How to start an LLC in Wyoming in 2024

Kristin Zaslavsky

BLUEPRINT

Updated 7:04 a.m. UTC June 19, 2024

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If you’re looking to form a business in Wyoming that will protect your members’ personal assets from your business debts and liabilities, a limited liability company (LLC) may be the right option for your business.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the seven steps to start an LLC in Wyoming.

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7 steps to start an LLC in Wyoming

1. Choose a unique name for your LLC

To choose an appropriate business name in Wyoming, refer to Wyoming’s business naming guidelines.

Next, you must ensure the name is available for use. Search your preferred name using the Wyoming Secretary of State’s business entity search tool to do so. If your name appears in this database, you must choose a different name. You can either brainstorm a completely different name or change the name to make it unique (or distinguishable). To distinguish a name, follow the Wyoming distinguishing a name guidelines.

Typically, this name will be officially registered when you file your LLC formation paperwork with the Wyoming Secretary of State. However, if you are not yet ready to submit this paperwork, you can protect your chosen name by reserving it for up to 120 days. To do so, fill out a limited liability company application for reservation of name form and submit a $60 filing fee.

Read our business naming guide for more information on choosing a business name.

2. Select a registered agent

Appointing a registered agent is required to form an LLC in Wyoming. Your registered agent can be an individual or a business authorized to operate in Wyoming. A registered agent is responsible for receiving certain business documents, including legal documents and government notices, such as:

Annual reporting forms.
Tax forms.
Legal correspondence.
Any additional governmental forms, including federal, state and county documents.

To learn more about registered agent requirements and services that can help fulfill this duty, read our best registered agent services list.

3. File LLC articles of organization

You must submit an articles of organization form to legally form your LLC in Wyoming. You can file your articles of organization online using the Wyoming Secretary of State’s business center. When you file, you must pay a $100 filing fee and a $2 online filing convenience fee.

The state of Wyoming typically processes articles of organization within 15 days from the date they are received. There is no option to expedite this process.

New LLC reporting requirement alert

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has implemented a new reporting requirement for all non-exempt LLCs starting on January 1, 2024.

The requirement is called the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report and it is estimated to only take about 20 minutes to complete.

Here’s what you need to know:

LLCs formed before January 1, 2024 have until January 1, 2025 to file.

LLCs formed between January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025 have 90 days to file from the confirmed date of the businesses’ registration.

New LLCs formed after January 1, 2025 will have 30 days to file from the confirmed date of formation.

For all details, FAQs and to file, visit FinCEN’s BOI website.

4. Request an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS

Once the state of Wyoming has processed your articles of organization form, request an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. Your LLC’s EIN is a unique tax identification number that allows the IRS to easily identify your business for tax administration purposes. You can apply for your EIN online for free.

Once you’ve applied, you will instantly receive your EIN. You can then use it to open an LLC bank account and apply for business funding and licenses.

5. Create an operating agreement

An LLC operating agreement outlines how your LLC’s operation and finances will be managed. While you are not legally required to create an operating agreement for your Wyoming LLC, we strongly encourage you to do so.

The state of Wyoming recognizes operating agreements as governing legal documents for an LLC, meaning it can help you override state LLC operating rules that may contradict your LLC’s interests. In addition, it can help to prevent your LLC’s dissolution due to inter-member disputes, enhance your limited liability protection if your LLC is ever sued and aid in opening a business bank account and applying for business funding.

6. Apply for a sales/use tax license

If your business plans to sell products or services or lease tangible property subject to Wyoming sales tax, you must apply for a Wyoming sales/use tax license. The sales/use tax rate is between 4% and 8% of each sale, depending on where your business is located in Wyoming. You can apply for this license using the sales/use tax license application form or online using Wyoming’s internet filing system. The filing fee is $60.

7. File annual reports and pay the Wyoming license tax

In the state of Wyoming, LLCs are required to file an annual report every year. The report must be filed by the first of the month corresponding to the LLC’s date of formation.

For example, if your LLC was formed on April 16, 2023, your annual report will be due April 1 every year after that. The LLC may face automatic dissolution if the annual report is not filed within 60 days of April 1.

You must also pay a yearly license tax when you file your annual report. The tax is calculated at a rate of two-tenths of one million ($.0002) based on the value of your LLC’s assets located in Wyoming. The state will provide a worksheet to help you determine the final fee amount. If your annual report filing fee exceeds $500, you must file your report by mail.

You can file your annual report and pay your license tax through the Wyoming Secretary of State business center’s annual report filing page.

Featured LLC service offers

ZenBusiness

Learn More

Via ZenBusiness’ website

Free version available

Yes

Lowest published package price

$199

Live chat

Yes: Human

LegalZoom

Learn More

Via LegalZoom’s website

Free version available

Yes

Lowest published package price

$249

Live chat

Yes

Northwest Registered Agent

Learn More

Via Northwest’s website

Free version available

Lowest published package price

$39

Live chat

Yes

Find the best LLC services for Wyoming: Best LLC service of 2024

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

No, there is a $100 filing fee for forming an LLC in the state of Wyoming. This filing fee can be paid by credit card if filed online or by check if the form is filed by mail. Other fees that may apply include reserving a business name, hiring a registered agent, applying for a sales/use tax license and submitting your annual report.

For more information, read our cost to start an LLC guide.

Wyoming LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. Taxes on the LLC’s profits pass through from the LLC to members’ individual tax returns. The profits are split amongst the members and taxed on their individual tax forms. However, other taxes may apply, depending on the nature of the business. For example, if an LLC sells, rents or leases tangible property in Wyoming, it must pay a sales tax. In addition, all Wyoming LLCs must pay a license tax each year when they submit their annual reports.

Yes, Wyoming requires you to select and maintain a registered agent for your LLC. You can choose an individual or any business authorized to operate in Wyoming as long as they have a physical address in the state.

Yes, Wyoming requires all LLCs to file an annual report each year. This occurs on the first of the month in which the LLC was formed. If you do not file your annual report within 60 days of this date each year, your LLC may be subject to automatic dissolution.

Your LLC may be subject to dissolution in the state of Wyoming if you are more than 60 days late filing your annual report. If you choose to voluntarily dissolve your LLC, first consult your LLC operating agreement and follow its dissolution instructions. Then, ensure the LLC is in good standing with the Wyoming Secretary of State by filing all annual reports and paying all taxes owed. Finally, file articles of dissolution with the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office and pay a $60 fee.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Kristin Zaslavsky

BLUEPRINT

As a former small business owner who has worked with organizations of all sizes, from mom-and-pop through Fortune 10, Kristin focuses on technology and financial solutions that work for your business and enable you to grow.

Alana Rudder

BLUEPRINT

Alana is the deputy editor for USA Today Blueprint's small business team. She has served as a technology and marketing SME for countless businesses, from startups to leading tech firms — including Adobe and Workfusion. She has zealously shared her expertise with small businesses — including via Forbes Advisor and Fit Small Business — to help them compete for market share. She covers technologies pertaining to payroll and payment processing, online security, customer relationship management, accounting, human resources, marketing, project management, resource planning, customer data management and how small businesses can use process automation, AI and ML to more easily meet their goals. Alana has an MBA from Excelsior University.