Are you considering starting a business in Wyoming? Check out the exact steps, filing fees, and privacy protections you need to know before you register.
Small businesses make up 98.9% of all businesses in Wyoming.[1]
Wyoming has no corporate or personal income tax and some of the strongest privacy protections for business owners in the country. With low filing fees and minimal ongoing requirements, Wyoming is one of the most business-friendly states for entrepreneurs.
This guide walks you through every step of the Wyoming business formation process, from choosing your business structure to opening a bank account and staying compliant.
Wyoming Business Formation Requirements
Requirement | Details |
Business Structure | Sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit |
State Filing | Articles of Organization (LLC), or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) with the Wyoming Secretary of State |
LLC Filing Fee | $100 (one-time, paid to the Secretary of State) |
Corporation Filing Fee | $100 (one-time, paid to the Secretary of State) |
Nonprofit Filing Fee | $50 (one-time, paid to the Secretary of State) |
Registered Agent | Required for LLCs and corporations; must have a physical Wyoming address |
EIN | Required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes |
State Income Tax | None. Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax |
Sales Tax | 4% state sales tax; local jurisdictions may add more |
Due on the first day of the anniversary month of formation each year | |
Annual Report Fee | $60 minimum, or $0.0002 per dollar of in-state assets, whichever is greater |
Processing Time | Online filings are processed instantly |
Step 1: Choose A Business Structure
Your business structure affects how you pay taxes, how much personal liability you carry, and how your company is managed. Wyoming offers four main business structures. Choosing the right one is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting a business in Wyoming.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the default structure if you start doing business without filing any paperwork with the state. You report business income on your personal tax return. The downside is that you have no personal liability protection. If the business takes on debt or faces a lawsuit, your personal assets are at risk.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC gives you personal liability protection while keeping things flexible. Your personal assets, like your home and savings, are generally separate from business debts. Most LLC owners report business income on their personal tax returns. Wyoming was the first state to allow LLC formation in 1977, and the state's LLC laws remain among the most business-friendly in the country.
Corporation
Corporations provide personal liability protection and can issue stock to raise money from investors. Wyoming corporations can issue an unlimited number of shares with no minimum capitalization requirement. They require a board of directors, corporate bylaws, and more formal recordkeeping. Small businesses may qualify for S corporation tax status, which avoids the double taxation that C corporations can face.
Nonprofit
If your business advances a social cause without expecting financial gain, you may qualify to form a nonprofit. Nonprofits can apply for tax-exempt status once they are properly formed.
If you're unsure which business structure fits your goals, compare the different business types or speak with a tax advisor or attorney for guidance.
Professional business formation services like Swyft Filings can also help you get set up correctly from the start.
Step 2: Choose A Business Name
Your business name is one of the first things customers will see, so it should be memorable and reflect what you do. Wyoming has a few rules to keep in mind when naming your business.
Your business name must be distinguishable from any other business already registered with the Wyoming Secretary of State. It cannot suggest your business is organized for a purpose other than the one listed in your formation documents. If you are forming an LLC, the name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or a similar abbreviation.
Check whether your preferred name is available before you file any paperwork. You can do a Wyoming business name search on the Secretary of State's website or use Swyft Filings' free business name search tool. If you find a name you like but are not ready to file, you can reserve it with the Secretary of State for a $60 fee. The reservation lasts up to 120 days.
Note that any business name beginning with the letter "A" followed by a space (for example, "A Red Wagon LLC") must be filed by paper rather than online, due to the Secretary of State's manual review process for name availability.
If you are a sole proprietor operating under a name other than your legal name, you will need to file a trade name (also called a DBA or "doing business as") with the Secretary of State.
Step 3: File Your Business Formation Documents
Filing formation documents with the Wyoming Secretary of State is what officially creates your business as a legal entity. The specific paperwork depends on your chosen structure.
- Sole proprietorship: No state filing is required. However, you may want to file a trade name if you plan to operate under a name other than your own.
- LLC: File Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100.
- Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation with the Wyoming Secretary of State. The filing fee is also $100.
- Nonprofit: File Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation. The filing fee is $50. You will also need to create corporate bylaws.
You can file online through the Wyoming Secretary of State's WyoBiz Filing System or by mail. Online filings are processed instantly. If paying by credit card online, a 2.4% convenience fee (minimum $1) applies on top of the filing fee.
While you're filing, it's also worth drafting an operating agreement if you're forming an LLC. Wyoming does not require you to file this document with the state, but it sets the rules for how your business operates, including ownership shares, voting rights, and profit distribution. Many banks want to see an operating agreement before opening a business account, and having one can help protect your limited liability status.
Step 4: Appoint A Registered Agent
Every LLC and corporation in Wyoming must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company with a physical Wyoming address who receives legal notices and official mail on behalf of your business.
You name your registered agent directly on your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation when you file, so this is something to decide before you submit your paperwork in Step 3.
Wyoming law requires you to maintain a registered agent for as long as your business exists. Your registered agent can be:
- Yourself, if you have a physical street address in Wyoming (a P.O. Box does not qualify)
- Another individual who is at least 18 years old and resides in Wyoming
- A professional registered agent service
Many business owners choose a professional service instead of listing themselves. Registered agent information becomes part of the public record, so using a service keeps your personal address off public filings. It also means legal documents, including lawsuits, are not delivered to you in front of customers or employees at your place of business.
Swyft Filings offers registered agent services so your personal address does not need to appear on the public record.
Step 5: Get An Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.
There is no fee from the IRS to apply for an EIN online, and the process takes about 10 minutes. However, it is a detailed process, and any mistakes on the application can create delays. Swyft Filings can handle the EIN filing for you as part of our business formation packages.
Step 6: Apply For Business Licenses And Permits
Wyoming does not require all businesses to get a general business licenses. However, depending on your industry and location, you may need one or more licenses or permits at the federal, state, or local level.[2]
Most businesses in Wyoming do need a Sales and Use Tax License from the Wyoming Department of Revenue. You must obtain this license before accepting any sales at your business.
Beyond the sales tax license, some industries require additional professional licenses. Fields like healthcare, law, insurance, food service, and banking are regulated by state agencies or licensing boards. Check the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information's website for professional boards related to your industry.
Your city or county may also have local license requirements. For the most accurate information, contact the City Clerk's Office in the Wyoming city where you plan to conduct business.
Learn more about how Swyft Filings can research your licensing requirements at the federal, state, and local levels and submit applications on your behalf.
Step 7: Register For State Taxes
Wyoming has no personal income tax and no corporate income tax, which is one of the biggest advantages of starting a business here.
- Sales and use tax: Wyoming has a statewide 4% sales tax. Local jurisdictions can add additional sales tax on top of the state rate. For example, businesses in Cheyenne pay a total of 6% in sales tax (4% state + 2% local). If you sell taxable goods or services, you must obtain a Sales and Use Tax License from the Wyoming Department of Revenue before you begin making sales.
- Federal taxes: At the federal level, how you are taxed depends on your business structure. Sole proprietors and LLC owners typically pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax on business profits. Corporations pay the federal corporate tax rate of 21%.
If you plan to hire employees, you will also need to register with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services for unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.
Step 8: Open A Business Bank Account
Keeping your business and personal finances separate is important for protecting your personal liability. If you mix the two, a court could decide that your business is not truly separate from you, which could put your personal assets at risk.
Most banks require the following to open a business bank account:
- Your EIN
- Your filed Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation
- Your operating agreement (for LLCs)
- A valid photo ID
Opening a separate business account also makes tax filing easier. All your business income and expenses will be in one place, which simplifies recordkeeping and helps you track deductions.
Step 9: Stay Compliant After You Register
Forming your business is the first part. Staying compliant is an ongoing responsibility. Here is what Wyoming requires after registration.
- Annual report: Due on the first day of the anniversary month of your formation each year. For example, if your business was formed on October 26, your annual report is due by October 1 each year. The fee is $60 or $0.0002 per dollar of in-state assets, whichever is greater. You can file online through the Wyoming Secretary of State's website.
- Sales and use tax license: Must remain active for as long as your business sells taxable goods or services in Wyoming.
- Registered agent: You must maintain a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address at all times. If you lose your registered agent, the state can take action against your business.
- Business licenses: Renew any required licenses and permits on schedule to avoid disruptions to your operations.
Failing to file your annual report can result in your business being administratively dissolved by the Secretary of State within 60 days. Staying on top of these deadlines keeps your business in good standing and protects the liability shield you set up.
How Much Does It Cost To Start A Business In Wyoming
The cost of starting a business in Wyoming varies based on your business structure. If you register as a sole proprietor, you may only need to pay for a trade name filing, if applicable.
For an LLC, the Articles of Organization filing fee is $100. For a corporation, it is also $100. Nonprofits pay $50. If filing online, a 2.4% credit card convenience fee (minimum $1) applies, bringing the total for an LLC to approximately $104.
Optional costs like a name reservation ($60), trade name registration, and certified copies can also apply. The IRS does not charge for an EIN application.
The annual report fee is $60 per year (or more if your in-state assets exceed $300,000). Registered agent services are an ongoing cost if you use a professional service.
Swyft Filings offers formation packages starting at $0 + state filing fees that bundle the formation filing, registered agent service, and other key services together.
What Is The Best Business Structure In Wyoming
The right business structure depends on your goals, how many owners are involved, and how you want to handle taxes.
Most small business owners in Wyoming choose an LLC because it offers personal liability protection, flexible management, and pass-through taxation without the formal requirements of a corporation. Wyoming's LLC laws are especially strong, with privacy protections that do not require listing member or manager names on public filings.
If you plan to raise money from investors, a corporation may be a better fit because Wyoming corporations can issue an unlimited number of shares. Nonprofits are appropriate for organizations focused on a social or charitable mission.
Sole proprietorships are the easiest to start but carry the most personal risk because there is no separation between you and the business.
What Taxes Do Wyoming Businesses Have To Pay
Wyoming has no personal income tax, no corporate income tax, and no franchise tax. This makes it one of the most tax-friendly states for business owners.
The main state-level tax is the sales and use tax. The statewide rate is 4%, and local jurisdictions can add more. If you sell taxable goods or services, you must collect sales tax and remit it to the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
At the federal level, how you are taxed depends on your business structure. Sole proprietors and LLC owners typically pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax on business profits. Corporations pay the federal corporate tax rate of 21%.[3]
Wyoming also has a property tax that applies to business assets. The annual report fee ($60 minimum or $0.0002 per dollar of in-state assets) functions as a business license tax.
Why Do Entrepreneurs Choose Wyoming To Start A Business
Wyoming is consistently ranked as one of the most business-friendly states in the country. Several factors make it attractive to entrepreneurs.
Wyoming has no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and no franchise tax. The LLC filing fee is only $100, which is lower than the national average. Annual report fees start at just $60.
Wyoming also offers strong privacy protections. Members and managers of a Wyoming LLC are not required to be listed on public filings. This level of anonymity is unusual among states and is one of the main reasons non-residents choose to form businesses in Wyoming.
The state was the first to pass LLC legislation in 1977 and has continued to update its business laws to benefit entrepreneurs, including provisions for single-member LLC protections, Close LLCs, and DAO LLCs.
Can A Non-Resident Start A Business In Wyoming
Yes. Wyoming does not require you to be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. resident, or a Wyoming resident to form a business in the state. However, you are required to have a registered agent with a physical address in Wyoming.
A registered agent service like Swyft Filings can serve as your Wyoming registered agent so you can form and operate your business from anywhere.
Can I Start A Business In Wyoming Online
Yes. The entire Wyoming LLC or corporation formation process can be completed online.
You can file your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation through the Wyoming Secretary of State's WyoBiz Filing System. Online filings are processed instantly. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website. You can obtain a Sales and Use Tax License through the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
Swyft Filings allows you to form an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or DBA entirely online. The process takes just a few minutes, and we handle the paperwork and filing on your behalf.
Take Your First Steps Toward Starting A Business In Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the most business-friendly states in the country. With no personal or corporate income tax, low filing fees, instant online processing, and strong privacy protections, it is an excellent place to start and grow a business.
The business formation process involves several steps, from choosing a structure and filing paperwork to getting your EIN and staying compliant. Working through each step in order helps you avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Swyft Filings has helped over 600,000 businesses with formation and compliance. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on building your business. Form your LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in just a few minutes and start operating in Wyoming with confidence.
Bibliography
[1] U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. "2025 Small Business Profile: Wyoming." Accessed July 16, 2026.
[2] Wyoming Secretary of State. "Start a Business." Accessed July 16, 2026.
[3] Internal Revenue Service. "Self-Employment Tax (Social Security and Medicare Taxes)." Accessed July 16, 2026.
