The rugged and stunning state of Wyoming is known for its mountains, national parks, and outdoor activities. It is also one of the best locations to incorporate a business. Entrepreneurs and business owners are attracted to the state for its low tax rates, minimal costs, and fewer regulations. If you’re wondering which state you should start your business in, learn why Wyoming is a smart choice.

Key Takeaways:

• Wyoming is one of the most business-friendly states in the country because of its low tax rates, low costs, and minimal regulations.
• The benefits of forming a business in Wyoming include low filing and maintenance fees, no state income tax, privacy laws that protect your identity, asset protection, flexible regulations, no stock limits, and no citizenship requirements.
• To start and operate a business in Wyoming, you must complete a few simple filing requirements, choose a registered agent, pay the nominal filing fees, and file annual reports.

The Benefits of Forming a Business in Wyoming

Wyoming is one of the most business-friendly states in the country. Incorporating there can help you save money on taxes and business costs and give your startup the best chance of thriving. Here are seven benefits of doing business in Wyoming:

1. Low Fees

Wyoming has some of the country’s lowest filing and maintenance fees for businesses. For example, the Secretary of State only charges $100 to file articles of organization or incorporation. In other states, this fee can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Other fees, such as those to register trade names and file your annual business tax report, are also minimal. If you have a limited budget or need the extra money to grow your business, these lower costs can make a significant difference.

2. No State Income Tax

Wyoming does not charge corporate business or personal income taxes or levy excise, franchise, gross receipts, inventory, and per-capita taxes. This is why Wyoming is the highest-ranking state on the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. It is important to note, however, that you must pay federal and property taxes and local or state taxes if your company owns property in another state.

3. Strict Privacy Laws

The identities of business owners and managers are well protected under Wyoming law. You don’t have to include personally identifying information on your company’s articles of organization, which keeps your financial affairs private and makes it more difficult for individuals and creditors to contact you. The lack of income or business taxes also means your personal information is not collected through tax filings.

Due to Wyoming’s anonymity laws, you can use a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to create other LLCs or a doing business as (DBA) arrangement in other states. This is particularly advantageous if you don’t live in Wyoming or if you hold property in different states. In such cases, if creditors in those states try to track you, they’ll have a challenging time identifying you as the business owner.

4. Asset Protection

Wyoming has strict protections for LLCs that prevent creditors from taking your company’s assets or foreclosing on the business. State law dictates that business owners and directors are not liable for a company’s debts, as long as they operate legally and ethically. If one member of an LLC owes significant debts, however, creditors can place a charging order requiring that all members’ business profits go to paying off the debts.

5. Minimal Regulation

Companies in Wyoming can enjoy relaxed regulations and flexibility in how they conduct business. Wyoming does not require LLCs to have a minimum capital contribution or designated directors and officers to operate the business and make major decisions. LLCs don’t have to have board members or hold shareholder meetings, and LLC managers don’t need to be members of the LLC. Businesses do not experience this level of flexibility when operating in other states under corporate law.

6. No Citizenship Requirements

Business owners are not required to be Wyoming or U.S. citizens to start an LLC in the state. This is beneficial if you intend to have foreign members or investors in your LLC. It means you can form a business in Wyoming and never visit the state.

7. No Stock Limits

Unlike other states, Wyoming does not set limits on the number of shares your company can issue or impose costs to issue them, and it allows you to exchange stock for anything of value. Therefore, you can sell shares in your company in exchange for real estate if you want to. If you plan to turn your business into a corporation and issue shares, starting and operating a business in Wyoming is particularly advantageous.

How to Form a Business in Wyoming

Registering your LLC in Wyoming is relatively easy. First, you’ll need to choose an entity type and conduct a name availability search. Then for filing, you must provide your business entity name, the business mailing address, and the registered agent and their address. 

A registered agent maintains information about a company and is the point of contact for any legal dealings. You must have a registered agent to form a business in Wyoming, and you can either choose to be your own — if you qualify — or find one on the Secretary of State website. Fill out the paper or online form, and pay the applicable filing fees. To maintain your business, you’ll need to file annual reports.

While some states require LLCs to file an operating agreement when starting a business, Wyoming does not. An operating agreement outlines a company’s ownership, membership, structure, and regulations. You might consider creating one to establish rules for your LLC, address any issues or disagreements that might arise, and protect against personal liability.

Set Up Shop in Wyoming

Forming a startup in Wyoming can be a smart financial and business move that allows your company more freedom and fewer expenses. If you need help forming or managing your business or finding a registered agent, contact our team of experienced advisors at Anderson Advisors. We can provide you with expert advice and help you negotiate the legalities and paperwork of starting a business.