California vs. Wyoming LLC — Cost & Privacy Comparison
Wyoming offers the cheapest LLC formation ($100) and lowest annual fee ($60) with strong privacy. But if you operate in California, you owe CA's $800 franchise tax regardless — making Wyoming formation pointless for CA-based businesses. See all comparisons.
If You Operate in California
| CA Domestic | Wyoming + CA Foreign | |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | $70 | $100 (WY) + $70 (CA) |
| Annual CA franchise tax | $800 | $800 (same) |
| Annual WY fee | N/A | $60 |
| Agents | 1 | 2 |
| Total annual | $820 | $880+ |
Wyoming adds cost with no benefit if you operate in CA.
When Wyoming Makes Sense
Only if you have ZERO California presence:
- No CA office, employees, or property
- No CA-resident members (CA's broad "doing business" definition includes this)
- Revenue from CA does not exceed thresholds
- Truly operating from Wyoming or online with no CA nexus
FAQ
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Get StartedCan I just use a Wyoming LLC and skip CA registration?
Only if you truly have no California nexus. If you live in CA, work from home in CA, or have CA customers exceeding the threshold — the FTB will find you and assess the $800 + penalties.