Wyoming LLC: Privacy & Asset Protection
Maximum privacy for foreign investors with no public member disclosure
No Public Disclosure
Members not listed publicly
$60/year
Lowest annual fees
No State Tax
Zero income tax
Asset Protection
Single-member protected
Why Wyoming for Foreign Investors?
Wyoming pioneered the LLC in 1977 and continues to lead in privacy and asset protection legislation.
Key Advantages
- No member names in public filings
- No state income tax
- Charging order protection (single-member)
- Low annual fees ($60/year)
- Minimal reporting requirements
Best For
- Real estate holdings
- Investment portfolios
- Holding companies
- Intellectual property
- Privacy-focused investors
Privacy Is Not Anonymity from the IRS
While Wyoming provides privacy from public records, you must still report your LLC ownership to the IRS. Foreign investors must file required tax forms (including beneficial ownership reports under FinCEN rules). Privacy from the public is different from hiding assets from tax authorities.
🔒 No Public Member Disclosure
Wyoming does not require LLC members or managers to be listed in any public filing. Your ownership remains private from public record searches.
What This Means
- Only registered agent address appears publicly
- Your name never in state database
- Ownership percentage stays private
- No public disclosure of managers
🛡️ Charging Order Protection
Creditors cannot force the sale of your LLC interest. They can only receive distributions if and when you choose to make them.
Protection Details
- Exclusive remedy for creditors
- Applies to single-member LLCs
- Cannot force liquidation
- Wyoming statute explicitly protects
💰 No State Income Tax
Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax. Your LLC profits are not taxed at the state level regardless of where your customers are located.
📋 Minimal Reporting Requirements
Wyoming requires only a simple annual report with basic information. No financial statements or member information required in public filings.
Wyoming vs Delaware Comparison
Both states are popular for US entity formation, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Wyoming LLC | Delaware LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Member Privacy | Excellent - No disclosure | Moderate |
| Annual Fee | $60 | $300 |
| State Income Tax | None | None (out-of-state) |
| Single-Member Protection | Protected | Not protected |
| Court System | Standard courts | Court of Chancery |
| Case Law/Precedent | Growing | Extensive |
| Investor Recognition | Limited | High |
| Best For | Privacy, holdings, real estate | VC, startups, complex structures |
The Privacy Advantage Explained
When you form a Wyoming LLC, only the registered agent's address appears in public records. Your name, address, and ownership percentage are not disclosed. This makes Wyoming ideal for investors who want to keep their US investments private from public databases and casual searches.
🏠 Real Estate Holdings
Hold US real estate through a Wyoming LLC to keep your ownership private from public property records and title searches.
📈 Investment Portfolios
Hold stocks, bonds, and other investments through a Wyoming LLC for privacy and to simplify estate planning.
🏢 Holding Companies
Use a Wyoming LLC as a parent company for other business entities, adding a layer of privacy to your corporate structure.
💡 Intellectual Property
Hold trademarks, patents, and copyrights in a Wyoming LLC to separate them from operating businesses.
💼 Consulting/Freelance
Operate a service business without publicly disclosing your identity as the owner.
🛡️ Asset Protection
Protect wealth from potential future creditors with Wyoming's strong charging order statutes.
Formation Process
Step-by-Step
- Choose unique LLC name
- Appoint Wyoming Registered Agent
- File Articles of Organization ($100)
- Draft Operating Agreement
- Obtain EIN from IRS
- Open US Bank Account
- File Annual Report ($60/year)
Name Requirements
- Must be unique in Wyoming
- Must include "LLC"
- Or "Limited Liability Company"
Registered Agent Considerations
Your registered agent is the only publicly visible aspect of your Wyoming LLC. Choose carefully:
Key Points
- Agent's address appears in public records
- Use professional service, not virtual office
- Agent receives legal documents for you
- Must have physical Wyoming address
Wyoming LLC Costs
One-Time Costs
- Formation Fee: $100
- Operating Agreement: varies
Annual Costs
- Annual Report: $60/year
- Registered Agent: $50-100/year
- Total: ~$110-160/year
Compare to Delaware LLC: $350-450 per year total.