Wyoming Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Wyoming incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Wyoming

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Wyoming corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Wyoming with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

Wyoming corporations are not required to use corporate name endings, such as the word "Incorporated" or the abbreviation "Inc." The corporate name may not contain language implying a different purpose from the purpose or purposes in the Articles of Incorporation. The name shall not be the same as or similar to the name of any domestic or foreign for-profit or nonprofit corporation, trade name, trademark or service mark registered in this state, limited liability company, statutory trust company, limited partnership or other business entity. Use of the word "Trust" is restricted. Use of the words "Academy," "Education," "University" and "School" requires approval by the Department of Education.

Director information

The following are Wyoming’s requirements for directors of corporations

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Wyoming does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Wyoming does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Wyoming is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Wyoming's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Wyoming. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Wyoming allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Wyoming corporations.

Corporate records

1. Recordkeeping requirement. Wyoming requires corporations to keep the following with the registered agent or directly with the state:
   • The name, address and phone number of the person who is authorized to receive communications from the registered agent
   • The names and addresses of current directors and officers
2. Standard corporate records. Wyoming corporations must also keep the following items with their corporate records at the principal office:
   • The Articles of Incorporation and any amendments
   • Bylaws or restated bylaws and any amendments
   • Resolutions adopted by the directors creating one or more classes or series of shares and fixing their relative rights, preferences and limitations
   • Minutes of shareholder meetings for the past three years
   • Records of actions taken by the shareholders without a meeting for the past three years
   • Written communications to shareholders, including financial statements, for the past three years
   • A list of names and business addresses of current directors and officers
   • Most recent annual report

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Wyoming corporations:

• Annual report. Wyoming requires corporations to file an annual report on or before the first day of the anniversary month of the company’s incorporation. The cost is $50 or two-tenths of 1 mill on the dollar ($.0002), whichever is greater, based on the portion of the corporate assets located and employed in Wyoming.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Wyoming corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Wyoming .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Wyoming does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package  can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Wyoming does not recognize the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election, since there is no state income tax in Wyoming.

Additional Wyoming information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Wyoming:

• Wyoming LLC Formation