How to Start an LLC in Wyoming

Why Create a Wyoming LLC?

Wyoming was the first state in the U.S. to recognize and create statutes for LLCs. The state has since continued that forward thinking and offers several business incentives, including numerous grants and loans. Wyoming also consistently places in the top 10 in the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index, including ranking at number one every year since 2011.

For most people looking to start a business, the fastest and easiest way is to create a Wyoming limited liability company (LLC), an entity ideal for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses. It gives you the advantages and protections that larger Wyoming corporations benefit from, but with simpler rules and regulations.

Benefits of starting a Wyoming LLC:

• No state income tax

• Low formation cost of just $100

• Protects your personal assets from your business liability and debts

• Easy tax filing and potential advantages for tax treatment

• Quick and simple filing, management, compliance, regulation and administration

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to form an LLC in Wyoming. It includes information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Wyoming business taxes and much more. We’ll also cover everything you need to register and file your LLC and how you'll work with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

How to Form a Wyoming LLC Yourself in 6 Steps

1

Complete a Wyoming LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

You’ll need a distinctive and original name for your LLC that’s not used by any other business in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Incfile’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Wyoming Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Wyoming. To find out whether another company is using your chosen business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Wyoming Secretary of State website.

2

Provide an Official Business Address for Your LLC

Whether it’s an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence), or any other physical location, every LLC in Wyoming must have a designated street address. It can be outside the state, and you can choose to use a P.O. Box.

3

Assign a Registered Agent

Someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and has responsibility for filing reports with the Wyoming Secretary of State is called a Registered Agent. Every LLC in Wyoming is required to have a Registered Agent.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in the business or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your Wyoming Registered Agent is a person, they must be at least 18 years of age, reside in the state and have a physical street address in Wyoming. They must also be present during business hours to receive important documents for your company. In Wyoming, you select your Registered Agent when you formally create your business by filing your Wyoming Articles of Organization.

At Incfile, all of our packages include a Registered Agent service that is free for the first year and just $119 per year afterward. We also have a dashboard where you can log in and easily view any document your Registered Agent has received on your behalf.

4

File Your Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your Wyoming LLC, you’ll need to file a form with the Secretary of State to create your Articles of Organization, which officially creates your LLC.

You can file your Wyoming Articles of Organization online using the state's filing system, mail a form to the Office of the Wyoming Secretary of State or have Incfile do it on your behalf. The Wyoming LLC filing fee is $100.

You only need to file your Wyoming Articles of Organization once, but every year after, you must file a Wyoming annual report. This is also something Incfile can remind you to do, or we can handle the paperwork for you.

What are the fees and requirements to form a business in Wyoming?

5

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use an EIN when you file and pay taxes or when you submit payroll information and pay your employees. An EIN is also required to open a bank account for your business. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or Incfile can get one for you as part of the Wyoming LLC formation process.

6

Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement details how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members and what will happen if a member chooses to leave the company.

Some states require that a company have an Operating Agreement in place. It isn’t legally required in Wyoming, but it’s a good idea to have one nonetheless.

Other Wyoming LLC Types

Professional LLC

Some states allow certain types of businesses to form Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs). This type of business will typically require members to be licensed and impose other specialized requirements as well.

The state doesn't make a distinction between a Wyoming PLLC and a standard LLC. However, if your business will be providing professional services that require licensing, you must obtain the appropriate license(s) to conduct business through your LLC.

If you’re unsure whether your business is considered a professional service, check with a local business attorney.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Wyoming—or vice versa—you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Wyoming Foreign LLC registration.

Close LLC

For companies that want to avoid unnecessary and costly formalities, the Wyoming Close LLC option may be the ideal business entity. This LLC type was created specifically for small companies with a small number (35 or fewer) of shareholders or for when members are close to each other (such as family and friends).

A Wyoming Close LLC can lower the cost of professional and administrative fees usually paid to attorneys and accountants.

Learn More about Close LLCs

Helpful Resources from the State of Wyoming