Complete Wyoming LLC formation guide for non-US residents. Form your LLC with just $100, enjoy $60 annual fees, maximum privacy, and zero state taxes. Step-by-step process included.
Wyoming has earned its reputation as the premier state for LLC formation, especially for non-US residents and international entrepreneurs. With the lowest annual fees in America, strong privacy protections, and zero state income tax, Wyoming makes US business formation simple and affordable.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about forming a Wyoming LLC in 2025—from understanding the benefits to navigating the step-by-step process.
Wyoming offers the most cost-effective LLC formation in the US with just $100 to start and $60 annual fees. You get maximum privacy protection, zero state income tax, and strong asset protection—all without needing to set foot in the United States.
Wyoming consistently ranks #1 on the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index, and for good reason. The state has built a business-friendly environment specifically designed to attract entrepreneurs from around the world.
Maximum Privacy Protection: Wyoming does not require disclosure of LLC members or managers in public filings. Your ownership remains confidential, with only your registered agent knowing your identity.
Zero State Taxes: No corporate income tax, no franchise tax, and no personal income tax. Wyoming LLCs pay no state-level taxes regardless of revenue.
Strong Asset Protection: Wyoming offers charging order protection even for single-member LLCs, helping shield your personal assets from business liabilities.
Low Operating Costs: With just $60 annual fees (the lowest in America), Wyoming lets you maintain compliance without breaking the bank.
No Residency Requirements: International entrepreneurs can form and own a Wyoming LLC without ever visiting the United States.
Many entrepreneurs wonder whether to choose Wyoming or Delaware for their LLC. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Wyoming LLC | Delaware LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $60 | $300 |
| Formation Fee | $100 | $90 |
| State Income Tax | None | None (if no DE business) |
| Privacy Protection | Excellent (anonymous) | Good (limited disclosure) |
| Best For | Privacy seekers, cost-conscious entrepreneurs | VC-backed startups, large corporations |
| Legal System | Standard courts | Court of Chancery (specialized) |
| Investor Appeal | Good | Excellent (preferred by VCs) |
⚠️ Important: If you're planning to raise venture capital or work with institutional investors, Delaware's specialized Court of Chancery and established legal precedents make it the preferred choice. For most small businesses and solo entrepreneurs, Wyoming's lower costs and superior privacy make it the clear winner.
We've simplified the Wyoming LLC formation process into clear, actionable steps. Here's exactly what you need to do:
Select a unique name ending with "LLC" or "L.L.C."
Choose an agent with a Wyoming address
Submit to Wyoming Secretary of State ($100)
Define ownership and management structure
Get your IRS tax ID number (free)
Maintain compliance ($60/year)
Your Wyoming LLC name must include one of these designations:
The name must be distinguishable from other businesses registered in Wyoming. You can search existing names on the Wyoming Secretary of State website to verify availability.
Every Wyoming LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Wyoming (P.O. boxes are not allowed). Your registered agent receives legal documents and important notices on behalf of your business.
For non-residents, we provide professional registered agent services as part of our Wyoming LLC formation package, ensuring you have a reliable Wyoming presence without needing to travel to the United States.
Submit your Articles of Organization to the Wyoming Secretary of State. You have two options:
Online Filing: Immediate approval, $100 + $4 credit card fee = $104 total Mail Filing: 15 business days processing time, $100
The Articles of Organization require basic information:
While Wyoming doesn't legally require an operating agreement, we strongly recommend creating one. This internal document defines:
An operating agreement protects your limited liability status and prevents disputes between members.
Most LLCs need an EIN (also called a tax ID number) from the IRS. This free number is required to:
You can apply for an EIN online at the IRS website. The process is free and takes about 10 minutes.
💼 Pro Tip: Non-US residents need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or alternative documentation to obtain an EIN. We handle this process for you as part of our Federal Tax Filing service, ensuring you get your EIN without delays.
Wyoming LLCs must file an annual report each year on the first day of the anniversary month of formation. The report is simple and includes:
Annual Report Fee: $60 minimum (or $0.0002 per dollar of assets over $300,000) Due Date: First day of your formation anniversary month Late Fee: Dissolution if not paid within 60 days
We offer annual reporting services to ensure you never miss a deadline.
Understanding the full cost structure helps you budget effectively. Here's what you'll pay:
One-Time Formation Costs:
Annual Ongoing Costs:
Total First Year: ~$350-$650 Total Annual: ~$185-$360
Wyoming LLCs have always offered strong privacy protection, but a major development in 2025 has made them even more attractive.
On March 26, 2025, the federal government fundamentally altered the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), exempting all domestic US entities from beneficial ownership reporting requirements to FinCEN.
What This Means for You:
While Wyoming offers excellent privacy, it's important to understand the boundaries:
Where Privacy Applies:
Where Identity May Be Required:
Your registered agent must know your identity and will provide it to state or federal authorities if legally required, but maintains strict confidentiality otherwise.
Wyoming is recognized as one of the strongest states for LLC asset protection. Key protections include:
Charging Order Protection: Even for single-member LLCs, Wyoming law limits creditors to charging orders. This means creditors cannot seize LLC assets directly or force dissolution—they can only receive distributions that would have gone to the member.
Liability Shield: Members and managers are protected from personal liability for business debts and obligations, as long as you maintain proper corporate formalities.
No Piercing the Corporate Veil: Wyoming courts rarely allow creditors to "pierce the corporate veil" and reach personal assets if you follow basic requirements:
Privacy and asset protection are different concepts. Privacy means your ownership isn't public record. Asset protection means your personal assets are shielded from business liabilities. Wyoming offers both, making it uniquely valuable for international entrepreneurs.
Wyoming offers significant tax benefits, especially when combined with proper international tax planning:
State Level:
Federal Level (US Tax Obligations):
We handle all federal tax compliance through our Federal Tax Filing service, ensuring you meet IRS requirements without confusion.
Learning from others' mistakes saves time and money. Here are the most common Wyoming LLC formation errors:
Mistake #1: Skipping the Operating Agreement Even though Wyoming doesn't require it, an operating agreement protects your limited liability status and prevents member disputes.
Mistake #2: Using Your Home Country Address You need a Wyoming address for your registered agent. Many non-residents mistakenly try to use their foreign address, which isn't accepted. Our registered agent service provides you with a compliant Wyoming address.
Mistake #3: Missing Annual Report Deadlines Late annual reports can result in administrative dissolution. Set calendar reminders or use our annual reporting service.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Federal Tax Requirements While Wyoming has no state taxes, you still have federal IRS obligations. Foreign-owned LLCs must file annual returns even with zero income.
Mistake #5: Mixing Personal and Business Finances Commingling funds can destroy your liability protection. Always maintain separate business bank accounts and consider our professional accounting services to keep your finances organized.
Wyoming LLC formation offers international entrepreneurs an unbeatable combination: lowest costs in America, maximum privacy protection, zero state taxes, and strong asset protection. The 2025 changes to beneficial ownership reporting have made Wyoming even more attractive for non-US residents.
We simplify the entire Wyoming LLC formation process—from initial company formation to ongoing compliance—so you can focus on building your business instead of navigating US regulations.
Ready to get started? Explore our Wyoming LLC formation service and let us handle the complexity for you. We also offer comprehensive support including federal tax filing and accounting services to keep your business fully compliant.
Yes, absolutely. Wyoming has no residency requirements for LLC owners or managers. International entrepreneurs can form and own a Wyoming LLC without ever visiting the United States. You'll need a registered agent with a Wyoming address (which we provide), but you can manage your business entirely from your home country.
Online filings are approved immediately by the Wyoming Secretary of State. Mail filings take approximately 15 business days to process. After approval, you'll need to obtain your EIN from the IRS (which can be completed the same day for US residents, or within 4-6 weeks for international applicants). The entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks from start to finish.
Wyoming offers lower annual fees ($60 vs $300), better privacy protection, and is more cost-effective for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. Delaware is preferred for venture-capital-backed startups due to its specialized Court of Chancery and investor familiarity. For most non-resident entrepreneurs, Wyoming is the better choice.
No, you never need to visit Wyoming. The entire formation process can be completed remotely. You'll file documents with the Wyoming Secretary of State, appoint a registered agent with a Wyoming address, and obtain your EIN from the IRS—all without leaving your home country.
Wyoming LLCs must file an annual report each year on the first day of the formation anniversary month. The report includes your registered agent information and principal office address. The filing fee is $60 (or $0.0002 per dollar for assets over $300,000). We offer annual reporting services to ensure you never miss this deadline.
Wyoming does not require disclosure of member or manager names in public filings, keeping your ownership confidential. As of March 26, 2025, the federal government exempted all domestic US entities from beneficial ownership reporting to FinCEN, strengthening Wyoming's privacy protections. Only your registered agent knows your identity (and must keep it confidential unless legally required to disclose).
Wyoming LLCs pay no state income tax, no franchise tax, and no gross receipts tax. At the federal level, LLCs are pass-through entities, meaning profits are taxed on your personal tax return. Non-resident members pay US federal tax only on US-source income. Foreign-owned LLCs must file annual Form 1120 and Form 5472 with the IRS, even if they have zero income.
Yes, Wyoming LLCs are perfect for international business operations. You can use your Wyoming LLC to open US bank accounts, accept US payment processors (Stripe, PayPal), operate e-commerce stores, provide international consulting services, and establish US business credibility—all while maintaining privacy and minimizing costs.
While both states are business-friendly, Wyoming offers significantly lower costs ($60 vs $300 annual fees), better privacy protection, and simpler compliance requirements. Delaware is preferred primarily by venture-capital-backed startups due to its Court of Chancery. For most international entrepreneurs and small businesses, Wyoming LLC formation provides better value and stronger privacy protections. Read our full comparison in the "Wyoming vs Delaware" section above.
Need help with Wyoming LLC formation and ongoing compliance? Explore our comprehensive services designed specifically for non-US residents.
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