If you’re a founder or entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates and you've launched—or are thinking about launching—a Wyoming LLC in the United States, it’s important to understand the tax filing obligations that come with it.
Many UAE-based founders choose Wyoming because it offers low costs, no state income tax, and strong privacy protections. But forming the company is just the first step—staying compliant with U.S. tax law is where many founders get tripped up.
So, do you need to file U.S. taxes if you live in the UAE and own a Wyoming LLC? In almost all cases, the answer is yes—even if your LLC had no income.
This article walks through the exact obligations you’ll have, how and when to file, and how Bookmate can help make the process simple and completely remote.
Can Someone in the UAE Legally Own a U.S. LLC?
Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or even have a U.S. visa to form an LLC in Wyoming or any other state. Foreign nationals from the UAE can legally own 100% of a U.S. LLC, and you can manage it from abroad without needing a U.S. address or visiting the country.
Founders in the UAE often choose Wyoming because:
- It has no state income tax
- Annual fees are low (minimum $60)
- You only need one member to form an LLC
- It offers better privacy compared to most other states
- There’s no requirement to file detailed ownership disclosures
Formation can be done entirely online through platforms like Firstbase or Doola, and once your LLC is formed, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which serves as your company’s tax ID.
U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for UAE-Based LLC Owners
There are two major tax categories to be aware of:
- Federal Tax Filings (IRS requirements)
- Wyoming State Annual Report
These obligations apply even if your LLC earned no revenue or profits. The IRS expects annual filings for all foreign-owned LLCs for transparency and enforcement purposes.
Federal Filings: What You Must Submit to the IRS
Your federal requirements depend on whether your Wyoming LLC is owned by just you or if it has multiple owners.
Single-Member LLC (Foreign-Owned)
If you’re the only owner of the Wyoming LLC and you live in the UAE, your company is considered a disregarded entity by the IRS. In that case, you must file:
- Form 5472: This discloses that your LLC is foreign-owned and reports any transactions between you and your LLC.
- Pro forma Form 1120: A simplified corporate return that is filed alongside Form 5472.
Even if your LLC made no money, these forms must be filed by April 15 each year (or October 15 if you request an extension via Form 7004).
If you skip this filing, the IRS can issue a $25,000 penalty per year per missed form, which adds up quickly.
Multi-Member LLC
If your LLC has more than one owner (for example, you and a business partner), it’s classified as a partnership for tax purposes. You’ll need to:
- File Form 1065 (U.S. Partnership Return of Income)
- Issue Schedule K-1s to each member
If the company had any U.S.-sourced income (such as from clients, platforms, or ad revenue), each foreign partner may also need to file a 1040-NR (Nonresident Tax Return).
The only exception to filing as a multi-member LLC is if your business had no activity at all—no income, no expenses, no bank movements. This is rare, and we recommend confirming with a CPA before skipping any filings.
Wyoming State Requirements for LLCs
Wyoming doesn’t impose income taxes on LLCs. However, you’re still required to submit an annual state-level filing:
- Wyoming Annual Report: Due during the anniversary month of your LLC’s formation.
- Minimum fee: $60 (can be more if your LLC owns physical Wyoming assets)
This report must be filed online via the Wyoming Secretary of State. If you don’t file, your LLC could be dissolved. Unlike federal filings, there is no extension available for this requirement, so plan accordingly.
What If My Wyoming LLC Has No Income?
If your Wyoming LLC didn’t earn any money last year, you might assume there’s nothing to report. But that’s not the case—the IRS and Wyoming still require filings in nearly all situations.
For single-member LLCs, you still need to file Form 5472 and pro forma 1120 each year.
For multi-member LLCs, filings are only skipped if there was zero financial activity—not even a Stripe setup or bank charge.
In short, just forming the LLC starts the clock on your tax obligations, and missing them can result in heavy penalties.
EINs and Payment Platforms
To get paid through platforms like Stripe, PayPal, or U.S. banks, you’ll need an EIN. This is your business tax ID, and it’s required for:
- Opening U.S. bank accounts
- Applying for payment processors
- Filing tax returns
If you don’t have a Social Security Number, the EIN can still be obtained by fax. Bookmate can help you get this set up if needed.
Do I Need to Report My U.S. LLC in the UAE?
The UAE does not currently tax most forms of personal income, but regulations are evolving with the introduction of a corporate tax regime. Depending on your specific situation and how you use your U.S. LLC, you may need to report or register the business locally.
We recommend speaking to a UAE-based accountant or legal advisor for local compliance guidance. Bookmate focuses solely on U.S. taxes, but we’re happy to collaborate with your local advisors.
How Bookmate Supports UAE-Based Entrepreneurs
We specialize in helping founders from the UAE stay compliant with their U.S. tax obligations. Whether you’re running an e-commerce brand, consulting business, or SaaS startup, we handle all your U.S. filing needs remotely.
Our services include:
- Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 for single-member LLCs
- Form 1065 + Schedule K-1s for multi-member LLCs
- 1040-NR for owners with U.S.-connected income
- Help with EIN applications and extensions
- IRS notice response and guidance
We’ve worked with dozens of UAE-based founders who want peace of mind without the stress of dealing with IRS rules on their own.
What Working with Bookmate Looks Like
Step 1: Free Consultation Book a Zoom call with our team to go over your LLC structure, business model, and what needs to be filed.
Step 2: Engagement Letter + Invoice We send you a simple agreement and invoice—no subscriptions, no hidden fees.
Step 3: Info Collection You complete a secure online form where we collect your EIN, ownership info, and other necessary details.
Step 4: Form Preparation Our licensed CPAs prepare your filings and walk you through any questions you have.
Step 5: We File Everything We file with the IRS and handle any issues if the IRS follows up. No printing or mailing required.
Ready to Stay Compliant With Your Wyoming LLC?
Whether you’re setting up for the first time or catching up on late filings, we’ve got your back. Bookmate offers expert tax filing services for UAE-based LLC owners and helps you meet IRS deadlines stress-free.
📅 Book a free consultation or visit trybookmate.co to learn more.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult a UAE-based accountant for local compliance.
