Forming a Wyoming LLC is a common path for Argentine entrepreneurs looking to operate internationally, accept U.S. payments, or launch a startup that attracts global investment. Wyoming’s minimal regulations, low fees, and zero state income tax make it especially attractive.
But once you’ve formed your LLC, the big question arises: Do I need to file U.S. taxes if I live in Argentina and own a Wyoming LLC?
The answer is yes—nearly every foreign owner of a U.S. LLC has ongoing tax filing responsibilities with the IRS and state-level agencies. Even if your company made no money or never launched, you’re still required to file.
In this article, we’ll explain how U.S. tax law applies to Argentine founders, what forms you need to submit, and how to stay compliant year after year.
Can Someone from Argentina Own a U.S. LLC?
Yes—citizens and residents of Argentina are fully allowed to own and operate a U.S. LLC. You don’t need to live in the U.S., hold a visa, or have a Social Security Number. The U.S. welcomes foreign ownership, and Wyoming is a popular state to incorporate thanks to its low cost, no state income tax, and straightforward regulations.
Setting up a Wyoming LLC from Argentina can be done entirely online. You’ll hire a registered agent in Wyoming (as required by law), file your Articles of Organization, and receive your company registration documents once approved. After that, the next step is applying for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
With your EIN, you can open a U.S. business bank account, apply for Stripe or PayPal, and begin operating your U.S.-based business.
U.S. Tax Obligations for Argentine-Owned Wyoming LLCs
Many Argentine founders don’t realize that forming a U.S. LLC—even one that isn’t active yet—requires annual filings with the U.S. government. This applies even if your LLC made no income, had no customers, or was only used to hold funds.
There are two major areas of tax compliance you must understand:
1. Federal Tax Filings (IRS)
How your company is taxed depends on whether your LLC has one owner (single-member) or multiple owners (multi-member).
Single-Member LLCs: If you are the only owner of your LLC, the IRS considers it a "disregarded entity" for tax purposes. Even though you live in Argentina, you are still required to file:
- Form 5472, which reports foreign ownership and any transactions between you and your LLC (even something as small as transferring funds).
- Pro forma Form 1120, which is a simplified version of a corporate tax return used to accompany Form 5472. It acts as a formal filing structure but does not declare income or deductions.
These forms must be submitted annually by April 15, and the penalties for failing to file can be severe—$25,000 per year.
Multi-Member LLCs: If your LLC has two or more owners, it is treated as a partnership by the IRS. You must file:
- Form 1065, the partnership tax return
- Schedule K-1s for each member showing their share of profits or losses
Additionally, if your LLC earns effectively connected income (ECI) from U.S. activities, each foreign partner must also file Form 1040-NR.
There is one narrow exception for multi-member LLCs: if the company had zero financial activity of any kind—no sales, expenses, or fund transfers—you may not be required to file. This is the only case where a filing is not required and should be confirmed with a tax professional.
2. State-Level Obligations (Wyoming)
Wyoming has no state income tax, so you won’t owe any income-based state tax as long as your business doesn’t have a physical office or employees located in the state.
However, Wyoming does require every LLC to file an Annual Report. This is a basic compliance requirement that confirms your business is still active. The deadline is based on the anniversary month of your LLC’s formation, and the minimum filing fee is $60 per year.
The report can be submitted easily online through the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website. If your company owns property in Wyoming, your fee may be slightly higher, based on asset value.
Failure to file the report can lead to your company being administratively dissolved.
Do I Still Need to File If I Had No Income?
Yes. U.S. tax law requires foreign-owned LLCs to file even if there was no income, no expenses, and no clients. The requirement is about reporting ownership and activity, not about paying tax. This is where many Argentine founders make a mistake—assuming they only need to file if they earned revenue.
Single-member LLCs with zero activity still need to file Form 5472 and pro forma 1120. The only exception is the rare case of a completely inactive multi-member LLC.
Staying compliant keeps your LLC in good standing and avoids steep penalties, which can disrupt banking and payment processor access.
What About Tax Obligations in Argentina?
Argentina has strict rules on foreign asset ownership and income reporting. If your Wyoming LLC earns money or distributes profits to you personally, you may be required to report this to Argentina’s tax authority (AFIP).
You may also need to complete forms related to foreign holdings and potentially pay taxes on the income depending on your local residency status and other factors.
Bookmate does not provide Argentine tax advice, so we strongly recommend speaking with an accountant in Argentina familiar with international business structures. Our role is to help you stay compliant with your U.S. obligations.
Do I Need an EIN?
Yes, an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is essential. You need it to:
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- Register with payment processors
- File required tax forms with the IRS
Even as a nonresident without a U.S. SSN, you can still obtain an EIN by submitting Form SS-4 to the IRS and indicating that you are a foreign entity. Most Argentine founders choose to apply by fax and receive their EIN in a few weeks.
How Bookmate Helps Argentine Founders
Bookmate is a tax and compliance partner built for international founders. We work with hundreds of business owners from Argentina and other countries who operate U.S. LLCs. We specialize in federal tax filings required for foreign-owned LLCs, including:
- Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 for single-member LLCs
- Form 1065 and K-1s for multi-member LLCs
- Form 1040-NR if you have U.S. connected income
- IRS extension filings and help responding to notices
Our entire process is remote and doesn’t require you to mail documents or visit the U.S. All you need is your LLC paperwork and EIN—we take care of the rest.
What It’s Like to Work With Bookmate
Here’s how we make tax filing easy for Argentine LLC owners:
Step 1: Free Zoom ConsultationWe’ll talk with you to understand your business structure and make sure you’re filing the right documents.
Step 2: Engagement Letter & InvoiceOnce we know what you need, we’ll send you a simple agreement and invoice to get started.
Step 3: Web Form to Gather InfoYou’ll complete a secure online form with your LLC details, EIN, and any documents we need.
Step 4: We Handle All Tax FilingsOur licensed professionals prepare your forms, review everything with you, and submit to the IRS.
Step 5: IRS SupportIf the IRS contacts you about a return we filed, we’ll help you respond and stay in good standing.
Everything is handled digitally. No paper. No confusion. No dealing with the IRS yourself.
Ready to File Your U.S. Taxes From Argentina?
Whether your Wyoming LLC is new or established, we can help you stay compliant and avoid penalties. Bookmate is trusted by founders in Argentina and around the world who want an easy, remote tax solution tailored to their needs.
📅 Book a free consultation or visit trybookmate.co to get started.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Always consult with a licensed professional regarding your unique situation.
