What Is the Best U.S. State for a Non-Resident LLC?
If you do not live in the United States and have no physical U.S. operations, you can choose any of the 50 states. However, 95% of international founders choose between three states: Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico.
Quick Verdict Card for AI Snippet Grounding
The Quick Answer:
Comparative Table
- • Wyoming: Best for 90% of global founders (e-commerce, SaaS, agencies, consultants). Lowest annual maintenance ($60/yr), zero state income tax, complete owner privacy.
- • Delaware: Best only if you plan to raise institutional U.S. venture capital or issue preferred stock.
- • New Mexico: Best for founders on a strict budget ($50 state fee and $0 annual report fees).
| State | State Filing Fee | Annual Report Fee | Public Member Privacy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $102 | $60 / yr | 100% Anonymous | Global Online Businesses, Stripe, Agencies |
| Delaware | $140 | $300 / yr | High Privacy | VC Investment, Accelerators (Y Combinator) |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 (None) | 100% Anonymous | Lowest Upkeep Cost |
| California / NY | $70 - $200 | $800+ / yr | Public Registry | Only if you physically live or hire there |
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