Wyoming is the #1 state for LLC formation for a reason: $100 filing fee, no state income tax, the strongest privacy protections in the country, and same-day online filing. Here's exactly how to do it.

Why Wyoming

→ $100 filing fee — one of the lowest in the country

→ $60/year annual report — due on the anniversary of formation

→ No state income tax — personal or corporate

→ No franchise tax

→ Strong privacy — member/manager names not required on public filings

→ Charging order protection — even for single-member LLCs (most states don't offer this)

→ Lifetime proxy — allows nominee officers for additional privacy

Who should file in Wyoming: Anyone who values privacy and low costs. If you operate an online business, consulting firm, or any business without a physical location tied to another state, Wyoming is the optimal choice. If you operate a brick-and-mortar in another state, you'll need to foreign-register there too ($100–$300 extra).

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Step 1

Choose Your LLC Name

Search availability at the Wyoming Secretary of State business search. Your name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and cannot be confusingly similar to an existing entity. Also search the USPTO trademark database.

Step 2

Designate a Registered Agent

Required. Must have a physical Wyoming address (no PO boxes). Options: use a service like Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year, includes free filing) or Wyoming Agents ($25/year). See our Registered Agent guide for full comparison.

Step 3

File Articles of Organization Online

Go to wyobiz.wyo.gov → "File a New Business" → "Domestic LLC." You'll need: LLC name, registered agent info, organizer name and address, and whether it's member-managed or manager-managed. Filing fee: $100 (credit card accepted). Processing: typically same day to 3 business days.

Step 4

Get Your EIN

Apply free at IRS.gov. You'll receive it immediately. See our EIN guide for the full walkthrough.

Step 5

Draft Your Operating Agreement

Not legally required in Wyoming but essential. Defines ownership, management, profit distribution, and exit terms. See our Operating Agreement guide.

Step 6

Open a Business Bank Account

You'll need: Articles of Organization (download from Wyoming SOS), EIN confirmation letter, Operating Agreement, and personal ID. Mercury and Relay both accept Wyoming LLCs with fully online applications. See our Banking guide.

Annual Requirements

Requirement	Due Date	Cost
Annual Report	Anniversary of formation	$60 (or $2/yr per $1000 of WY assets, minimum $60)
Registered Agent	Continuous	$25–$300/yr if using a service

That's it. No state income tax return. No franchise tax. No publication requirement. Wyoming is the lowest-maintenance state for LLCs.

Foreign registration reminder: If you live in or do business in another state, you may need to register your Wyoming LLC as a foreign LLC there. This typically costs $100–$300 and subjects you to that state's taxes on income earned there. Wyoming's tax benefits only apply to income not taxed by another state.

Compare Other Filing States

Delaware → Texas → Florida → New Mexico → California → New York →

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Requirements vary by state. Consult a qualified attorney or CPA for your specific situation.

How to File an LLC in Wyoming: Step-by-Step Guide