How to Start a Foreign LLC in Wyoming (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you have an LLC in Wyoming and want to expand your business beyond Wyoming, you must form a foreign LLC. Any business, especially a limited liability company, located in another state, starting its operation in Wyoming, must file a foreign LLC in Wyoming. To do so, every LLC needs to file additional filing documents, along with tax and relevant documents, with the Wyoming government.

In this article, you’ll be reading about how to start a foreign LLC in Wyoming. Along with that, the page guides you through the steps involved in managing and maintaining a foreign LLC in Wyoming after you form it.

Forming a Foreign LLC in Wyoming

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country, but a business formed under the laws of another state. If you register your LLC in one state and operate your business in Wyoming, you probably need to register your LLC as a foreign entity here. Imagine if your family owns a sushi restaurant in Alabama, and you want to expand the chain somewhere in Texas, you must establish your restaurant in Texas as a foreign entity.

Anyone who has an active and in good standing LLC anywhere (except for Wyoming) and wants to expand their operations in Wyoming can file their LLC as a foreign entity. To start a foreign LLC in Wyoming, you need to register it with the Wyoming Secretary of State. Every state has a different rule for establishing a foreign LLC. Here are the steps to follow in Wyoming to register a foreign LLC.

Note: These are generic steps to file a foreign LLC in Wyoming. Make sure to check with the State Secretary of State before you start filing your business. – LLCBuddy Team

Step 1: Get the Certificate of Good Standing From the Home State

Before you proceed to register your LLC in Wyoming as a foreign entity, you must get the Certificate of Good Standing issued by your home state’s SOS. This is an important document for registering an LLC in a foreign state.

If your LLC is originally registered in Wyoming, then you must obtain the Certificate of Good Standing from the Wyoming Secretary of State. If your LLC is in another state, the name of the same document might be different. Every LLC registered in any state other than Wyoming must get this document to register a foreign LLC in Wyoming.

Filing Certificate of Good Standing: In Wyoming, it is easy to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC. You can apply for the Certificate of Good Standing by visiting the online portal. You are required to enter the business filing number on the page and continue to file the request for the document.

Step 2: Choose a Wyoming Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements to the Wyoming Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Wyoming will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Wyoming. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

You can use the same name as your domestic LLC name. However, that name should be available in Wyoming to use. Check name availability at Wyoming’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name. There are a bunch of LLC naming guidelines in Wyoming when it comes to forming a foreign LLC. Check the guidelines before you name your business.

Step 3: Select Wyoming Foreign LLC Registered Agent

A registered agent is a person responsible for receiving all official and legal documents on behalf of your company, whether it is located domestically or in a foreign state. For a foreign LLC in Wyoming, you must have a registered agent from Wyoming only. No matter where your domestic LLC is located, you must hire a registered agent from Wyoming for your foreign LLC.

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Wyoming, and take note that the Wyoming Registered Agent must have a local address. Here are the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

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Step 4: File Application for Registration for Wyoming Foreign LLC

The most important step is to send the application for registration with the Wyoming SOS. Download the PDF form from the Wyoming Secretary of State website or file it online (whichever method is available). The form must be filled out with the following details:

LLC’s full legal name.
A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
- DBA filing method in Wyoming: two methods, by mail and in person.
- Online: There is no online filing available
- Offline: For filing offline in Wyoming, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Wyoming Secretary of State, Business Division, 2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020 or drop it off in person at the same address.
- DBA filing fee in Wyoming: $100
LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses
LLC formation state and date.
The registered agent’s name and address are in Wyoming.
Date when your LLC will start operations in Wyoming.
Credit card information is on the last page of the application fee form.

Online Filing

Not Applicable

Offline Filling

To start a foreign limited liability company in Wyoming, you should get the Foreign LLC Registration Form. It is a PDF form that is required to be filled out with appropriate information regarding your LLC (existing and new). Be sure to read the instructions mentioned on page 1 of the form before you proceed to fill out the document. The printed copy of the form should be sent to the SOS address at Wyoming Secretary of State, 2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700, Cheyenne, WY 82002. The Good Standing Certificate (latest) must be attached to the form at the time of submission.

Foreign LLC Registration Fee in Wyoming: Apart from the cost of the Good Standing Certificate ($0 to $50), the filing fee for the foreign LLC in Wyoming is $150. There is no hidden or additional charge for filing a foreign LLC in Wyoming. The payment must be done using checks for offline filing (other methods might be available). You can also pay by credit card or authorized debit card at the counter.

The LLC cost in Wyoming, even for foreign LLCs, will differ between online filing and by mail. Also, read about what’s the major difference between Wyoming’s domestic and foreign LLCs.

Step 5: Determine How Your Wyoming Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subject to the Wyoming Business Privilege Tax and must file LLC annual reports each year. If you have a single-member foreign LLC, then it will be considered as a ‘disregarded LLC’ by the IRS. That means the LLC will not be regarded as a company, but it will be taxed as an individual (the owner). If you already have an LLC in your home state, you must have obtained the EIN as well. You don’t need to obtain the EIN in Wyoming for a foreign LLC separately as it is issued by the IRS.

For other types of LLCs (member-managed or manager-managed LLCs), it will be a ‘pass-through taxation‘ where the LLCs don’t get taxed separately. Instead, the members and managers are taxed based on their personal income. So, foreign LLCs are taxed the same as domestic LLCs in Wyoming. However, it is recommended to check with the Wyoming Secretary of State for state-specific taxes.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state, thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Filing Wyoming Foreign LLC Online – Quick Recap

Get the Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, where your LLC is originally registered
Check if the name of your LLC is available in Wyoming to use for your foreign LLC. If not, file the DBA name with the Wyoming SOS.
Get a registered agent in Wyoming to represent your foreign LLC in Wyoming. Recommended, professional help instead of being your own registered agent.
File the Application of Foreign LLC with the Wyoming Secretary of State using the method(s) mentioned above.
Make the processing fee.

BOI Reporting

According to the Corporate Transparency Act, every LLC (or business) has to send a BOI reporting to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Once you establish an LLC and if it is listed under the list of reporting companies, you must file your BOI report in Wyoming with the FinCEN.

After Forming Wyoming Foreign LLC

Here are some things you need to accomplish after forming your Wyoming Foreign LLC

Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search. You can contact the license office at the Wyoming Secretary of State.
File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax. You must file an Annual Report before the stipulated time frame after forming your LLC in Wyoming. Here’s everything about Wyoming LLC Annual Reports.
Pay State Taxes, like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

FAQs

Can I form a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, you can form a foreign LLC in Wyoming.

What is a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

A foreign LLC in Wyoming is one that is formed in a different state but is operating in Wyoming.

How do I form a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

To form a foreign LLC in Wyoming, you will need to file the necessary paperwork with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

How much does it cost to form a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

The cost to form a foreign LLC in Wyoming varies, but there are filing fees that you will need to pay.

Do I need a registered agent for my foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, you are required to have a registered agent for your foreign LLC in Wyoming who has a physical address in the state.

What are the benefits of forming a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Some benefits of forming a foreign LLC in Wyoming include asset protection, tax advantages, and limited liability.

How long does it take to form a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

The timeline for forming a foreign LLC in Wyoming can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks to process the paperwork.

Can I convert my existing LLC to a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, you can convert your existing LLC to a foreign LLC in Wyoming by following the necessary steps and filing the appropriate paperwork.

Do I need to have a physical office in Wyoming for my foreign LLC?

No, you do not need to have a physical office in Wyoming for your foreign LLC, but you will need a registered agent in the state.

Are there annual renewal requirements for a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, foreign LLCs in Wyoming are required to file an annual report and pay a renewal fee to remain in good standing.

Can I operate my foreign LLC in multiple states, including Wyoming?

Yes, you can operate your foreign LLC in multiple states, including Wyoming, as long as you comply with the laws and regulations of each state.

Do foreign LLCs in Wyoming need to have a business license?

Yes, foreign LLCs in Wyoming may need to obtain a business license depending on the nature of the business and local requirements.

Are there any specific naming requirements for a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, your foreign LLC’s name must be distinguishable and comply with Wyoming’s naming requirements when forming a foreign LLC in the state.

Can I change the name of my foreign LLC in Wyoming after it has been formed?

Yes, you can change the name of your foreign LLC in Wyoming by filing the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees.

Do foreign LLCs in Wyoming need to file taxes in the state?

Foreign LLCs in Wyoming may need to file taxes in the state depending on their activities and income generated in Wyoming.

Can I be my own registered agent for my foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, you can act as your own registered agent for your foreign LLC in Wyoming as long as you have a physical address in the state.

How can I dissolve my foreign LLC in Wyoming?

To dissolve your foreign LLC in Wyoming, you will need to file the appropriate forms with the Wyoming Secretary of State and settle any outstanding debts or obligations.

Are foreign LLCs in Wyoming required to maintain records and accounts?

Yes, foreign LLCs in Wyoming are required to maintain records and accounts that can be inspected by state authorities.

Can I convert my foreign LLC in Wyoming to a domestic LLC in the state?

Yes, you can convert your foreign LLC in Wyoming to a domestic LLC by following the necessary steps and filing the appropriate paperwork.

Can I form a series LLC as a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, you can form a series LLC as a foreign LLC in Wyoming by adhering to the regulations and filing separate articles of organization for each series.

Are there any specific publication requirements for a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, foreign LLCs in Wyoming may need to publish a notice in a local newspaper as part of the formation process, depending on the county where the LLC is operating.

Can I expand my foreign LLC’s operations in Wyoming by adding additional members?

Yes, you can expand your foreign LLC’s operations in Wyoming by adding additional members to the LLC and amending the operating agreement accordingly.

Is there a minimum capital requirement to form a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

No, there is no minimum capital requirement to form a foreign LLC in Wyoming, but you will need to consider the operational costs and investment needed for your business.

Can I hold meetings and make decisions for my foreign LLC in Wyoming remotely?

Yes, you can hold meetings and make decisions for your foreign LLC in Wyoming remotely, as long as you follow the LLC’s operating agreement and comply with state laws.

Are foreign LLCs in Wyoming required to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)?

Yes, foreign LLCs in Wyoming are required to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) if they have employees, operate as a partnership, or need to open a business bank account.

Can I transfer my foreign LLC from another state to Wyoming?

Yes, you can transfer your foreign LLC from another state to Wyoming by following the necessary procedures and filing the required paperwork with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

Are foreign LLCs in Wyoming subject to the same reporting requirements as domestic LLCs in the state?

Yes, foreign LLCs in Wyoming are subject to similar reporting requirements as domestic LLCs, including filing annual reports and maintaining compliance with state laws and regulations.

What is a foreign LLC?

A foreign LLC is an LLC that is formed in one state but wants to operate in another state.

Can a foreign LLC be formed in Wyoming?

Yes, a foreign LLC can be formed in Wyoming by completing the necessary registration paperwork.

What is the process for forming a foreign LLC in Wyoming?

The process typically involves submitting a Certificate of Authority and paying the required fees to the Wyoming Secretary of State.

In Conclusion

Having a foreign LLC in Wyoming is nothing but expanding your business legally beyond the boundaries of your domestic or home state. Starting a foreign LLC in Wyoming does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. From getting the Certificate of Good Standing to hiring a registered agent in Wyoming, a professional or attorney can always be a perfect help. ZenBusiness is one of the most accurate and user-friendly services, offering a variety of LLC formation services. They offer LLC formation for $0 (excluding the state formation fee).

The cost of registering a foreign LLC in Wyoming can vary depending on a range of factors. While the initial registration fees and ongoing expenses can be a significant investment, many companies find that the benefits of establishing a presence in the state outweigh the costs. By carefully considering the expenses involved and budgeting accordingly, companies can ensure that their foreign LLC in Wyoming is a success.