Starting a small business in Wyoming often means registering with several federal, state, and local agencies. Let’s review common Wyoming business license registrations so your business starts off right.
Related: Guide to starting a business in Wyoming
Setting Up the Business
Before applying for any Wyoming business licenses, you should first establish the business structure. This decision impacts your legal responsibilities, taxes, and how much personal liability you might face. Here’s a brief explanation of each type of entity:
Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest form of business structure, where one person owns and runs everything. There’s no separation between the owner and the business, meaning the owner is personally responsible for all debts and legal actions against the business. Taxes are straightforward as the owner reports business income on their personal tax return.
General Partnership: Similar to a sole proprietorship, but with two or more people running the business. Partners share profits and losses, and like sole proprietors, they are personally responsible for the business’s debts and legal issues. Partnerships also don’t pay taxes as a separate entity; instead, each partner includes their share of profits or losses in their personal tax filings.
Corporation: A corporation is a more complex entity that is separate from its owners, providing personal liability protection. Owners, known as shareholders, are not personally responsible for the corporation’s debts or legal problems. Corporations can raise money by selling stock and are taxed separately from their owners. This entity requires more requirements, like having board meetings and record-keeping.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC blends elements of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Owners (members) have limited personal liability for business debts and actions. Like sole proprietorships and partnerships, an LLC can pass income directly to owners to avoid double taxation, a common issue with corporations. This structure offers flexibility in management and less strict requirements than a corporation.
Wyoming Business Registrations
With the business structure out of the way, we can begin looking at the different types of Wyoming business licenses and registrations that may be needed. There isn’t a standard business license, as requirements vary depending on where the business is located and what it does. Here is a general overview of the different registrations your business may need.
General Wyoming Business License
There is no general state of Wyoming business license; however, many cities require businesses to be licensed. Rules for business registration vary depending on location and the business’s activities. Below are a few cities that have licensing requirements.
- Cheyenne: A general business license is needed for certain businesses such as beauty shops, bowling alleys, firearms dealers, food trucks, and several others.
- The filing fee for a business license in Cheyenne varies and is generally less than $100 annually.
- Casper: The City of Casper requires business registration for junk dealers, bed & breakfasts, taxis, and others.
- Laramie: New businesses starting or operating in Laramie city limits will need a business license from the City Clerk if they are junk dealers, mobile vendors, pawnbrokers, roller skating rinks, and others.
For as little as $99, you can save a lot of time and know your business is in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
Trade Name Registration
While not a business license, it’s common for Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships operating under a business name that is different from the full name of the owner(s) to register for a Trade Name (also known as a Doing Business As or DBA) with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Building & Zoning Permits
- Zoning: Depending on the business’s location, it’s important to verify whether it needs an occupancy permit or has specific zoning regulations to follow. Depending on local requirements, home-based businesses may need to apply for a home occupation permit.
- Building Permit: A building permit may be needed from the city or county building and planning department if there is any construction or renovation of a facility.
- Signage Permit: Some municipalities require a permit before adding signage.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Many businesses register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an EIN (also referred to as a FEIN, Federal Employer Identification Number, or Federal Tax ID Number). The EIN is the business equivalent of an individual’s Social Security Number. Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships with employees will all need to register for one. Sole Proprietorships without employees can use the owner’s Social Security Number.
There is no cost for an EIN, and it only takes a few minutes to get.
Business Tax Number
The Wyoming Business Tax Number (IBT) is an identification number issued by the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Sometimes known as the REG-1 Form, the IBT is required for all businesses planning to hire employees, buying or selling tangible personal property (sometimes referred to as a Wyoming sales tax license), or manufacturing goods.
There is no cost to register for a Wyoming Business Tax Number, and it is usually processed in 2-3 business days.
Resale Certificate of Exemption
Businesses purchasing merchandise to resell will usually want to obtain a Wyoming Certificate of Exemption to avoid paying sales tax on merchandise that is being resold to customers.
Professional License
A variety of professions in the state are regulated and need to be registered before offering certain services. A few common professions that require licensing in Wyoming include athletic trainers, physical therapists, landscapers, and barbers.
In addition to professional licenses, there are business-specific permits for contractors, food service, and others. More information is available from the Business Permitting Program.
Contractor’s License
With the exception of electrical contractors, contractors are not licensed from the state of Wyoming. Instead, contractor licensing takes place at the city or county level. Depending on where the construction projects take place in the state, multiple licenses may be needed.
Food Products
If you sell or manufacture food in the state, then you need to register with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.
These are just some of the most common business licenses a new business will need to register before starting. Before starting your business, be sure to check with the City Clerk’s Office, Chamber of Commerce, and/or Economic Developer in your area to get more information regarding business licensing.