Wyoming Company Formation
1. Name Your LLC
Before beginning any other step, select a unique business name that complies with Wyoming state statutes (WY Stat § 17-29-108). Wyoming enforces strict rules for naming, so your LLC name must be fully unique and include an indicator like LLC or Limited Liability Company. Avoid suggesting a business type you are not, and ensure it is not trademarked or already in use in Wyoming.
Check business name availability through Wyoming’s official search tool. Attempting to bypass rules with misspellings, filler words, or minor alterations will lead to rejection.
2. Designate a Registered Agent
A registered agent acts as the legal contact for your LLC. This individual or company receives service of process, legal documents, and official state mail. If your business is sued, the process server will deliver documents to your registered agent.
At USAFORM, up to five pieces of regular mail per year are processed at no additional cost. For more mail handling, unlimited forwarding is available for $20. Optional virtual office services, including a second phone line, can be added for $29 per month.
3. Get a Domain Name
An online presence is essential for branding. After confirming your business name is available, check for a matching domain name. This forms the foundation for your website and professional email account (e.g., info@YOURCOMPANY.com).
Securing a domain early ensures brand consistency and makes future online growth easier. USAFORM clients receive a domain of their choice for one year at no cost and can access web services including hosting, email, and a prebuilt website with SSL security for 90 days.
4. Submit Wyoming Articles of Organization
Submit the Articles of Organization to officially create your Wyoming LLC. Filing online costs $100 plus a $4 credit card fee, while mail submissions cost $100. Online filings are processed immediately; mail submissions may take up to 15 days.
Additional designations are optional, including Close LLC, DAO LLC, L3C, or Series LLC. For a standard LLC, these can be skipped. Always ensure the business name follows state rules; the filing fee is non-refundable.
File by mail or in person:
Wyoming Secretary of State
Herschler Building East, Suite 101
122 W 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
File online: Wyoming Business Center
5. Adopt an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement governs how your LLC votes, distributes profits, and transfers ownership. While internal, it is critical for legal protection and required for bank accounts. Templates drafted by attorneys for Wyoming LLCs ensure compliance and reliability.
6. Get an EIN
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for tax reporting, banking, and licenses. It is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. You can apply online or let USAFORM handle the process efficiently.
7. Open a Business Bank Account
Maintaining a separate bank account is essential. Mixing personal and business finances risks piercing the corporate veil, potentially voiding liability protection. Required documents include the operating agreement, EIN, and an LLC Resolution to open the account.
8. File Your Annual Report
Every Wyoming LLC must file an annual report to keep the state updated. Fees depend on total assets. The minimum fee is $60 for assets under $300,000, and $0.0002 per dollar for assets above. Online, mail, or service-based filing options are available.
9. File BOI Report
International LLCs must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with FinCEN by March 26, 2025. Deadlines depend on registration date. USAFORM can file this report or guide you through self-filing. Compliance ensures legal and regulatory adherence.