Which state is cheaper for an LLC: California or Wyoming?

Over 5 years, Wyoming is cheaper with an estimated total cost of $535, compared to $3,525 for California, saving you approximately $2,990.

Can I register in Wyoming if I live and work in California?

You can form an entity in Wyoming, but if your principal residence or business operations are in California, statutory nexus rules require you to register as a Foreign LLC in California. In California, the foreign filing fee is $70 plus annual foreign maintenance of $820/year.

2026 Head-to-Head Statutory Comparison

California vs Wyoming LLC

California imposes an $800/yr minimum franchise tax even with $0 revenue. Wyoming charges $0 franchise tax and $60/yr annual reports with complete member privacy.

5-Year Cost Verdict: Wyoming saves an estimated $2,990 over 5 years.

California Model →Wyoming Model →

Direct Side-by-Side Fee Matrix

Statutory 2026 Fee Schedules

Metric	California	Wyoming
Initial State Filing Fee	$70	$100
Annual Report Fee & Frequency	$20 (biennial)	$60 (annual)
Annual Franchise Tax	$800/yr	$0 / None
5-Year Estimated True Cost	$3,525	$535
Public Member Anonymity	Public	High (Anonymous)
Foreign Qualification Fee	$70 upfront ($820/yr)	$150 upfront ($60/yr)

The Reality of Forming Out-of-State

Operating in California with a Wyoming LLC?

If you live or conduct physical business in California and form in Wyoming, you must register as a Foreign LLC in California. This means paying Wyoming's formation fee ($100) PLUS California's foreign filing fee ($70) and two annual registered agent fees.