United States

United States

Company Formation in Wyoming

State of Wyoming — Secretary of State

Formation Time
1–2 business days
Min. Capital
No minimum
Corporate Tax
0% state; 21% federal (C-Corp only)
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Wyoming is the gold standard for privacy-focused LLC formation in the United States, offering 0% state income tax, 0% state corporate tax, the lowest annual renewal fee in the country (just $60 per year or $0 for LLCs with less than $300,000 in Wyoming assets), and the strongest asset protection laws of any US state. Wyoming was the first state to create the LLC entity type in 1977 and has continually innovated its business law — including becoming the first state to legally recognize Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO LLCs) in 2021, making it the jurisdiction of choice for blockchain and cryptocurrency projects seeking a legal entity wrapper. Wyoming does not publicly disclose LLC member or manager names in its state filings, providing a level of privacy unmatched by most other states. The state also offers a Close LLC structure for small businesses seeking maximum flexibility and minimal formalities. For non-US residents, a Wyoming single-member LLC with no US-sourced income pays $0 in US federal income tax, making it exceptionally popular for international e-commerce, SaaS, consulting, and digital nomad businesses. The formation process is fast (same-day or 24-hour filing available), the registered agent ecosystem is mature, and the annual cost of maintenance is the lowest in the nation. Combined with Wyoming's Series LLC option for holding multiple asset classes and its trust-friendly legislation (Wyoming Dynasty Trust lasts 1,000 years), Wyoming is the most cost-effective and flexible US formation jurisdiction.

0% state income/corporate tax
$60/year annual fee
DAO LLC framework
Privacy — no public member disclosure
Crypto and blockchain-friendly
Strongest US asset protection

Why Choose Wyoming

1

0% state income tax, 0% state corporate tax — no state tax of any kind on LLCs

2

$60/year annual report fee — the lowest in the United States ($0 if assets under $300K)

3

Strongest LLC asset protection laws in the US — charging order protection

4

Privacy-friendly — LLC members/managers not listed in public state filings

5

First state to create the LLC (1977) and first to recognise DAO LLCs (2021)

6

Crypto and blockchain-friendly legislation with digital asset banking framework

7

Series LLC available — separate liability for each series within one entity

8

$0 US federal tax for non-US owners with no US-sourced income

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
LLC100%N/A (member-managed or manager-managed)NonePass-through (no entity-level tax); $0 US federal tax for non-US owners with no US incomeE-commerce, SaaS, consulting, digital nomads, holding, crypto, privacy-focused structures
DAO LLC100%N/A (algorithmically managed or member-managed)NoneSame as standard LLC — pass-through taxationBlockchain protocols, DeFi projects, token-governed organisations seeking legal entity status
C-Corporation100%1None21% federal corporate tax; 0% state corporate taxVC-funded startups, companies seeking to issue stock options
Series LLC100%N/ANonePass-through; each series can elect separate tax treatmentReal estate holding, multi-asset investment vehicles, franchise structures

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Name Availability Check

Same day

Search the Wyoming Secretary of State business database to confirm your desired company name is available. The name must include 'LLC' or 'Limited Liability Company' as a designator.

2

File Articles of Organization

Same day – 1 business day

File the Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100. Same-day and 24-hour expedited processing are available for an additional fee. Only the registered agent address and organizer name appear on the public record.

3

Prepare Operating Agreement

1 day

Draft the Operating Agreement, which governs the internal management, profit distribution, and decision-making procedures of the LLC. This document is not filed with the state and remains private.

4

Obtain EIN from IRS

1 day (US persons); 1–4 weeks (non-US persons)

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. US persons can obtain this instantly online. Non-US persons must apply by fax (Form SS-4) or through an authorised third party.

5

Open Business Bank Account

1 day (Mercury) to 4 weeks (traditional)

Open a US business bank account. Digital banks like Mercury and Relay offer fully remote onboarding for Wyoming LLCs. Traditional banks may require an in-person visit.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeUSD 100+
Our Service FeeUSD 800 – 2,000
Annual RenewalUSD 60+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Wyoming LLCs have excellent access to US banking through both digital and traditional channels. Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business are the most popular choices for non-US residents as they offer fully remote account opening. For larger businesses, traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America are available but typically require an in-person visit to a US branch.

Account Opening Time
1 day (Mercury/Relay) to 4 weeks (traditional banks)
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

MercuryRelayWise BusinessBrexBluevineChaseBank of America

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% state corporate/income tax; 21% federal (C-Corp only — LLCs are pass-through)
Personal Income Tax
0% state income tax
VAT / Sales Tax
4% state sales tax (tangible goods only; services and digital products generally exempt)
Capital Gains Tax
0% state; federal rate applies for US persons; $0 for non-US persons on non-US-sourced gains
Withholding Tax
30% on US-sourced income paid to non-US persons (reduced by treaties); 0% for non-US-sourced income
Double Tax Treaties
68 countries

Wyoming LLC with a single non-US member and no US-sourced income: $0 US federal tax. Must file Form 5472 annually. Annual report fee: $60 (or $0 if Wyoming assets under $300,000). Wyoming has no franchise tax, no inventory tax, and no gross receipts tax. DAO LLCs follow the same tax treatment as standard LLCs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wyoming LLC vs Delaware LLC — which is better?
Wyoming is better for privacy (no public member disclosure), annual cost ($60 vs $300 in Delaware), asset protection (strongest charging order protection in the US), and crypto-friendliness (DAO LLC recognition). Delaware is better for VC-funded C-Corps due to the Court of Chancery's corporate law expertise and established case law. For most international entrepreneurs forming an LLC, Wyoming is the superior choice.
Do non-US residents pay US tax on a Wyoming LLC?
If the LLC has no US-sourced income (no US customers, employees, or operations), a non-US single-member LLC is treated as a disregarded entity and pays $0 in US federal tax. You must still file IRS Form 5472 annually and pay Wyoming's $60 annual report fee. If the LLC earns US-sourced income, it becomes subject to US tax obligations.
What is a Wyoming DAO LLC?
Wyoming became the first US state to legally recognise Decentralized Autonomous Organizations as LLCs in July 2021. A DAO LLC can be managed by smart contracts (algorithmically managed) or by its members. It provides limited liability protection to DAO participants, which is critical for blockchain protocols, DeFi projects, and token-governed communities that would otherwise be treated as general partnerships with unlimited personal liability.
How much does it cost annually to maintain a Wyoming LLC?
The annual cost is extremely low: $60 for the Wyoming Annual Report (or $0 if the LLC has less than $300,000 in Wyoming assets), plus registered agent fees (typically $50–100 per year). Total annual maintenance: approximately $110–160. This is the lowest in the United States.
Can I open a US bank account remotely with a Wyoming LLC?
Yes. Mercury and Relay both offer fully remote account opening for Wyoming LLCs held by non-US residents. You will need your Articles of Organization, EIN letter, Operating Agreement, and a passport. The process takes as little as 1 business day with Mercury.
Does Wyoming have sales tax?
Wyoming has a 4% state sales tax on tangible personal property, but most services, digital products, and SaaS are exempt. There is no state income tax, no franchise tax, no inventory tax, and no gross receipts tax. Wyoming is one of the most tax-friendly states in the nation.