
In general, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Wyoming does not pay any taxes like corporations and other business structures. It has a pass-through taxation instead of business or corporate tax. Besides, the LLC tax structure includes state and federal mandatory taxes. LLCs are required to choose the tax structure at the time of filing the company.
IRS (Internal Revenue Service) allows an LLC in Wyoming to choose its preferred classification of tax at the beginning of the LLC filing. For example, a single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietor, and a multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership. As there is no fixed tax structure for LLCs, everyone certainly wants to opt for the most beneficial one. On this page, LLCBuddy editors shared all about the tax structure in Wyoming LLC.
How Does Taxation Work in a Wyoming LLC
For an LLC in Wyoming, the tax structure is very simple and flexible. First of all, every LLC has the advantage of a pass-through taxation. On the other hand, an LLC can choose the desired tax structure at the time of formation. There are two ways an LLC can be taxed,
As a Sole Proprietorship
A single-member LLC is usually considered a sole proprietorship company. Hence, by default, it is taxed as a sole proprietorship. A single-member LLC is also called a disregarded entity. Under the U.S. tax law, it is assumed that a single-member LLC is owned by an individual (& not by another LLC), so the U.S. tax law levies rules on it as a Sole Proprietor. A single-member LLC’s owner (Sole Proprietor) has to report all the income of the LLC via their own income tax return.
As mentioned earlier, the single owner of the LLC is treated as the Sole proprietor of the LLC & has to file the Self-Employment Tax on all of the LLC’s earnings. Wyoming does not levy State Income Tax, so a single-member LLC must file only the Federal Income Tax.
As a Partnership
Any LLC with more than one owner is referred to as a Multi-Member LLC & it is taxed as a partnership by default. Similar to the Single Owner or Single Member LLC, this LLC is also a pass-through entity. This means that the income of the LLC passes through the income of the members & they have to file taxes through their own earnings.
Partnership or Multi-Member LLC has to pay taxes similar to those of the Single-Member LLC. If the Partnership LLC is directly owned by individuals, it is exempt from the Franchise Tax. All the members of the Multi-Member LLC are liable to pay Self-Employment Tax & Federal Income Tax.
Pass-through Taxation for Wyoming LLC
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a form of business structure that consists of members and/or managers (owners). The biggest advantage of an LLC in Wyoming is the pass-through taxation. The limited liability company does not pay any federal income taxes based on the revenue of the company. Instead, the tax liability passes through to each member of the LLC. Furthermore, the members will have to pay individual income tax based on their income.
Both for a single-member LLC and a multi-member LLC in Wyoming, the tax burden passes through to the member(s). In other cases, if an LLC chooses to be taxed as a Corporation, the LLC will have to pay federal income tax based on its revenue and profit. There is no pass-through taxation for C-Corp and S-Corp.
Option to Change Default Tax Structure for Wyoming LLC
The LLCs are categorized either as sole proprietorships or as partnerships, depending on the number of members the LLC has. This is the default tax classification applicable to LLCs. However, the LLCs have an option of changing the default classification & opting to register under the following categories for taxation purposes:
C-Corporation
An LLC can prefer to be treated as a C-corporation by filing Form 8832 (the Entity Classification Election Form) with the IRS. The C-corporation is a regular corporation that is subject to corporate taxes & it is not a pass-through entity.
C-corporation Taxes
An LLC taxed as a C-Corporation is not a pass-through entity. In a C-corporation, the members/shareholders/owners are taxed separately. The shareholders of the C-corporation are taxed twice on the dividends that they earn. The dividends of the shareholders are taxed at the corporate level, with a Corporate Tax filed with Form 1120 & at a Shareholder level, an Income Tax filed with Form 1040. Shareholders are subject to Federal Income Tax.
S-Corporation
The S-Corporation is the most common type of corporate structure used by small businesses. It was created to provide corporations with limited liability protection while maintaining the benefits of being a separate legal entity. An LLC can prefer to be treated as an S-Corporation by filing Form 2553. S corporations are small business corporations that choose to pass through the corporate income, losses, deductions, & credits to the shareholders for the purposes of Federal Taxes.
S-corporation Taxes
An S-Corporation is similar to an LLC except that it is treated by the IRS as a corporation for tax purposes. S-Corps do pay corporate income taxes; however, they are still considered disregarded entities for federal tax purposes.
Like an LLC, an S-Corp reports its annual earnings on a separate Schedule E on the member’s personal account. An S-Corp is treated by the IRS much like a partnership for tax purposes. Unlike Partnership, in S Corporation, the shareholders are required to pay Federal Self Income tax on their share of the company’s profits.
LLC Taxes to be Paid in Wyoming
Based on the Wyoming classification of LLC taxes, the Wyoming Tax Commission has assessed the following state taxes on any LLC:
State Income Tax
Wyoming is one of the nine states where Individual income taxes do not exist.
State Sales & Use Tax
You may be required to collect sales tax and pay it to the state’s Department of Revenue if you sell physical goods or certain types of services. Sales tax is collected at the moment of sale and varies by area, county, and city in which your company is located. The rate at which sales tax is charged in the state is 4%. Local and optional taxes can also be imposed if voters agree to them through a referendum.
State Annual License Fee
Wyoming only has an annual license fee because it does not have a personal income tax, a corporate income tax, or any of the other taxes that some states levy on enterprises. This tax is levied on the assets of limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations conducting business in the state.
The license fee in Wyoming is $.0002 for every dollar of in-state assets a company possesses, or $60, whichever is greater.
Federal Self-employment Tax
All LLC members and management must pay self-employment tax on their profits. The federal income taxes are governed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). In Wyoming, the self-employment tax rate is now 15.3 percent. When calculating how much self-employment tax you owe, you’ll be able to deduct part of your business payments from your salary.
Federal Income Tax
Income generated from the LLC is taxable for federal income taxes, just as state income taxes. The amount of income tax you pay is determined by the revenue you make, your filing status, any allowances, and your tax bracket.
The federal income tax only applies to the profits. This means that the tax does not apply to any allowances or deductions, such as tax-free income, company costs, healthcare insurance, and so on.
Employer & Employee Tax
If your business has paid employees, you have the right to withhold and deduct the amount equal to state income tax from their compensation. Nonetheless, you have withheld the taxes of your working personnel, they need to file the tax returns.
Classification of Wyoming LLC Taxes
An LLC is considered a Pass-through Entity because it allows the income to pass through & become self-employment income. The members of the LLC have to pay Self-employment tax or Self-Employment Taxes on any income they earn through the LLC. The LLC has to pay Franchise Tax on its income. In addition to the Self-employment tax, there are some other requirements that an LLC has to consider, such as:
- Franchise Tax – Franchise tax applies to or levies upon LLCs, C-corporations, & S-corporations. Sole Proprietorship & Partnerships (directly owned by individuals) are exempted from the Franchise Tax. This tax is to be paid to the office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts.
- Federal Tax Identification Number – An LLC with employees must obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number. Wyoming does not have a separate State Tax Identification number.
- State Employer Taxes – If an LLC has employees on the payroll, it must pay state employer taxes in Wyoming. These taxes are handled through the Wyoming Workforce Commission.
- Franchise Tax Report – In Wyoming, the LLCs do not file the Franchise Tax Report. As they do not have to pay any Franchise tax.
Federal Tax Classifications
When LLCs were recognized as one of the types of Business Corporations, the IRS did not create a new tax classification just for the LLC. LLCs were allowed to choose from the current tax classifications.
Choosing a Classification for Your LLC
In terms of owners’ protection against liability, perpetual existence, & savings in Taxation, Both LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) & Corporations are very much alike. However, with regard to formalities, Taxation, & capital, LLCs & Corporations differ in Wyoming.
Liabilities
Both LLCs and Corporations provide liability protection to their owners. The LLC provides protection against inside liability (towards the employee) & outside liability (towards the creditor). The Corporation usually provides only the inside liability.
Tax Classification Flexibility
For taxation purposes, an LLC has a choice of being treated as a sole proprietorship, Partnership, C-corporation, or S-corporation. A corporation can choose to be treated only as a C or S Corporation.
Taxation
As mentioned earlier, the LLC can choose to be treated as a corporation; the Corporation does not have the option of being treated as an LLC. A Wyoming LLC is subject to Franchise tax, Federal Income Tax, Sales & Use Taxes & State Employment Taxes (for LLCs that have employees)
A regular corporation or a C-Corporation is subject to corporate tax, which can be filed through Form 1120 every year. The shareholders have to pay the income tax only when they receive dividends from the Corporation. These dividends are taxed twice at the corporate level (on a corporate form)& at the shareholder level (on shareholder form).
An S-Corporation in an LLC is not subject to corporate taxes. But the shareholders are subjected to Taxation – even if they do not receive any dividends. A member of a Wyoming S-corporation has to pay Federal Self-Employment Tax only on his salary; any other profits that he makes through the LLC are not subject to the 15.3% Self-Employment Tax.
Classification of LLC Taxes – At a Glance
Points of Difference | LLC | S- Corporation | C-Corporation | Sole Proprietorship |
---|---|---|---|---|
Taxation | Similar to LLC, no tax is levied on an S-Corporation at the entity level. The members’ income or even the loss is passed through to the members or owners. | The Sole proprietorship as an entity is not taxable. The Sole Proprietor pays taxes as an Individual. | The C-Corporation is often taxed at the entity level. The Dividends are taxed at the shareholders’ level. | There is Double Taxation in C-Corporations, only when the Shareholders earn in the form of dividends. |
Double Taxation | The LLC does not have Double Taxation | There is no Double Taxation in S-Corporation | Self-Employment Tax | No Double Taxation in a sole proprietorship. |
The proprietorship is subject to self-employment tax | The net income of the members or owners is subject to self-employment tax. | The salaries of the shareholder are subject to self-employment tax, but any other profits that the shareholder makes are not subject to the employment tax. | The C-Corporation is subject to self-employment tax. | Yes, a sole proprietorship is a Pass-through Entity. |
Pass-Through Income/Loss | An LLC is often referred to as a Pass-through entity because its income passes through/ passes to its members. | Yes, An S Corporation is a Pass-through Entity. | No, A C-Corporation is not a Pass-through Entity. | Yes, A Sole-proprietorship is a Pass-through Entity. |
FAQ
C-Corporation. It taxes the dividends of the shareholders at the corporate level as well as at the individual level.
An LLC is often referred to as the pass-through entity because the income or the assets pass through the members or owners of the LLC.
The LLCs have two default classifications. It can be termed as a single-member LLC or a multi-member LLC.
When choosing a different classification for taxation, it is essential to understand the liabilities & taxes applicable in that classification.
How Do LLCs Pay Taxes in Wyoming
In Wyoming, LLCs are considered pass-through entities for tax purposes. This means that the business itself does not pay taxes directly to the state. Instead, the profits and losses of the LLC are “passed through” to the owners, who report this information on their personal tax returns.
One of the key reasons LLCs are taxed this way is to avoid double taxation. If LLCs were taxed as separate entities, both the business itself and the owners would be subject to taxes on the same income, leading to a significant financial burden. By allowing profits and losses to flow through to the owners’ personal tax returns, LLCs are able to avoid this issue.
For LLCs with multiple owners, known as members, the tax implications can become more complex. In Wyoming, multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. Each member is responsible for reporting their share of the profits and losses on their individual tax returns, based on the percentage of ownership they hold in the company.
For single-member LLCs, the tax process is simpler. The owner reports the profits and losses of the business on their personal tax return using Schedule C of IRS Form 1040. This allows them to integrate their business activities seamlessly with their personal tax obligations.
Another important aspect of LLC taxation in Wyoming is the lack of state-level income tax. Wyoming is one of the few states that does not have a personal income tax, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs looking to minimize their tax burden. LLC owners in Wyoming only have to worry about federal income taxes, along with any applicable self-employment taxes.
In addition to income taxes, LLCs in Wyoming may also be subject to other taxes such as sales tax, employment taxes, and other business-related taxes. It’s important for LLC owners to be aware of all tax obligations specific to their business and industry, to ensure compliance with state and federal tax laws.
Overall, the tax treatment of LLCs in Wyoming offers both advantages and complexities for business owners to consider. By understanding how LLCs are taxed in the state, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions about their business structure and tax planning strategies.
In conclusion, LLCs in Wyoming are subject to pass-through taxation, with profits and losses flowing through to the owners’ personal tax returns. Understanding the tax implications of LLC ownership is crucial for maintaining compliance and maximizing tax benefits.
In Conclusion
Every Tax classification has its own set of benefits & restrictions. Every state will have different taxation rules for each of the categories of business corporations. Depending on the objective of formation of the business entity (Eg, to avoid dual Taxation- one can choose S Corporation, for more flexibility, one can choose the LLC format). It is essential to understand the taxing structure of each country & each Classification to decide how you wish to treat your LLC.