How do Wyoming and New Hampshire LLCs compare at a glance?
Wyoming wins for non-residents because it charges zero business tax while New Hampshire charges 7.5% BPT plus 0.55% BET on business income. Wyoming also costs $40 less per year in annual reports and provides stronger privacy and asset protection.
New Hampshire is often confused with true no-tax states like Wyoming because it has no personal income tax on wages or salary. This distinction is critical for LLC owners. New Hampshire eliminated its Interest and Dividends Tax in 2025, but the Business Profits Tax and Business Enterprise Tax remain fully in effect. These business taxes apply to all LLCs doing business in New Hampshire with gross receipts over $50,000.
Wyoming charges no tax of any kind on business income. The $60 annual report is the only ongoing state cost. For non-residents forming an LLC for online business, this tax difference makes Wyoming the clear winner.
| Feature | Wyoming | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Formation fee | $100 | $100 |
| Annual report | $60/year | $100/year |
| Personal income tax | 0% | 0% (wages only) |
| Business Profits Tax | None | 7.5% |
| Business Enterprise Tax | None | 0.55% |
| Privacy protection | Full anonymity | Members disclosed |
| Asset protection | Strongest (charging order only) | Standard |
| Non-resident friendly | Yes | Limited |
How do formation fees compare between Wyoming and New Hampshire?
Both states charge $100 to form an LLC. New Hampshire charges $100 per year for the annual report, while Wyoming charges $60 per year. Wyoming saves $40 annually on filing fees alone, before accounting for the significant business tax difference.
New Hampshire Formation Costs
Filing a Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State costs $100. Processing takes 5-7 business days for standard service. The annual report costs $100 per year and is due by April 1. New Hampshire also requires a registered agent with a New Hampshire address.
Wyoming Formation Costs
Filing Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State costs $100. Processing takes 1-3 business days. The annual report costs $60 per year, due on the first day of the LLC's anniversary month. No business tax, no income tax, and no entity-level tax apply.
| Cost Category | Wyoming | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee (formation) | $100 | $100 |
| Annual report | $60/year | $100/year |
| Registered agent (third party) | $25-$100/year | $50-$150/year |
| First-year total (state fees only) | $160 | $200 |
| Annual ongoing (state fees only) | $60 | $100 + business taxes |
Key insight: New Hampshire's $100 annual report costs 67% more than Wyoming's $60. Add the 7.5% BPT and 0.55% BET, and New Hampshire becomes one of the most expensive states for LLC owners who earn business income. The "no income tax" reputation is misleading for LLC owners.
How do Wyoming and New Hampshire LLC taxes compare?
Wyoming charges zero business tax. New Hampshire charges a combined 8.05% effective tax rate through the 7.5% Business Profits Tax and 0.55% Business Enterprise Tax. For any LLC generating income, Wyoming saves thousands of dollars annually in business taxes.
New Hampshire Business Profits Tax (BPT)
The BPT is a 7.5% tax on business profits for businesses with gross receipts over $50,000. It functions as New Hampshire's version of a corporate or business income tax. The BPT applies to all business entities including LLCs, whether taxed as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations. The rate was reduced from 7.6% to 7.5% in 2023.
For LLCs taxed as pass-through entities, the BPT applies at the entity level on New Hampshire-sourced business income. This is different from most states where LLC income passes through to the member's individual return. In New Hampshire, the LLC itself pays the BPT directly.
New Hampshire Business Enterprise Tax (BET)
The BET is a 0.55% tax on the enterprise value tax base, which includes all compensation paid or accrued, interest paid or accrued, and dividends paid. The BET applies to businesses with gross receipts over $250,000 or an enterprise value tax base over $125,000. The BET rate was reduced from 0.6% to 0.55% in 2023.
The BET is creditable against the BPT, meaning you do not pay the full amount of both taxes. However, if the BET exceeds the BPT (common for businesses with high compensation relative to profits), the excess BET is still owed. For most profitable LLCs, the effective combined rate is approximately 7.5% (the BPT rate, with BET credited against it).
Wyoming Tax Advantages
Wyoming has no personal income tax, no corporate income tax, no business profits tax, no business enterprise tax, no franchise tax, and no entity-level tax. The only state cost is the $60 annual report. Wyoming is the most tax-friendly state in the United States for LLC formation.
| Tax Type | Wyoming | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | 0% | 0% (wages only) |
| Business Profits Tax | 0% | 7.5% |
| Business Enterprise Tax | 0% | 0.55% |
| Franchise tax | $0 | $0 |
| State sales tax | 4% | 0% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | 0% (personal), 7.5% BPT (business) |
Critical for non-residents: New Hampshire's "no income tax" label applies only to personal wages and salary. LLC business income is taxed at 7.5% through the BPT. Non-residents who form a New Hampshire LLC expecting zero tax are surprised by this significant business tax. Wyoming truly charges zero tax on all income types.
Form your Wyoming LLC with zero state income tax. $100 formation + $60/year.
Start on WhatsApp — FreeHow does privacy differ between Wyoming and New Hampshire LLCs?
Wyoming provides complete member and manager anonymity. New Hampshire requires member or manager names on the annual report filed with the Secretary of State. Wyoming offers significantly better privacy protection for non-residents.
New Hampshire Public Disclosure
New Hampshire requires the Certificate of Formation to include the registered agent and principal office information. The annual report, filed by April 1 each year, requires the names and addresses of managers (for manager-managed LLCs) or members (for member-managed LLCs). This information is publicly searchable on the New Hampshire Secretary of State's website (sos.nh.gov).
The public nature of the annual report means that anyone can search the New Hampshire business database and find the names and addresses of LLC members or managers. For non-residents seeking privacy, this public disclosure is a significant drawback.
Wyoming Privacy Protections
Wyoming does not require member or manager names on any state filing. The Articles of Organization and annual report require only the registered agent information. Wyoming also allows nominee officers and provides a lifetime proxy provision for maximum anonymity. No ownership information is ever part of the public record.
| Privacy Feature | Wyoming | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Member names on public filings | No | Yes (annual report) |
| Manager names on public filings | No | Yes (annual report) |
| Public online database | Registered agent only | Members/managers listed |
| Nominee officers allowed | Yes | Limited |
| Lifetime proxy | Yes | No |
How does asset protection compare between Wyoming and New Hampshire?
Wyoming provides the strongest LLC asset protection in the United States with charging orders as the exclusive remedy for creditors. New Hampshire offers standard charging order protection but has not established the same statutory exclusivity for single-member LLCs.
Wyoming Asset Protection
Wyoming's LLC Act explicitly states that the charging order is the sole and exclusive remedy for creditors of LLC members. This applies to both single-member and multi-member LLCs. Creditors cannot force dissolution, seize LLC assets, or assume management control. Wyoming courts have consistently upheld this protection.
New Hampshire Asset Protection
New Hampshire adopted the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, which provides standard charging order protection. The charging order entitles a creditor to distributions that would otherwise go to the debtor-member. New Hampshire has not explicitly established the charging order as the exclusive remedy for single-member LLCs, leaving potential additional remedies available to creditors.
For non-residents seeking asset protection through an LLC, Wyoming's explicit statutory protection provides greater legal certainty. Read the complete analysis at Wyoming LLC asset protection.
Asset protection summary: Wyoming's charging order is the sole remedy for creditors of both single-member and multi-member LLCs. New Hampshire follows the Revised Uniform LLC Act with standard protections. Wyoming provides measurably stronger protection for non-residents.
What are the annual compliance requirements for each state?
New Hampshire requires an annual report ($100), BPT filing, and BET filing for qualifying LLCs. Wyoming requires one annual report ($60) with no tax filings. New Hampshire's compliance burden is significantly heavier due to business tax obligations.
New Hampshire Annual Compliance
- Annual report ($100): Due by April 1 each year. Filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Includes member/manager names.
- Business Profits Tax return (BPT): Filed on Form NH-1065 (partnerships) or NH-1040 (sole proprietors). Due March 15 for calendar-year filers. Required for businesses with gross receipts over $50,000.
- Business Enterprise Tax return (BET): Filed on Form BET. Due March 15. Required for businesses with gross receipts over $250,000 or enterprise value tax base over $125,000.
- Estimated tax payments: Required quarterly if the LLC expects to owe $200 or more in BPT or BET.
Wyoming Annual Compliance
- Annual report ($60): Due on the first day of the anniversary month. Filed online. Takes 5 minutes to complete. No tax information required.
New Hampshire's multiple tax filings and quarterly estimated payments create a compliance burden that typically requires professional assistance. CPA fees for New Hampshire business tax returns range from $500-$1,500 per year. Wyoming's single annual report requires no professional help. For the full cost picture, see Wyoming LLC cost breakdown.
Which state is better for non-residents: Wyoming or New Hampshire?
Wyoming is the clear choice for non-residents. New Hampshire's 7.5% BPT and 0.55% BET create a significant tax burden that Wyoming does not have. Wyoming also provides better privacy, stronger asset protection, and lower annual filing costs.
Choose Wyoming If:
- You are a non-resident forming a US LLC for online business
- You want zero business tax on LLC earnings
- You want complete member anonymity on all state filings
- You want the strongest asset protection available in any US state
- You want lower annual filing costs ($60 vs $100)
- You prefer simple compliance with no tax return filings
Choose New Hampshire If:
- You have a physical office or employees in New Hampshire
- You need a New Hampshire-registered entity for local licenses
- You sell physical goods in New Hampshire and want 0% sales tax
- Your business specifically requires New Hampshire presence
New Hampshire's "no income tax" reputation does not extend to LLC business income. The 7.5% BPT is a real cost that non-residents should not ignore. Wyoming provides truly zero tax on all business income with better privacy and stronger asset protection. Compare more options at best US state for non-resident LLCs.
What is the full side-by-side comparison?
This comprehensive table compares every major factor between Wyoming and New Hampshire LLCs. Wyoming wins in 11 of 14 categories. New Hampshire wins only on state sales tax.
| Category | Wyoming | New Hampshire | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formation fee | $100 | $100 | Tie |
| Annual report | $60/year | $100/year | Wyoming |
| Business income tax | 0% | 7.5% BPT | Wyoming |
| Business enterprise tax | 0% | 0.55% BET | Wyoming |
| First-year cost (state fees) | $160 | $200 | Wyoming |
| 5-year cost (fees only) | $340 | $600 | Wyoming |
| 5-year cost (with $50K income/yr) | $340 | $19,350+ | Wyoming |
| Member privacy | Full anonymity | Members disclosed | Wyoming |
| Asset protection | Strongest | Standard | Wyoming |
| Charging order (single-member) | Exclusive remedy | Not guaranteed | Wyoming |
| Processing time | 1-3 days | 5-7 days | Wyoming |
| State sales tax | 4% | 0% | New Hampshire |
| Non-resident friendly | Excellent | Limited | Wyoming |
| Lifetime proxy | Yes | No | Wyoming |
Form your Wyoming LLC with zero state income tax. $100 formation + $60/year.
Start on WhatsApp — FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a New Hampshire LLC cost to form?
A New Hampshire LLC costs $100 to file a Certificate of Formation. The annual report costs $100 per year. New Hampshire also charges a 7.5% Business Profits Tax and 0.55% Business Enterprise Tax on qualifying business income. Wyoming costs $100 to form and $60 per year with zero business tax.
Does New Hampshire have an income tax on LLCs?
New Hampshire has no personal income tax on wages. However, it charges a 7.5% Business Profits Tax on business income and a 0.55% Business Enterprise Tax. These apply to LLCs doing business in New Hampshire with gross receipts over $50,000. Wyoming has no business tax of any kind.
What is the New Hampshire Business Profits Tax?
The BPT is a 7.5% tax on business profits for businesses with over $50,000 in gross receipts. It applies to all LLCs doing business in New Hampshire and functions as the state's business income tax. Wyoming has zero equivalent tax.
What is the New Hampshire Business Enterprise Tax?
The BET is a 0.55% tax on the enterprise value tax base (compensation, interest, and dividends paid). It applies to businesses with gross receipts over $250,000 or enterprise value tax base over $125,000. The BET credits against the BPT. Wyoming has no equivalent tax.
Is New Hampshire good for non-resident LLC formation?
No. Despite the "no income tax" reputation, New Hampshire charges 7.5% BPT plus 0.55% BET on business income. The $100 annual report is more expensive than Wyoming's $60. Wyoming provides truly zero business tax with better privacy and stronger asset protection.
Does New Hampshire require member names on public filings?
Yes. New Hampshire requires member or manager names and addresses on the annual report filed with the Secretary of State. This information is publicly searchable online. Wyoming does not require any member or manager names on state filings.
How does New Hampshire asset protection compare to Wyoming?
New Hampshire offers standard charging order protection. Wyoming provides the strongest asset protection with charging orders as the exclusive remedy for both single-member and multi-member LLCs. Wyoming offers significantly stronger legal certainty.
How much does a Wyoming LLC save over a New Hampshire LLC in 5 years?
Over 5 years, Wyoming costs $340 in state fees. New Hampshire costs $600 in fees alone. With $50,000 annual income, New Hampshire adds approximately $18,750 in BPT over 5 years. Wyoming saves over $19,000 for income-generating LLCs over five years.