Starting a U.S. company as a Mexican entrepreneur opens doors to global payments, international clients, and U.S.-based banking. Wyoming is often the state of choice, thanks to its low fees, simple rules, and no income tax.
But once your LLC is set up, one big question remains: Do I need to file U.S. taxes if I live in Mexico and own a Wyoming LLC?
Yes—you likely do. Even if your company earned no revenue or didn’t operate yet, U.S. federal tax law and Wyoming state rules require certain filings. If you’re a Mexican resident who formed a Wyoming LLC, this article explains what tax filings you must make, how the IRS classifies your LLC, and how to stay compliant.
Can a Mexican Citizen Own a U.S. LLC?
Absolutely. Mexican entrepreneurs can legally own a U.S. LLC without being U.S. residents. You don’t need a U.S. visa, address, or Social Security Number. The process is designed to be accessible, especially in states like Wyoming where the formation process is simple.
You’ll need to:
- Hire a registered agent in Wyoming
- File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State
- Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
Once that’s done, you can open a U.S. business bank account and register with payment platforms like Stripe or PayPal. Your business is now legally established in the U.S.—even though you live in Mexico.
Do Mexican-Owned LLCs Have to File U.S. Taxes?
Yes. The IRS requires foreign owners of U.S. LLCs to file annual federal forms, regardless of income level. The Wyoming state government also requires a basic annual filing.
Many Mexican founders mistakenly believe that if they earned no money, or if they live abroad, they’re exempt. That’s not true. U.S. tax law focuses on ownership and structure—not just income.
Let’s look at your two main filing responsibilities:
Federal Tax Filings (with the IRS)
How your company is taxed depends on how many owners it has.
If you’re the only owner (a single-member LLC), your company is treated as a "disregarded entity" for tax purposes. That means:
- You must file Form 5472, which reports foreign ownership and transactions between you and the company (like wiring yourself money or paying a business expense)
- You must also submit a pro forma Form 1120, which is a simplified corporate return that accompanies Form 5472
These are due each year by April 15. Missing this deadline triggers an automatic $25,000 penalty.
If your LLC has more than one owner (multi-member LLC), then it’s treated as a partnership. That means:
- You’ll file Form 1065, which reports the LLC’s income or loss
- Each member will receive a Schedule K-1, showing their share of the LLC’s financial activity
- If your LLC has U.S. connected income (known as ECI), each foreign member will also need to file Form 1040-NR
There is only one exception: if the multi-member LLC had absolutely no financial activity of any kind, you may be exempt from filing that year. This is the only case where no filing is required and should be confirmed with a tax advisor.
State-Level Filing (Wyoming)
Wyoming has no income tax—but that doesn’t mean there are no state responsibilities. Every Wyoming LLC must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State.
- This is due on the anniversary month of your LLC’s formation
- The cost is typically $60 per year, paid online
If your company owns assets in Wyoming, the fee might be higher. Even if your LLC has no income or activity, this filing is still required to keep your company in good standing.
Unlike federal filings, Wyoming does not offer extensions. Missing your due date can lead to your LLC being shut down by the state.
Do I Still Have to File if My LLC Had No Income?
Yes—if you’re a single-member LLC, you’re still required to file Form 5472 and pro forma 1120, even if your LLC made no money. These forms aren’t about profit or loss—they’re about disclosing ownership and transactions, like depositing money into your U.S. business bank account.
The only exception is if your LLC has multiple members and literally did nothing—no income, no spending, no fund transfers. In that very limited case, the IRS may not require a filing, but it’s best to confirm with a professional.
Skipping filings just because your LLC wasn’t active can result in large penalties and affect your ability to use U.S. platforms like PayPal or Stripe in the future.
Do I Need an EIN for My LLC?
Yes. Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required for:
- Opening a U.S. business bank account
- Registering with Stripe or PayPal
- Filing U.S. tax documents
Mexican founders can apply using Form SS-4, even without a Social Security Number. This can be submitted to the IRS by fax, and the EIN is usually issued in a few weeks.
What About Taxes in Mexico?
Mexico has its own reporting rules for foreign-owned companies. If your U.S. LLC earns money and distributes profits to you, this may need to be reported to SAT, Mexico’s tax authority. You may also need to declare your foreign ownership and possibly pay taxes in Mexico, depending on your personal residency and income structure.
Bookmate does not offer Mexican tax advice, but we’ll make sure your U.S. forms are clean and ready for any coordination with your Mexican accountant.
How Bookmate Helps Mexican Entrepreneurs
We specialize in U.S. tax filings for non-U.S. residents who own Wyoming LLCs. If you’re running your company from Mexico, we handle all required federal forms and help you meet your deadlines.
Our services include:
- Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 for single-member LLCs
- Form 1065 + Schedule K-1s for multi-member LLCs
- Form 1040-NR if you have U.S. connected income
- Filing IRS extensions if you need more time
- Helping respond to IRS letters and notices
All of this is handled digitally—no paper forms, no mailing required, and no need to visit the U.S.
What It’s Like to Work With Us
At Bookmate, we make the process simple:
First, we start with a free Zoom consultation where we learn about your business structure, goals, and obligations. Once we understand your setup, we send you a digital engagement letter and invoice so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Then, we collect your details through a secure web form. This is where you upload your EIN letter, Articles of Organization, and any banking or financial activity we’ll need for the return.
Our team of licensed professionals prepares all necessary forms and files them with the IRS. If anything is unclear, we reach out with questions and walk you through every step.
If the IRS sends you a notice, we help you respond. You won’t be left figuring it out alone.
Everything is 100% remote, so you never need to print, scan, or mail anything.
Ready to File U.S. Taxes for Your LLC in Mexico?
We’ve helped hundreds of founders from Mexico and around the world file their U.S. taxes and avoid penalties. If you’ve formed a Wyoming LLC and want to stay compliant, we can help you do it easily and affordably.
📅 Book a free consultation or visit trybookmate.co to learn more.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or tax advice. Please consult with a licensed tax advisor in Mexico for local requirements.
