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

Over 5 years, Wyoming is cheaper with an estimated total cost of $535, compared to $645 for Illinois, saving you approximately $110.

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

You can form an entity in Wyoming, but if your principal residence or business operations are in Illinois, statutory nexus rules require you to register as a Foreign LLC in Illinois. In Illinois, the foreign filing fee is $150 plus annual foreign maintenance of $75/year.

2026 Head-to-Head Statutory Comparison

Illinois vs Wyoming LLC

Wyoming provides strict anonymity and zero state taxes; Illinois requires full manager disclosure and levies a 1.5% personal property replacement tax.

5-Year Cost Verdict: Wyoming saves an estimated $110 over 5 years.

Illinois Model →Wyoming Model →

Direct Side-by-Side Fee Matrix

Statutory 2026 Fee Schedules

Metric	Illinois	Wyoming
Initial State Filing Fee	$150	$100
Annual Report Fee & Frequency	$75 (annual)	$60 (annual)
Annual Franchise Tax	$0 / None	$0 / None
5-Year Estimated True Cost	$645	$535
Public Member Anonymity	Standard	High (Anonymous)
Foreign Qualification Fee	$150 upfront ($75/yr)	$150 upfront ($60/yr)

The Reality of Forming Out-of-State

Operating in Illinois with a Wyoming LLC?

If you live or conduct physical business in Illinois and form in Wyoming, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Illinois. This means paying Wyoming's formation fee ($100) PLUS Illinois's foreign filing fee ($150) and two annual registered agent fees.