California vs Wyoming LLC Cost (2026): $80 vs $152
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for California and Wyoming: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in California costs $80 in year one — $72 cheaper than Wyoming ($152).
California
Lower CostWyoming
Full LLC Cost Comparison: California vs Wyoming
| Factor | California | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $70 | $100 |
| Annual report fee | $20 / every 2 years | $52 / per year |
| Processing time | 5–10 business days | 1–3 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | No income tax |
| First-year total | $80 | $152 |
California saves you $72 in year one compared to Wyoming.
California LLC Notes
California LLCs must pay an $800 minimum annual franchise tax regardless of revenue.
Wyoming LLC Notes
Wyoming has no personal income tax and is known for strong LLC privacy protections.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in California, form there. If you operate in Wyoming, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Wyoming but operate in California, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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