Nigerian entrepreneurs are increasingly building global businesses by forming U.S.-based LLCs—especially in Wyoming. Whether you're selling digital products, offering SaaS services, or using platforms like Stripe and PayPal, setting up a U.S. company can unlock tremendous opportunity.
But along with opportunity comes responsibility, particularly when it comes to taxes. So if you're based in Nigeria and own a Wyoming LLC, you might be wondering: Do I need to file U.S. taxes?
The short answer is yes. Even if you didn’t make any money, U.S. law requires most foreign owners of U.S. LLCs to file federal forms each year. Wyoming also has its own simple but important annual requirement.
In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know if you own a Wyoming LLC from Nigeria, including the forms required, deadlines to track, and how to stay compliant.
Can a Nigerian Own a U.S. LLC Legally?
Yes. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions on forming a U.S. LLC. Nigerians can fully own and control a Wyoming LLC without needing a visa, green card, or physical presence in the United States.
Wyoming is a popular choice because it’s affordable, has strong privacy protections, and doesn’t charge a state income tax. Forming the LLC can be done completely online. You’ll need to select a registered agent in Wyoming, file Articles of Organization, and then apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
This EIN is what allows you to open a U.S. business bank account, apply for Stripe or PayPal, and operate legally in the U.S. financial system.
What U.S. Tax Obligations Apply If I Live in Nigeria?
The U.S. tax system is based on ownership and activity—not just location or revenue. This means that even if you’re running your Wyoming LLC entirely from Nigeria, and even if the business didn’t earn anything, you still likely have filing obligations.
There are two main areas to focus on: your federal (IRS) tax responsibilities and your state-level obligations in Wyoming.
Federal Tax Filings: IRS Requirements for Nigerian LLC Owners
Your specific filing depends on how many members (owners) your LLC has.
If your LLC has only one member and you live in Nigeria, the IRS classifies your company as a “disregarded entity.” You’re required to file Form 5472 to report foreign ownership, and a pro forma Form 1120, which is a simplified U.S. corporate return that goes along with the 5472. These forms are due annually by April 15.
Form 5472 must disclose any reportable transactions between you and your LLC. That includes simple things like transferring your own money into the business bank account. Even if you didn’t make any sales, these forms are still required.
Failing to file Form 5472 carries a steep penalty: $25,000 or more per year. And the longer you wait, the more it can cost.
If your LLC has more than one member—such as a business partner or co-founder—it is classified as a partnership. In this case, the company must file Form 1065, which reports the partnership’s income or loss. Each member also receives a Schedule K-1, which shows what share of income or loss they are allocated.
If your LLC earns what’s known as effectively connected income (ECI) from U.S. sources (such as U.S.-based customers or contracts), each foreign member must file Form 1040-NR, the nonresident income tax return.
There is only one exception to these requirements: if a multi-member LLC had absolutely no financial activity—no sales, expenses, transfers, or money movement—then it may not be required to file that year. However, this is the only case, and it must be confirmed by a professional.
State-Level Filing in Wyoming
Wyoming makes life easy for LLC owners, especially those outside the U.S. There is no state income tax in Wyoming unless your business has a physical presence there, like an office or employees.
What is required is the Wyoming Annual Report, which is due each year during the anniversary month of your LLC’s formation. This report can be submitted online and costs a minimum of $60 per year.
The Annual Report is quick and simple, but failure to submit it can lead to your business being administratively dissolved. Unlike federal forms, Wyoming does not allow extensions—you must file this on time each year.
Do I Still Have to File If I Had No Revenue or Clients?
Yes. Even if your Wyoming LLC is brand new or hasn’t made a single sale, your filings are still required.
For single-member LLCs, Form 5472 and the pro forma 1120 must be submitted regardless of income. The IRS wants to track the ownership and funding of U.S. entities with foreign ties—even if the activity was limited to depositing startup capital into your business bank account.
For multi-member LLCs, again, the only exception is a total lack of financial activity. This means no income, no expenses, and no money in or out. But if your business did anything financially during the year, even just paying for a website or software tool, you are required to file.
Don’t assume that “no income” means “no filing.” Most penalties we see are for non-filing, not underpayment.
Do I Need an EIN for My LLC?
Yes. Your EIN is your LLC’s official tax ID with the U.S. government. You’ll need it to:
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- Apply for Stripe, PayPal, or other financial platforms
- File tax forms like the 5472, 1065, or 1040-NR
Nigerians can apply for an EIN without a U.S. Social Security Number. This is done using IRS Form SS-4, which can be faxed directly to the IRS. You’ll receive the EIN within a few weeks and can then proceed with your U.S. business activities.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes in Nigeria Too?
It depends. Nigeria has its own reporting rules on foreign companies and foreign income. If you receive distributions or profits from your Wyoming LLC, you may be required to declare those with Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
There is no tax treaty between the U.S. and Nigeria, which means double taxation is possible unless you plan carefully. While Bookmate does not provide Nigerian tax services, we can coordinate with your local accountant to ensure accurate cross-border reporting.
Bookmate Helps Nigerian Founders File U.S. Taxes Easily
We specialize in helping non-U.S. founders—especially those in Nigeria—stay compliant with U.S. tax obligations. You don’t need a U.S. address, SSN, or even physical documents. Everything we do is handled online, securely and professionally.
Our services include:
- Preparing and filing Form 5472 and pro forma 1120 for single-member LLCs
- Preparing and filing Form 1065 and Schedule K-1s for multi-member LLCs
- Filing Form 1040-NR for Nigerian owners with U.S. income
- Filing IRS extensions if you need more time
- Responding to IRS letters or notices related to your filings
We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and make U.S. compliance as simple as possible.
What It’s Like to Work With Bookmate
We’ve designed our process specifically for international founders who want a simple, remote solution.
Step 1: Consultation We begin with a free Zoom consultation where we assess your company structure and identify what forms you need to file.
Step 2: Proposal & Payment Once we confirm your needs, we send you a digital engagement letter and invoice. Everything is transparent.
Step 3: Information CollectionYou’ll complete a secure online form where you upload your company documents, EIN, and ownership details.
Step 4: Filing Preparation Our licensed CPAs and professionals prepare your IRS forms, review them with you, and make sure they’re accurate.
Step 5: Submission and Support We submit your filings to the IRS and remain available if you receive a notice or have follow-up questions.
No paperwork. No U.S. mailing. Just peace of mind.
Need Help Filing U.S. Taxes From Nigeria?
If you’re based in Nigeria and have a Wyoming LLC—or plan to form one—Bookmate can help you meet your federal tax obligations smoothly. We’ve worked with founders in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond who want a reliable, professional U.S. accounting partner.
📅 Book a free consultation or visit trybookmate.co to get started.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult a Nigerian tax professional for local obligations.
