Form an LLC in West Virginia — or trade today with a ready-made company

West Virginia is one of the most affordable states to run a business: $100 to file Articles of Organization, a $30 Business Registration Certificate, and just $25 a year to stay in good standing. If you live or operate in the state — or you're targeting Appalachian markets and government contracting — forming locally makes real sense, and we'll happily do it for you.

But forming locally still leaves you in a queue. You file with the Secretary of State (3–5 business days), register separately with the Tax Department, and then wait on the IRS for your EIN — typically 4–6 weeks for non-US owners. Until that EIN lands, no bank or payment processor will fully onboard you. West Virginia also charges personal income tax of up to 5.12%, which passes through to members.

A ready-made Wyoming LLC removes the queue entirely. The company is already registered and in good standing, and — the part that actually unblocks you — its EIN already exists. The moment the transfer completes you can open a US business bank account, connect Stripe, and invoice. Wyoming also has no state income tax and no public owner registry, so it's the cleaner choice for most remote founders.

Form in West Virginia yourself vs. buy ready-made Wyoming

Step 1: Choose your LLC name

Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities. Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check availability on the West Virginia business search. Reserve a name for 120 days for $15.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

Every West Virginia LLC needs a registered agent with a physical West Virginia address (not a PO Box). USLLCGlobal includes one year of registered agent service in all packages.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File with the West Virginia Secretary of State through the West Virginia filing portal or by mail. Required information:

• LLC name with designator
• Registered agent name and address
• LLC mailing address
• Organizer name and address
• Member-managed or manager-managed
• $100 filing fee

Additional step: Business Registration

After forming, obtain a $30 Business Registration Certificate from the WV State Tax Department. Required for all businesses.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Not legally required in West Virginia but essential. Defines ownership, profit distribution, management, and exit provisions. Banks and the IRS expect to see it.

Step 5: Obtain an EIN

Your federal tax ID from the IRS. Required for bank accounts, hiring, and taxes. Non-residents can apply via Form SS-4 (4–6 weeks). USLLCGlobal handles EIN applications in every package. (A ready-made Wyoming LLC skips this wait — its EIN already exists.)

Step 6: Open a US bank account

With your Articles of Organization, EIN, and Operating Agreement, open a US business account. Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business allow remote opening for non-residents.

Annual compliance requirements

What you need each year to keep your West Virginia LLC in good standing:

1. Annual report: Due July 1. Fee $25. Veterans get 4 years waived.
2. Federal tax filing: Form 5472 for non-US owners. $25,000 penalty.
3. WV state tax: Up to 5.12%.
4. Registered agent: Maintain physical WV address.
5. FinCEN BOI Report: File within 30 days.

West Virginia taxes for LLCs

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