How To Fill Out The Wyoming Articles of Organization
Do you want to start an LLC, but have no idea where to begin? Don’t worry! In this guide I’ll walk you step-by-step through completing your Articles of Organization.
Zenbusiness and IncFile are running a special where you only pay state fees for your LLC formation!
Steps To Fill Out The Wyoming LLC Articles Of Organization
The Wyoming Articles of Organization is the official document filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). After the filing is approved by the state, the business can officially begin operating and register for the necessary business licenses and permits.
To form a Wyoming LLC, you will need either file the Articles of Organization on the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website or download the paper form.
Since the online filing is the fastest way to get the LLC paperwork processed, I’ll show how to file on the Secretary of State’s website. In this example, I’ll go over creating a LLC, so choose “Limited Liability Company (Domestic)” from the dropdown.
Step 1: Pick a Name for the LLC
The first step in filling out the Wyoming Operating Agreement is to pick a business name.
There are a few requirements when choosing a Wyoming LLC name.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity already registered with the state of Wyoming. You can verify name availability by doing a Wyoming LLC name search with the Wyoming Secretary of State to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
– Limited Liability Company
– LLC
– L.L.C.
– Limited Company
– LC
– L.C.
– Ltd. Liability Company
– Ltd. Liability Co.
– Limited Liability Co.
Enter the LLC name, including the identifier, to continue. If you choose a name that is taken, the Secretary of State will return your application.
Next, you can optionally select from some additional LLC designations. These include:
Close: The Wyoming LLC Act provides an election where the Secretary of State allows certain LLCs to avoid the formalities of operating an LLC, while keeping the benefits of a Wyoming LLC. Generally, this designation is for single-member LLCs and LLCs owned by family and close friends.
Decentralized Autonomous Organization – A Decentralized Autonomous Organization DAO) is an online organization that isn’t owned by anyone and is instead owned by its members and governed by a smart contract.
L3C – An L3C is a for-profit LLC that is organized to further a charitable or educational purpose.
Processing Coop – A producer cooperative is a business, that is often agriculture in nature, that is owned by members who produce similar types of goods or services.
Series – A series LLC is a special type of LLC that has an umbrella with one or more mini-LLCs or series that branch off from it. Each series acts as an individual LLC, without the need to form multiple LLCs. These are popular with real estate investors as they can put each property in a series.
Step 2 – Delayed Effective Date
In step 2, you have the option to choose an effective start date up to 90 days in the future.
By default, the effective date is the day the Secretary of State files the formation paperwork. Otherwise, enter a different start date, but some will delay the effective date (starting date) of the LLC if they aren’t ready to start the business.
Step 3 – Appoint a Registered Agent
One requirement to have an LLC in Wyoming is to appoint a Wyoming Registered Agent. The Registered Agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Wyoming that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
Provided the LLC member lives in the state of Wyoming and is generally available during business hours, they may act as the Registered Agent. Additionally, any adult resident of the state, attorney or accountant in the state, or a Registered Agent Service can also act as the LLC’s Agent.
A signed and dated statement from the Registered Agent stating they agree to acting as the agent for the entity is required.
Related: Should you be the Registered Agent?
Step 4: Provide a Principal Office Address
The address of the Principal Office may be, but is not required to be, the actual place of the business. It can also be the main location where the business records are kept.
A physical address must be used for the Principal Office, as P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.
You are able to enter an email address to get a reminder email when the Wyoming annual report is due. It’s important to use an email address that you check often, as this is an important renewal notice.
Additionally, if there is a separate address where correspondence from the Secretary of State should be sent, you can enter this in the next section. The mailing address can be a PO Box and can be outside of Wyoming.
Step 5 – List the LLC’s Organizers
Next, enter the name and mailing address of the LLC organizer(s) who are forming the entity. This can be an individual, such as an LLC member or attorney, or a business, such as an LLC formation service.
Step 6 – Include Any Additional Articles
If there are additional items you wish to include regarding the governance of the LLC (not common), attach them in this section.
Step 7 – Review the Articles of Organization
Review the information provided in the Articles of Organization to ensure there are no mistakes. If everything looks good, click “Continue” to finish filing.
Step 8 – Sign & File the Articles of Organization
In the last step, you will sign, pay the state filing fee, and submit the Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State!
This material is property of StartingYourBusiness.com
Wyoming LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to file articles of organization in Wyoming?
The cost to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and start an LLC in Wyoming is $100.
What is the processing time to form a Wyoming LLC?
LLCs formed in Wyoming online through the Secretary of State’s website are processed immediately, while mailed-in forms can take up to two weeks.
Should I use an LLC formation service or do it myself?
Two of my top formation companies have a special offer where you can get your LLC formed without paying any additional fees (state fees still apply). Check out Zenbusiness and IncFile to learn more.
Who can be a registered agent in Wyoming?
Anyone can act as a registered agent, provided they are at least 18 years old, reside in the state of Wyoming, and are generally available to receive documents during normal business hours.
Does Wyoming require operating agreement?
Wyoming Statute § 17-29-110, states that a Wyoming LLC Operating Agreement is optional. Despite the Operating Agreement not being required, it is recommended to have one as it can help to prevent disputes among members and protect the LLC’s legal status.
Does Wyoming LLC need a business license?
The requirements for business licenses and registrations in Wyoming aren’t directly tied to the type of entity, but vary depending on what the business does and where it’s located.
Here is a list of common business licenses in Wyoming.
Do Wyoming LLCs need an EIN?
Only Wyoming LLCs that either have more than one member, will hire employees, or elect to be taxed as a partnership or corporation are required to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also called a Federal Employer Identification Number or FEIN) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number that is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If the LLC isn’t required to get an EIN (though you can still get one), the LLC will use the social security number of the business owner.
Related: How to Apply for an EIN
