Compare the state’s filing and recurring obligations before comparing formation packages. Wyoming, Delaware and New Mexico have separate entries in the True Cost Worksheet, with verification dates, source confidence and exclusions.
A lower modeled state total does not establish which state or entity is suitable for your business. Consider where the company will operate, your home-country obligations and the needs of any intended banking provider before paying.
Wyoming: check whether the minimum applies
Wyoming’s annual license tax is the published minimum or an amount based on assets located and employed in Wyoming, whichever is greater. The minimum shown in a comparison is not a permanent ceiling for every company.
The annual report is due on the first day of the formation anniversary month. Keep that state deadline separate from any registered-agent renewal date. The Wyoming state page explains the current model and timing.
Before buying a package, ask which agent work and filing assistance are included. A filing reminder does not establish that the provider will submit your annual report.
Delaware: budget for the annual LLC tax
Delaware requires an annual LLC tax even though LLCs do not file an annual report. The prior year’s tax is normally due June 1; cancellation can accelerate payment. The Delaware state page separates the formation filing from the annual obligation and explains the current effective date.
If an investor or client has asked for a Delaware entity, confirm the required entity type before ordering an LLC. Do not infer that an LLC meets the request simply because it is formed in Delaware.
New Mexico: read the model’s scope
Review the New Mexico state page for the filing entry, report assumptions and source confidence. Its state-cost model does not include a recurring LLC annual-report charge. That does not establish that the company will have no future taxes, service bills or obligations arising from its activities.
Keep registered-agent coverage, any paid assistance and your home-country compliance budget separate from the state-only comparison. Confirm the applicable requirements before relying on a low modeled total.
Ask the same purchasing questions in each state
Use an itemized quote rather than the package name:
| Buying question | What to record |
|---|---|
| What is submitted? | The formation document, submission method and person responsible for correcting a rejection. |
| Which charges are separate? | Official filing charges, provider work and optional additions such as expedited handling or copies. |
| What continues next year? | Agent coverage and other subscriptions, renewal amounts, dates and auto-renewal settings. |
| How can I leave? | Cancellation instructions, notice periods, refund boundaries and agent replacement steps. |
| What records will I keep? | Accepted filings, ordered documents, delivery method and access after a subscription ends. |
For each state on your shortlist, check its filing instructions and the qualifications for an agent before deciding which work to buy. Wyoming and Delaware allow eligible alternatives to a commercial agent. Identify the eligible person or entity and the required office before ordering a service.
Use the service buyer’s guide for the full worksheet and the registered-agent guide for the continuing appointment.
Check your home-country position
Ask an adviser how the proposed LLC would be classified and what reporting or funding rules apply to you. The UK, Canada and Germany guides provide starting questions. State selection alone does not settle those issues.
Compare the three states over the same period in the True Cost Worksheet, then save the open questions in the formation checklist. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.