LLC formation. Before filing, verify the LLC name through the Secretary of State's online business search database to ensure it is distinguishable from existing entities and includes "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company."
Every Wyoming LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The registered agent can be an owner, manager, employee, or professional service. Wyoming stands apart in allowing significant anonymity: the registered agent address and member information are not publicly disclosed in the same way as many other states, providing privacy advantages. Wyoming's LLC statutes do not require operating agreements to be filed with the state. Wyoming has cultivated a reputation for business-friendly legislation and privacy protections.
Wyoming LLCs do file an annual report, due the first day of the LLC's anniversary month each year. The report carries a license tax of $0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming, with a $60 minimum, so most small and out-of-state operations pay $60 a year. Miss the filing and the state will administratively dissolve the LLC. Beyond that single report, the tax picture is light: Wyoming imposes no state income tax, no LLC franchise tax, and no corporate income tax. The pairing of strong privacy protections with a $60-a-year compliance bill makes Wyoming a top choice for owners prioritizing anonymity and tax efficiency.
A common misconception is that Wyoming's privacy and tax advantages apply globally; if the LLC operates in another state, that state may impose its own taxes and reporting requirements regardless of Wyoming formation. Another pitfall is assuming minimal record-keeping; while Wyoming's state requirements are lenient, federal record-keeping obligations persist. Owners should maintain accurate internal records of membership, capital contributions, and distributions even if Wyoming does not require public filing.
State-specific tax considerations
Wyoming imposes no state income tax on individuals or pass-through entities, making it one of the most tax-efficient states in the nation. LLCs are treated as pass-through entities by default; income passes to members without state-level income taxation. Multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships file only federal partnership returns; single-member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities report income solely on the member's federal return. This zero-income-tax environment means Wyoming LLC profits face only federal income taxation.
Wyoming has no LLC franchise tax. The only recurring state charge is the annual report license tax: $0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming, with a $60 minimum that most asset-light LLCs pay year after year. That $60 floor compares favorably with Delaware's $300 franchise tax or California's $800 minimum. Wyoming does levy a 4% state sales tax, and local option taxes can add up to roughly 2% more, so register with the Department of Revenue if your LLC sells taxable goods in the state. There is no corporate income tax, inventory tax, or state capital gains tax. Payroll tax registration is mandatory upon hiring employees; employers must register with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services for unemployment insurance, but this obligation is the same as any other state. Wyoming's light recurring tax load makes it the default choice for many multi-state business operators.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wyoming have state income tax?
No. Wyoming imposes no state income tax on individuals or pass-through entities, and no LLC franchise tax. The only recurring state charge is the annual report license tax, $60 minimum for most small LLCs, which keeps Wyoming among the most tax-efficient states for LLC formation and operation.
Is a registered agent required in Wyoming?
Yes. Every Wyoming LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The agent can be you if you maintain a Wyoming address, or a professional service ($50-150 annually). Wyoming's privacy laws protect member information more than many states.
Does Wyoming require annual reports?
Yes. Every Wyoming LLC files an annual report, due the first day of its anniversary month each year. The report carries a license tax of $60 minimum ($0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming), and a missed filing leads to administrative dissolution.
Does Wyoming have a franchise tax on LLCs?
No. Wyoming has no LLC franchise tax. The recurring state charge is the annual report license tax — $60 minimum, scaling at $0.0002 per dollar of in-state assets — payable online or by mail to the Secretary of State with the annual report.
Sources & verification
Compare Wyoming with other states
See the full ranking — best states to form an LLC → Compare formation services →