Wyoming corporations are legal entities that are completely separate, and distinct, from their owners. There are many similar rights and responsibilities to individuals that corporations enjoy. This includes entering contracts, loaning and borrowing money, suing, hiring employees, owning assets, and paying taxes.
Most corporations are owned by “shareholders”. These shares might be privately held, meaning only by a few people, or publicly offered for sale. For private corporations, they can be set up either as non-profit or for-profit. The largest difference between a corporation and an individual is taxation. In Wyoming, corporations are taxed separately from their owners at a corporate tax rate. Corporations must pay taxes based on the net income or profits each year.
How Corporations Work
The process of starting a Wyoming corporation is called "incorporating". It occurs by a group of shareholders coming together to represent their holding of common stock.
In the first step of incorporating you must have documents prepared and filed, along with drafting corporate bylaws. Many people prefer to have a lawyer do this, to ensure that they are prepared accordingly.
The next step involved in forming a corporation is to draft a governing policy and submit articles of incorporation to the state in which you plan to do business.
Finally, you will need to elect officers. This will include a board of directors to set policy and ensure that the corporation is acting according to the bylaws and overall purpose. The board will also ensure that all federal, state, local rules, and regulations are followed.
Why Form a Corporation?
Wyoming corporations are typically formed to limit the liability of the owners. The difference between a sole proprietorship or partnership is that as an owner you are personally liable for any debts or liabilities of the business. Forming a corporation allows you to protect your personal assets.
Different Types of Corporations
There are three main basic types of corporations, S Corps, C Corps, and nonprofits. These different types of corporations vary in how they are governed and, more importantly, how they are taxed.
S Corp
If you elect to be taxed as a Subchapter S corporation in Wyoming, you will need to notify the IRS of this election. Profits will then be taxed when they are passed down to shareholders. In turn, shareholders report those profits and deductions on their own personal returns, rather than paying taxes as a corporation.
Restrictions do apply for S corps, including:
- Must be a domestic corporation.
- Cannot have more than 100 shareholders.
- Shareholders must be individuals, trusts, or estates.
- Partnerships and other corporations do not qualify as shareholders.
- All shareholders must be residents of the United States.
- May only be one class of stock.
C Corp
Known as the most common form of a corporation, Wyoming C Corps are a bit less desirable than an S Corp, due to double taxation. Double taxation occurs when a corporation is taxed on its profits, and then the owners are additionally taxed on what they receive as profit. C corporations are not legally allowed to claim a deduction for profits passed on to shareholders.
The only loophole is for any shares that are held by religious organizations, in retirement accounts (such as a 401k), or by education institutions.
Despite this, the debts and liabilities of c corporations are separate from owners. This provides something referred to as a “corporate shield” because the corporation offers safety for employees from personal liability.
Non-Profit
Most commonly used by charities, educational corporations, or religious organizations, non-profit organizations are able to operate without generating profits. This also means that a non-profit corporation is exempt from taxation. Any monetary contributions or donations will be not taxed and will be retained by the corporation. This means any revenue can be spent on operations, which includes paying its employees.
LLC
Limited liability companies are a type of corporation, but the main difference is that they are owned by one or more people, whereas a corporation is owned by shareholders. Wyoming LLCs continue to offer protection in terms of personal liability and tax benefits.
Advantages of a Corporation
Separate Legal Entity
Corporations are independent of their owners. This means that as a legal entity, corporations may conduct business, own properties, and even borrow money on its own. Corporations can also sue, be sued, and they of course pay taxes.
Limited Liability
As an investor or owner of a corporation, you are only liable for the money you put into it. This means that if something goes downhill in terms of a loan, or the corporation is sued, your personal assets will be protected.
Easy Transfer of Shares
Owners of stock in a publicly held corporation can transfer ownership whenever they choose. This means that without any approval from other stockholders, they may sell their share of the stocks. This facilitates the trading of stock on the market, regardless of volume.
Unlimited Life
Although there are stockholders as members of a corporation, regardless of if someone passes away or is not able to perform their duties, the corporation lives on. The only difference that will incur is the company’s charter can be extended or completely liquidated.
Competent Management
In a corporation typically the board of directors is voted for ahead of time, and then a professional management team will be hired. Although investors or owners may not work directly in the business on a day-to-day basis, there is a board of directors that can do so for them.
Source of Capital
Corporations have the most ideal formation set up in order to source funds. This can be done simply by selling stocks and issuing bonds.
Disadvantages of a Corporation
Incorporation Costs
Setting up a corporation is more expensive than setting up a partnership or sole proprietorship.
Double Taxation
In the case of a C Corp double taxation occurs, taking earning from both the corporate side, as well as from the shareholders.
Reporting
Not only are incorporation documents required to start a corporation, but companies must also file annual reports and tax returns. On top of that, accounting records must be impeccably kept, along with licensing and other documents.
Should You Start a Corporation?
Overall establishing a corporation allows you to obtain credibility and professionalism. Forming a Wyoming corporation also limits the liability of its owners, rather than leaving them personally liable in instances of debt collections or being sued. If you want to keep your personal assets safe, you should establish some form of a corporation over a partnership or sole-proprietorship. If you are considering starting a corporation in Wyoming, speak with an attorney today!