Congratulations! You’ve decided to form an LLC. Now it’s time to choose in which state to incorporate your new company. While you can register your business in all 50 states, Delaware and Wyoming are among the most popular and advantageous states for incorporation. Both states provide business-friendly taxation, lower fees, and robust legal protection. However, it’s best to consider the key differences in tax and fees to understand which state is best for your LLC.
In this article:
Many LLCs incorporate in Wyoming due to lower administrative and annual operating costs than in other states. Wyoming has no state income tax, corporate tax, and franchise taxes, which are attractive for companies looking to minimize their tax obligations.
Wyoming offers a simplified LLC registration process with minimal paperwork and no required operating agreement. Maintaining an LLC in Wyoming is more straightforward, with minimal additional documents to file with the state.
The state also offers unparalleled asset protection and privacy. Wyoming LLCs enjoy strong asset protection laws that protect business owners and company officers from being held personally liable for any litigation taken against the company. Further, Wyoming LLCs don’t have to disclose ownership details or the identities of their members.
Lastly, you don’t have to be a US citizen to incorporate an LLC in Wyoming.
Delaware is best known as a haven for most Fortune 500 corporations due to its corporate-friendly laws and preferential tax codes. However, Delaware also offers some advantages for incorporating as an LLC.
Delaware features a unique court system called the Court of Chancery, which focuses on business law and corporate conflicts. Court of Chancery judges also have a business background and can resolve business matters more efficiently without a jury.
Delaware also offers strong asset protection and privacy protection for LLCs like Wyoming. If a member of your LLC is involved in a lawsuit, the Delaware Asset Protection Trust prevents creditors from seizing any part of your LLC’s assets. Delaware is also one of the few states that excludes the names of members and managers when filing. Only the LLC and the name and address of the registered agent are publicly available.
.png)
A Delaware LLC is the best choice if your future business plans include converting your LLC to a C Corp to raise venture capital and issue stock. Many technology startups incorporate a Delaware LLC for this purpose.
If you aren't planning on raising venture capital, a Wyoming LLC is a good choice for non-residents and single owners who want to operate smaller online or e-commerce businesses. Wyoming offers lower startup and administrative fees than Delaware and requires less paperwork to manage.
While this article doesn't cover all the nuances and legalities between incorporating an LLC in Delaware vs. Wyoming, we hope it's instructive in understanding the key differences in helping you decide which state is right for your business.
Start, grow, and manage your business. We're with you each step of the way.