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

Over 5 years, Wyoming is cheaper with an estimated total cost of $535, compared to $635 for Washington, saving you approximately $100.

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

You can form an entity in Wyoming, but if your principal residence or business operations are in Washington, statutory nexus rules require you to register as a Foreign LLC in Washington. In Washington, the foreign filing fee is $200 plus annual foreign maintenance of $60/year.

2026 Head-to-Head Statutory Comparison

Washington vs Wyoming LLC

Washington has no personal income tax but levies a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax; Wyoming has neither income nor gross receipts taxes.

5-Year Cost Verdict: Wyoming saves an estimated $100 over 5 years.

Washington Model →Wyoming Model →

Direct Side-by-Side Fee Matrix

Statutory 2026 Fee Schedules

Metric	Washington	Wyoming
Initial State Filing Fee	$200	$100
Annual Report Fee & Frequency	$60 (annual)	$60 (annual)
Annual Franchise Tax	$0 / None	$0 / None
5-Year Estimated True Cost	$635	$535
Public Member Anonymity	Standard	High (Anonymous)
Foreign Qualification Fee	$200 upfront ($60/yr)	$150 upfront ($60/yr)

The Reality of Forming Out-of-State

Operating in Washington with a Wyoming LLC?

If you live or conduct physical business in Washington and form in Wyoming, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Washington. This means paying Wyoming's formation fee ($100) PLUS Washington's foreign filing fee ($200) and two annual registered agent fees.