How to Start an LLC in Wyoming (Step-by-Step Guide)

When starting a new company, choosing a business entity is the most important decision that the founders must make. For most businesses with more than one founding member, forming as an LLC is often the best option for a number of reasons.

An LLC is an uncomplicated business structure that affords business owners legal protection by separating personal assets from business debts. Moreover, LLCs often enjoy a lower tax rate than corporations. Nevertheless, creating an LLC can get complicated depending on where you are based, with the formation process, filing fees, and continuing legal obligations differing from state to state.

1. Select a name for your Wyoming LLC

Follow naming requirements

There are two major guidelines to follow when naming your LLC in the State of Wyoming:

1. An LLC’s name must be distinguishable from the names of existing business entities on file with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
2. An LLC’s name must contain one of the following phrases or abbreviations: “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Company”, “LLC”,  or “L.L.C.”, “LC”, or “L.C.” The abbreviations “Co.” and “Ltd.” may be substituted for the words “Company” and “Limited”, respectively.

Need help coming up with a business name? Check out our free business name generator.

Check LLC name availability

Confirm that the LLC name you’ve selected is available in Wyoming using the Secretary of State Business Search.

Reserve your LLC name with the Secretary of State

Reserving your LLC name prevents another Wyoming business entity from using it before you can legally organize your business in the state. File an Application for Reservation of Name with the Wyoming Secretary of State by mail (no online filing option) to reserve a name for up to 120 days. The filing fee is $60.

2. Designate a registered agent

As in every U.S. state, forming an LLC in Wyoming requires the appointment of a registered agent service to handle state and federal legal documents and service of process on the business’s behalf.

The registered agent must either be a state resident or business entity with a street address in Wyoming OR if the individual or business is based out-of-state, they must have a business office in Wyoming.

3. File Articles of Organization

An LLC is formed in Wyoming through the filing of Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State. You can file the articles online or by postal mail. The filing fee is $102 for online filings and $100 for mail filings.

The Articles of Organization must provide the following information:

• LLC’s name and principal office address, and mailing address (if other than the principal office address)
• Registered agent name and mailing address
• The signature and contact information of an LLC organizer

4. Create an operating agreement

Although not a legally mandated step for forming an LLC in Wyoming, drafting a comprehensive LLC operating agreement is strongly recommended for all nascent limited liability companies.

The operating agreement should do the following:

1. Describe the LLC’s business structure
2. Establish the individual responsibilities and obligations of LLC members
3. Detail how the LLC will be run

Without an operating agreement clarifying the specific duties of its members, an LLC may face significant legal and operational difficulties.

5. Obtain an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) 

All newly formed LLCs in the United States must acquire an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (with the exception of single-member LLCs). The nine-digit EIN is like a social security number for a business and is necessary to pay income tax, file tax returns, open business bank accounts, and perform many other important functions.

You can apply for an EIN online on the IRS website without paying a filing fee.

6. Fulfill your legal obligations

Once an LLC is registered, its members must devote attention to fulfilling legal requirements that apply for the duration of the company’s existence.

File annual reports

All LLCs doing business in Wyoming, including foreign LLCs, are required to file an annual report with the Wyoming Secretary of State and pay an annual license tax (click here for tax amount information). The annual report and tax payment are due on the first day of the anniversary month of the LLC’s formation or authorization to do business in the state (foreign LLCs).

The annual report can be filed online or by postal mail.

Obtain business licenses and permits

Wyoming does not require every business to have a general license in order to operate there.

Occupational licenses: Instead, business licenses are mandated at various levels—state, county, and city— throughout Wyoming and vary depending on the services or products offered by your LLC. For instance, a restaurant might need health permits, a liquor license, and a business operation license, while a construction business may require contractor’s licenses in addition to the general business license.

Visit the Licensing and Permitting page of the Wyoming Business Council website for information on state business licenses and permits.

Sales and Use Tax License: The most likely state-level license you will need is a seller’s permit, also known as a Sales/Use Tax License. If you sell products or services or lease tangible property in Wyoming, you are required to collect and pay sales tax to the state – this license allows you to do so.

There is a $60 fee to get this license through the Wyoming Internet Filing System or by mailing an application to the Wyoming Department of Revenue.

Local licenses: At the county and city level, each local government can set their own rules. In some places you may need a general business license, while others will only require specific permits or zoning clearances.

For information on local licensing requirements, contact a county or city clerk in the county or municipality where your LLC is based.

Understand taxes        

Like all states, Wyoming treats LLCs as a pass-through entity. This means that all profits and losses are reflected on the personal tax returns of the owners, not through the company itself, which avoids corporate tax rates.

No state income taxes: However, Wyoming is also unique in that it does not have any income tax at all – even for individuals. This policy means that the income generated by an LLC in Wyoming is not subjected to state taxation.

However, LLCs in Wyoming are still subject to other forms of taxation, such as sales tax, use tax, and property tax, if applicable.

Sales tax: The state sales tax rate is 4%, with localities having the option to add up to an additional 2% in local sales tax. It’s essential for LLCs to register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for sales tax collection if they sell goods or provide taxable services.

Federal taxes: LLCs are also responsible for federal taxes, including payroll taxes for any employees and self-employment taxes for the owner (or owners, in a multi-member LLC).

Register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue: LLCs doing business in Wyoming may be required to register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue depending on whether the LLC has employees or collects sales tax on retail goods and services.

You can learn more about DOR registration and find the necessary forms online at the Department of Revenue website.

Understand BOI reporting

The federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement is part of an effort to increase transparency in business ownership and combat financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing.

This mandate comes from the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which requires certain business entities, including LLCs, to report information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

A beneficial owner is typically defined as any individual who directly or indirectly exercises substantial control over the entity or owns a certain percentage of the entity (usually 25% or more).

Information required and deadlines

The reporting requires these entities to provide details such as the beneficial owners’ names, addresses, phone number, dates of birth, and identification numbers (e.g., a driver’s license or passport number).

The deadline for reporting varies based on when your business was formed.

• If it was formed prior to 2024, you have until January 1, 2025 to file.
• A business formed in 2024 must file within 90 days of confirmation of existence.
• Companies formed in 2025 will become 30 days to file.

You do not need to renew this information unless it changes in the future.

Learn more about BOI Reporting.

Post LLC tasks

Set up business bank accounts

Establishing a business bank account is a critical step for new LLCs in Wyoming, essential for managing finances, enhancing credibility, and maintaining legal and financial separation between personal assets and the LLC’s assets for personal liability protection.

Having a dedicated business account:

• Simplifies accounting practices, tax preparation, and financial management.
• Plays a vital role in establishing a professional image when dealing with clients and vendors.
• Encourages setting aside funds for taxes, emergencies, or future investments.

Research banking options: Choosing the right bank involves comparing fees, services, and account features tailored to the needs of the business. Many banks offer specialized accounts for small businesses, including features like online banking, debit cards, and credit cards. Found, Relay, and Mercury are all examples of digital-first banks that are made for entrepreneurs and startups.

Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence in Wyoming, verifies that an LLC is legally registered and compliant with Wyoming state regulations. This certificate is essential for various business activities, including securing financing, renewing licenses, and conducting business in other states.

How to get it: To obtain this certificate, an LLC must ensure all filings are up-to-date, and any owed state taxes or state fees are paid. The Wyoming Secretary of State’s office issues the Certificate of Good Standing. LLCs can request this certificate online through the Secretary of State’s website for free or through the mail for $10.

The process is straightforward, typically requiring the company name and identification number. Once issued, the certificate serves as a critical document in proving the legitimacy and legal status of your LLC.

Build a website

In today’s digital age, having a professional website is crucial for any LLC, acting as the first way customers will see your business. A website enhances credibility, allows customers to find your business online, and serves as a platform for marketing your products or services.

To launch a website quickly, follow these steps:

1. Search for and purchase a domain name.
2. Sign up for web hosting.
3. Pick a web builder like Domain.com or GoDaddy to create a site with no coding experience necessary.
4. Tailor your site to your customers, adding appropriate pages, content, and images.
5. If you’re selling goods, add an e-commerce section to your site.
6. Review, test, and publish your site.

Cost to set up an LLC in Wyoming

Average cost to set up a Wyoming LLC: $162-$362

The cost to set up an LLC in Wyoming is relatively low compared to other types of business entities, making it an attractive option for business formation.

While the initial setup costs are modest, it’s important for LLCs to plan for ongoing compliance and operational expenses to maintain good standing and support business growth.

• Incorporation fees: The primary cost is the filing fee for the LLC Articles of Organization, which is $100 if filed online and $102 if filed by mail. This fee is paid to the Wyoming Secretary of State when submitting the formation documents.
• Annual Report filing fees: As an ongoing cost, Wyoming requires LLCs to file an Annual Report, with a minimum fee of $60, based on the company’s assets located within the state. This is due every year.
• Registered agent service fees (optional): Additionally, many LLCs will opt to pay for a registered agent service, typically ranging from $50 to $200 annually. Costs vary based on the level of service you prefer. Basic costs cover collecting confidential notifications, scanning the documents, and alerting owners of their arrival.

Foreign LLC registration

An LLC formed in a state other than Wyoming intending to do business in the state must register with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

Complete these steps to do business in Wyoming as a foreign LLC:

1. Comply with Wyoming LLC naming guidelines and confirm that the LLC’s name is available using the Secretary of State Business Search.
2. Appoint a Wyoming registered agent.
3. File an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Wyoming Secretary of State by mail (no online filing option). The filing fee is $150.

The application must include two additional items:

• A certificate of existence or a Certificate of Good Standing from the LLC’s state of origin from no more than 60 days before filing an application with the Wyoming Secretary of State
• A written consent to appointment signed by the LLC’s registered agent (included in application)