How to Form an LLC in Wyoming (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps
Wyoming built its reputation as America's first LLC state in 1977, and it remains unbeatable for asset protection and privacy. You'll pay a flat $100 filing fee with no state income tax, no franchise tax, and no annual report—just a $60 annual license tax due by the first day of the anniversary month. Wyoming allows anonymous LLCs where only your registered agent's name appears on public record. Formation takes 2-3 business days online. You'll file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, appoint a Wyoming registered agent, obtain an EIN, draft an operating agreement, open a business bank account, and confirm you don't owe additional licensing fees.
Before you file, two things drive cost the most in Wyoming: registered agent requirements and whether you open Mercury vs Bluevine business banking separately. The full breakdown below covers both.
Year-1 cost table
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online filing) | $100 | cite |
| Annual License Tax (due anniversary month) | $60 | cite |
| Registered Agent (Northwest, 1st year) | $125 | cite |
| Expedited processing (24-hour) | $100 | cite |
| Year-1 total (standard filing, Northwest RA) | $285 | cite |
The 6 steps
- Step 1: File Articles of Organization
Submit the formation document to the Wyoming Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every Wyoming LLC needs a registered agent with a Wyoming street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.
- Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.
- Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement
Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.
- Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.
- Step 6: File State Tax Registrations
Register for Wyoming state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.
Recommended tools
Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Wyoming LLCs
Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Wyoming LLCs. They publish a Wyoming-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.
| Criterion | Northwest | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Registered-agent only price (Wyoming) | $125/yr | $199/yr |
| Bundled formation | Optional add-on | Included in formation plans |
| Privacy (address shielding) | Strong | Strong |
| Upsells at checkout | None | Several |
| Annual-report filing service | $100/yr add-on | $199/yr add-on |
Frequently asked questions
Does Wyoming charge state income tax on LLC profits?
No. Wyoming has no state income tax, no franchise tax, and no corporate income tax. You'll only pay federal taxes and the annual $60 license tax to the state.
Can I form an anonymous LLC in Wyoming?
Yes. Wyoming allows anonymous LLCs where the public filing shows only your registered agent's name and address, not member or manager names. Your privacy is protected unless you're involved in litigation or regulatory investigation.
What is the Wyoming annual license tax and when is it due?
The $60 annual license tax is due by the first day of the month in which you originally filed your LLC. If you filed in May, it's due every May 1st. Late payment incurs a $10 penalty plus $2 per month.
Do I need a physical Wyoming address to form an LLC there?
You need a Wyoming registered agent with a physical Wyoming street address. Northwest Registered Agent provides this for $125/year. You can operate your LLC from any state, but you must maintain a Wyoming RA.
Which bank should I use for a Wyoming LLC?
Mercury offers fee-free business checking with no minimum balance, instant virtual cards, and full API access. They accept Wyoming LLCs and you can open an account online in 10 minutes without visiting a branch.
Annual filing deadline
Wyoming does not require an annual report; instead, LLCs pay a $60 annual license tax by the first day of the anniversary month of formation each year.
Authoritative sources
- https://sos.wyo.gov/Business/Fees.aspx
- https://sos.wyo.gov/Business/Default.aspx
- https://www.wyomingbusiness.org/starting-business
Other states
Updated 2026-05-12. Source quality: d1_hydrated. AthenAI is not a law firm; this page is informational.