
Wyoming LLC vs Nevada LLC: Comprehensive Comparison of Costs, Privacy, Setup, and Which is Best for Your Business
July 17, 2025Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Wyoming LLC cost includes both one-time formation fees and ongoing annual fees.
- Formation requires a filing fee starting at $100, plus a registered agent fee (can be $0 or $100–$125/year).
- Annual fees include a minimum annual report fee of $60 that may increase with Wyoming asset value.
- Additional possible costs: certified documents, local business licenses, and penalties for late filings.
- Wyoming offers strong privacy, no state income tax, and flexible asset protection.
Table of contents
- Introduction: What Does “Wyoming LLC Cost” Really Mean?
- Wyoming LLC Formation Cost Breakdown
- Wyoming LLC Annual Fee Explanation
- Other Wyoming LLC Fees and Hidden Costs
- Comparison Summary of Wyoming LLC Fees
- Why Understanding Wyoming LLC Costs Is Crucial
- Conclusion: Wyoming LLC Cost—Plan Ahead and Choose Clarity
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: What Does “Wyoming LLC Cost” Really Mean?
When starting a business, one of your first questions is likely, “What is the Wyoming LLC cost?” This question covers all the money you will spend to form and maintain a Wyoming limited liability company—both the initial charges to get started and the ongoing fees each year.
Understanding every cost, from the filing fee and annual report fee to possible extras, is the best way to plan for success and avoid nasty surprises. Getting clear on LLC Wyoming costs lets you budget wisely, keep your company in good standing, and focus your money where it matters most.
Wyoming is especially popular for LLC formation. Why? Because it offers:
- Low costs
- No state income tax
- Strong privacy (owners aren’t listed in public records) Learn more
- Highly flexible asset protection Details here
This combination helps entrepreneurs save money while protecting their business and privacy. In the sections below, you’ll see every type of Wyoming LLC fee you might face—and how to budget for a smooth business journey.
Source: lawdistrict.com
Wyoming LLC Formation Cost Breakdown
The first step in understanding Wyoming LLC cost is to look at what it takes to officially form your Wyoming LLC. There are mandatory costs and a few optional expenses to keep on your radar.
Wyoming LLC Filing Fee
-
What is it?
The Wyoming LLC filing fee is the one-time charge you pay to the Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization (the legal paperwork that creates your LLC). -
How much is it?
$100 if you file using paper forms
$104 if you file online (the extra $4 covers online payment processing) -
What does it pay for?
– State review and approval of your business application
– Official registration and entry of your LLC in Wyoming business records
Once you pay and file your paperwork, your LLC is up and running in Wyoming. This fee is never repeated.
Sources:
Northwest Registered Agent,
LLC University,
Law District,
Open Your Company
Registered Agent Fees
-
What is a registered agent?
Every Wyoming LLC must have a registered agent—a person or company in Wyoming who can receive legal or official mail for your LLC. -
How much does it cost?
$0 if YOU or your staff serve as the agent and use a Wyoming address you control
$100–$125 per year if you hire a commercial registered agent service (a must if you don’t live or work in Wyoming) - You cannot skip this. Every Wyoming LLC must have a registered agent on file all the time.
Source: LLC University
Optional Formation Fees
Some other charges may apply if you need special handling or extra copies of your documents:
- Certified document copies: $10–$15 per document (for official copies of your Articles of Organization, for example)
- Name reservation (optional): Small fee if you want to reserve an LLC name before filing (rarely needed)
- Expedited filing: Wyoming does not offer expedited processing (but turnaround times are already quick)
- Operating Agreement: No Wyoming state fee (recommended for all LLCs—many draft it for free)
- EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free if requested directly through the IRS website
Most formation-related tasks beyond the filing fee and registered agent can be handled for free or at a very low cost.
Source: LLC University
Wyoming LLC Annual Fee Explanation
Forming your LLC is just the beginning. Every year after formation, you’ll need to pay the Wyoming LLC annual fee to keep your company active.
Wyoming LLC Annual Report Fee
- What is it?
The annual report is a simple online filing you must submit to the Wyoming Secretary of State to confirm and update your business details. - How much does it cost?
The minimum is $60 per year
Calculated based on the value of business assets (see below) - Due date:
On or before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month—the month you initially registered
Failing to pay can lead to late penalties or even your LLC being dissolved.
Sources:
Northwest Registered Agent,
LLC University,
Law District
Asset-Based Calculation (if you have significant Wyoming assets)
- If your LLC owns $300,000 or less in Wyoming-located assets: You pay just the $60 minimum annual fee.
-
If your LLC owns more than $300,000 in Wyoming-based assets:
- Your fee will be $60 plus $0.0002 for each dollar above $300,000.
- Example:
- $500,000 in assets:
Additional asset value over $300,000 = $200,000
Asset-based fee = $200,000 × 0.0002 = $40
Total annual fee = $60 (minimum) + $40 = $100
Most remote, online, or out-of-state LLCs only need to pay the minimum $60.
Sources:
Northwest Registered Agent,
Prep Services FBA
Recurring Maintenance Costs
- Registered agent renewal:
$0 if you’re your own agent
$100–$125/year if you use a professional service - Local business licenses:
Required by some Wyoming cities/counties for certain business types (fees and rules vary) - Permits or state fees:
Only if your industry or activity requires them (see next section)
Source: Easy Filing
Other Wyoming LLC Fees and Hidden Costs
In addition to the well-known formation and annual expenses, some Wyoming LLC fees may apply only in special cases or as one-time needs. These are important to consider for full budgeting.
Business Licenses and Local Permits
- State business license:
Wyoming does not require a general business license for most LLCs. - City or county business license:
Your local city or county might require a business license (fees, rules, and renewal periods vary between locations). - Special industry permits:
If your LLC does construction, sells food/drinks, or is in another regulated field, expect extra permit fees—often annual.
Certified Copies & Certificates
Certified copy of Articles of Organization, Certificate of Good Standing, or other official filings:
$10–$15 per document.
Needed mainly if a bank or another state requests proof of your LLC’s Wyoming registration.
Name Reservation (Optional)
Generally not required unless you need to secure your name before filing.
Modest, one-time fee if used.
Foreign Qualification
If you plan to do business in states outside Wyoming, you’ll need to “foreign qualify” your LLC there.
Each state charges its own fee (sometimes $100–$300+) and has separate paperwork.
Penalties for Late Filings or Noncompliance
Late annual report filing:
– Extra penalties (amounts change)
– Risk of “administrative dissolution” (the state can shut down your LLC for missing deadlines)
These costs are conditional—they apply if you do certain activities or miss deadlines, but not to every LLC.
Source: Easy Filing
Comparison Summary of Wyoming LLC Fees
Here’s an easy reference summary of the typical Wyoming LLC costs you’ll face. This overview is for a standard setup without industry-specific extras.
Fee Type | Amount | Frequency | Required? |
---|---|---|---|
Articles of Organization (LLC filing fee) | $100 (paper) / $104 (online) | One-time | Mandatory |
Registered Agent | $0 (self-agent) or $100–$125 (service) | Yearly | Required; only free if self-agent |
Annual Report Fee | $60 (minimum); increases with assets | Yearly | Mandatory |
Certified Document Copies | $10–$15 / document | As needed | Only if requested |
Local Business Licenses | $0–Varies | Yearly | Based on local law and business |
Typical Cost Range:
- First Year (with commercial agent):
$100–$104 (filing fee) + $100–$125 (registered agent) = $200–$229 - Annual Costs (after first year, with agent):
$60 (annual report) + $100–$125 (agent renewal) = $160–$185 - If you serve as your own registered agent:
First Year: $100–$104
Annual: $60 (plus any licenses or incidentals) - Add any local license or permit costs, only if needed for your business.
Sources:
Northwest Registered Agent,
LLC University,
Prep Services FBA
Why Understanding Wyoming LLC Costs Is Crucial
Being crystal clear about every Wyoming LLC cost delivers many advantages for business owners and entrepreneurs. Here’s why this knowledge is so important:
Realistic Budgeting
- You can calculate the true Wyoming LLC formation cost and ongoing annual expenses.
- No overlooked fees, so you don’t run into cash flow surprises later.
Fee Transparency = No Surprises
- By knowing all regular and potential Wyoming LLC fees upfront (annual fees, agent charges, possible licenses), you eliminate financial shocks.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
- Clear guidance helps you stay on time with filings.
- Avoid late penalties or the risk of your LLC being closed for missing a report.
Smart Business Decisions
- Wyoming’s LLC costs are among the lowest and most straightforward in the country, with no state income tax and minimal hidden fees.
- Knowing this helps you confidently choose Wyoming, knowing exactly what you will pay all year.
Sources:
Easy Filing,
Prep Services FBA
Conclusion: Wyoming LLC Cost—Plan Ahead and Choose Clarity
The Wyoming LLC cost is simple, low, and among the nation’s most business-friendly. To recap, here are the main categories you need to budget for when forming your LLC in Wyoming:
- Wyoming LLC filing fee: $100 for paper or $104 for online registration (one-time)
- Registered agent fee: $0 if you serve as your own agent using your Wyoming address; $100–$125 per year if you use a commercial service
- Wyoming LLC annual fee (annual report): $60 minimum per year, with increases only if you own over $300,000 in Wyoming-based assets
- Other potential costs: Certified copies ($10–$15 if needed), possible business licenses (varies by location/industry), late penalties only if you miss important filings
Typical first-year total:
$100–$104 (filing) + $100–$125 (agent, if used) = $200–$229
Annual cost thereafter:
$60 (annual report) + $100–$125 (agent, if used) = $160–$185
If you plan to serve as your own agent, costs are even lower. Don’t forget to factor in any local business licenses required for your industry.
Understanding every Wyoming LLC fee ahead of time allows you to make the best choices, launch your business without stress, and comply with Wyoming’s simple requirements.
Choose OpenYourCompany.com for your Wyoming LLC formation. We offer a straightforward service that highlights every relevant Wyoming LLC cost upfront—no hidden fees, no confusion, just expert support for a stress-free launch and smooth annual maintenance.
Ready to open your company? Start with transparency and confidence today at OpenYourCompany.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to form a Wyoming LLC?
The standard filing fee is $100 if filing by paper, or $104 online. You also need a registered agent, which can cost $0–$125/year depending on whether you serve as your own agent.
Are there ongoing yearly fees for a Wyoming LLC?
Yes, you must pay an annual report fee of at least $60, which may increase depending on the value of your Wyoming assets. Additionally, registered agent fees recur yearly.
Can I be my own registered agent in Wyoming?
Yes, provided you have a physical address in Wyoming where you can receive legal documents during business hours. This can save the cost of hiring a commercial registered agent.
Does Wyoming require a business license for LLCs?
Wyoming does not require a general state business license for LLCs, but your city or county may require one depending on your type of business.
Are there penalties for late filings in Wyoming?
Yes, failing to file your annual report on time can incur late fees and even lead to the administrative dissolution of your LLC.