By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Here’s something that blows my mind: Wyoming makes it easier to form an LLC than almost any other state, but they’ll shut you down without hesitation if you miss one simple $60 annual filing.
I’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs choose Wyoming for their LLCs, and I’ve also watched dozens get their businesses dissolved by the Secretary of State for missing this seemingly simple requirement. The irony? It takes 15 minutes online and costs less than a nice dinner.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: Wyoming’s Annual Report isn’t just a money grab—it’s actually designed to be business-friendly. No financial disclosures, no complicated forms, no invasive questions about your business operations. Just basic contact information and a small fee.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Wyoming’s Annual Report, including the insider tips that’ll save you time, money, and the nightmare of business dissolution.
Wyoming Annual Report: The Basics That Keep You in Business
What it is: A simple annual filing that tells Wyoming “Hey, we’re still here and still in business.”
What it costs: $60 for most LLCs (more if you have $250k+ in assets located in Wyoming)
When it’s due: By the first day of your LLC’s formation month, every year
What happens if you miss it: Your LLC gets dissolved after a 60-day grace period
The bottom line: This is the easiest compliance requirement you’ll ever have, so there’s no excuse for missing it.
The Wyoming Annual Report Fee Structure (It’s Simpler Than You Think)
Standard Fee: $60
Applies to: 99% of Wyoming LLCs
If your LLC has less than $250,000 in assets physically located in Wyoming, you pay the standard $60 fee. This includes virtually every out-of-state LLC that chose Wyoming for formation advantages.
Asset-Based Fee: $0.0002 per dollar of Wyoming assets
Applies to: LLCs with significant Wyoming-based assets
The formula: Total Wyoming assets × 0.0002 = Annual Report fee
Examples:
- $300,000 in Wyoming assets = $60 fee (same as standard)
- $500,000 in Wyoming assets = $100 fee
- $1,000,000 in Wyoming assets = $200 fee
Reality check: Unless you’re running a Wyoming-based real estate company or have significant physical operations in the state, you’re paying $60.
What Counts as “Assets Located in Wyoming”? (The Practical Guide)
This question trips up a lot of people, so let me break it down:
Physical Assets (Easy to Determine)
- Real estate: Land, buildings, commercial property in Wyoming
- Equipment: Machinery, vehicles, tools physically located in Wyoming
- Inventory: Raw materials, finished goods stored in Wyoming warehouses
- Cash: Money in Wyoming banks (rare for out-of-state LLCs)
Intangible Assets (More Complex)
- Intellectual property: Generally considered located where the business operates, not where it’s registered
- Securities: Stocks, bonds held by Wyoming financial institutions
- Business records: Located where you actually run the business
What Doesn’t Count (Common Misconceptions)
- Your personal assets: Only LLC-owned assets count
- Bank accounts in other states: Even if your LLC is formed in Wyoming
- Online businesses: Digital assets typically located where you operate, not where you’re registered
- Investment accounts: Unless held by Wyoming financial institutions
Bottom line for most entrepreneurs: If you formed your Wyoming LLC but operate your business from California, Texas, Florida, etc., you’re paying the standard $60 fee.
Wyoming Annual Report Due Dates: Don’t Get Caught Off-Guard
The Rule: First Day of Your Formation Month
If your LLC was approved on:
- June 15, 2024 → Due by June 1, 2025 (and every June 1st thereafter)
- December 3, 2024 → Due by December 1, 2025 (and every December 1st thereafter)
- January 20, 2024 → Due by January 1, 2025 (and every January 1st thereafter)
Your First Annual Report
Important timing: Your first Annual Report is due the year following formation.
Example: LLC approved June 15, 2024
- First Annual Report due: June 1, 2025
- Second Annual Report due: June 1, 2026
- And so on: Every June 1st
The 60-Day Grace Period (Your Safety Net)
Wyoming gives you a 60-day grace period after your due date. Miss that, and your LLC gets dissolved automatically.
Grace period examples:
- Due June 1st → Grace period until August 1st
- Due December 1st → Grace period until February 1st
My advice: Don’t rely on the grace period. File early and avoid the stress.
Wyoming’s Email Reminder System (Don’t Count on It)
Wyoming sends three email reminders:
- 60 days before your due date
- 30 days before your due date
- 10 days before your due date
The catch: They only send reminders if they have your email address on file.
The bigger catch: Government email systems aren’t reliable. Emails get lost, end up in spam, or don’t get sent at all.
My recommendation: Set your own calendar reminders. Don’t depend on Wyoming to remind you about your own business obligations.
How to File Your Wyoming Annual Report: Online vs. Mail
Online Filing (Recommended)
Pros:
- Instant approval: Processed immediately
- Built-in calculator: For asset-based fee calculation
- Convenient: 24/7 filing availability
- Digital receipt: Downloadable confirmation
Cons:
- 30-minute time limit: Session expires if you take too long
- $500 maximum: Must file by mail if fee exceeds $500
- Technical issues: Occasional website problems
Mail Filing (Backup Option)
Pros:
- No time limits: Take as long as you need
- No fee limits: Required for fees over $500
- Paper trail: Physical documentation
Cons:
- 3-5 day processing: Much slower than online
- No confirmation: Wyoming doesn’t send approval notices
- More work: Printing, mailing, check writing
My recommendation: File online unless your fee exceeds $500 or you’re not comfortable with technology.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Wyoming Annual Report Online
Before You Start
Gather this information:
- LLC Filing ID: Found on your original formation documents
- Current mailing address: Where Wyoming should send official mail
- Principal office address: Where your business operates
- Email address: For state communications
- Asset information: If you have Wyoming-based assets
- Credit/debit card: For payment
Step 1: Access the Filing System
Go to Wyoming’s Online Annual Report page and click “File or Print Your Annual Report Now.”
Step 2: Locate Your LLC
Enter your LLC’s Filing ID and search. If you don’t know your Filing ID, search by business name in the Wyoming Business Center.
Step 3: Verify LLC Information
Confirm you’re looking at the correct LLC, then proceed to the filing sections.
Step 4: Update Mailing Address
Purpose: Where Wyoming sends official correspondence Requirements: Can be any address in any state Note: This isn’t your registered agent address
Step 5: Update Principal Office Address
Purpose: Your business’s primary location Requirements: Can be any address in any state Common choice: Your home office or business headquarters
Step 6: Calculate Filing Fees
For most LLCs: Leave all asset fields at “0” and proceed For LLCs with Wyoming assets: Enter total asset value and click “Calculate” System calculation: Fee automatically computed based on asset value
Step 7: Review and Confirm
Double-check all information for accuracy. Use the “Previous” button to make corrections if needed.
Step 8: Choose Filing Method
Online filing: Click “Continue” to proceed with electronic submission Mail filing: Click “Print” to download form for mailing
Step 9: Electronic Signature and Payment
Certification: Check the “I Certify” box Signature: Enter your name and email Payment: Submit credit/debit card information Processing: Immediate approval and receipt download
Strategic Considerations for Wyoming Annual Reports
Privacy Implications
What becomes public record:
- LLC name and address
- Principal office address
- Filing date and status
What stays private:
- Asset details: Financial information not disclosed publicly
- Member information: Names and addresses not required
- Business activities: No description of what your LLC does
Professional Filing Services
When it makes sense:
- Privacy concerns: Service files using their information
- Multiple LLCs: Bulk filing management
- International entrepreneurs: Avoiding U.S. payment processing issues
Typical cost: $75-150 per filing
My take: For a $60 filing that takes 15 minutes, professional services are usually overkill unless you have specific privacy or logistical concerns.
Early Filing Strategy
Wyoming allows: Filing up to one year in advance
Strategic advantage: File immediately after your current year’s report to avoid missing next year’s deadline
Example: 2025 report due June 1st → File 2026 report immediately after to eliminate 2026 deadline stress
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline (Spoiler: It’s Bad)
Timeline of Consequences
Day 1: Annual Report becomes past due Day 60: LLC dissolution proceedings begin Day 61: LLC dissolved by Secretary of State Day 62+: LLC no longer exists as legal entity
Real-World Impact of Dissolution
Legal consequences:
- Loss of liability protection: Personal assets at risk
- Contract invalidation: Existing agreements may become void
- Banking issues: Business accounts may be frozen
Business consequences:
- Lost business relationships: Vendors, customers may terminate agreements
- Credit problems: Business credit history damaged
- Regulatory issues: Licenses and permits may be invalidated
Financial consequences:
- Reinstatement costs: Typically $100-200 plus back fees
- Professional fees: Legal and accounting costs to fix problems
- Lost opportunities: Business deals may fall through
Reinstatement Process
Good news: Wyoming allows LLC reinstatement Requirements: Pay all back fees plus reinstatement fee Timeline: Usually processed within 1-2 weeks Limitation: Must be done within reasonable time after dissolution
Advanced Annual Report Strategies
Multi-LLC Management
If you have multiple Wyoming LLCs:
- Create master calendar: Track all due dates in one place
- Stagger formation dates: Spread annual reports throughout the year
- Consider professional management: May be cost-effective for 5+ LLCs
International Entrepreneur Considerations
Payment processing: Some international cards have issues with Wyoming’s system Time zone confusion: Wyoming operates on Mountain Time Documentation: Keep digital copies of all filings
Tax Strategy Integration
Annual report timing: Consider filing early in your tax planning cycle Asset reporting: Coordinate with tax preparation for accuracy State compliance: Ensure annual report filing supports tax filings
Common Annual Report Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Wrong Due Date Calculation
Problem: Using formation date instead of formation month Solution: Due date is first day of formation month, not formation anniversary
Mistake #2: Asset Miscalculation
Problem: Including personal assets or out-of-state business assets Solution: Only count LLC-owned assets physically located in Wyoming
Mistake #3: Outdated Contact Information
Problem: Using old addresses or email accounts Solution: Update contact info annually, even if no other changes
Mistake #4: Assuming Email Reminders Will Arrive
Problem: Relying solely on Wyoming’s reminder system Solution: Set your own calendar reminders with 30-60 day advance notice
Mistake #5: Last-Minute Filing Rush
Problem: Trying to file on the due date and encountering technical issues Solution: File at least one week before deadline to allow for problems
Your Wyoming Annual Report Action Plan
Annual Preparation (Month Before Due Date)
- Update calendar reminders for next year
- Review current contact information for accuracy
- Gather asset information if applicable
- Confirm payment method is current
Filing Process (1-2 Weeks Before Due Date)
- Access Wyoming’s online system during business hours
- Complete filing methodically without rushing
- Double-check all information before submission
- Download and save receipt immediately
Post-Filing Management (After Submission)
- Verify processing by checking LLC status online
- Update business records with new compliance date
- Set next year’s reminders immediately
- File confirmation documents with other LLC paperwork
The Bottom Line: Wyoming Annual Reports Are Business Insurance
At $60 per year, Wyoming’s Annual Report is the cheapest business insurance you’ll ever buy. It keeps your LLC alive, maintains your liability protection, and preserves your business relationships.
The math: $60 annually vs. potentially thousands in reinstatement costs, legal fees, and lost business if you miss the deadline.
The strategy: Treat this as essential business infrastructure, not optional paperwork. Set multiple reminders, file early, and never assume it’s handled until you have the confirmation receipt.
The perspective: Successful entrepreneurs don’t optimize around $60 fees—they optimize around building profitable businesses. Pay the fee, file the report, focus on growing your company.
Ready to Keep Your Wyoming LLC Compliant?
Wyoming’s Annual Report is just one piece of maintaining a successful multi-state business. The Cowboy State offers some compelling advantages for entrepreneurs, but those benefits only work if you maintain proper compliance.
Need help with the bigger picture of Wyoming LLC strategy? I’ve spent years analyzing why Wyoming works for some businesses and creates unnecessary complexity for others. The right choice depends on your specific business model, tax situation, and growth plans.
Wondering about Wyoming vs. other states for annual compliance? Each state has different ongoing requirements, and the total cost of compliance varies significantly. What looks like savings upfront can become expensive if you factor in all the ongoing obligations.
Looking for a systematic approach to multi-state business compliance? I’ve helped entrepreneurs from all 50 states build sustainable compliance systems that scale with business growth. The right approach depends on your entity structure, geographic footprint, and administrative capabilities.
Jake Lawson is an LLC Formation Strategist and Tax Advisor with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs navigate complex state business requirements. He’s guided over 1,200 LLCs to successful launch and provides independent, unbiased advice on state selection, compliance optimization, and business structure planning at llciyo.com.