Bottom Line Up Front
Forming an S Corporation in Casper, Wyoming requires state incorporation ($100), federal S Corp election (free), and local Casper business licensing (varies by business type). All businesses operating in Casper must obtain required city licenses before beginning operations.
Understanding S Corporations in Casper, Wyoming
Critical Clarification
An S Corporation is not a separate business entity type—it's a federal tax election. According to the IRS, S corporations are "corporations that elect to pass corporate income, losses, deductions, and credits through to their shareholders for federal tax purposes."
The U.S. Small Business Administration confirms that "an S corporation, sometimes called an S corp, is a special type of corporation that's designed to avoid the double taxation drawback of regular C corps."
Why Choose Casper, Wyoming for Your S Corp?
Casper offers specific advantages as Wyoming's second-largest city and energy capital:
State Advantages
- • Low filing fees - $100 for profit corporation Articles of Incorporation
- • No state income tax on corporations or individuals
- • Business-friendly regulations from Wyoming Secretary of State
Casper-Specific Benefits
- • Major economic center with established business infrastructure
- • Comprehensive business licensing system with online portal
- • Access to metropolitan planning and transportation resources
- • Established municipal services and regulatory framework
Step 1: File Articles of Incorporation with Wyoming Secretary of State
Required Information for Articles of Incorporation
According to Wyoming Business Corporation Act, your Articles of Incorporation must include specific mandatory elements.
Corporate Name Requirements
- • Must be distinguishable from existing Wyoming entities
- • May include corporate designators, though not required in Wyoming
- • Must comply with Wyoming Business Corporation Act naming provisions
Essential Filing Information
- • Corporate name and any trade names
- • Registered agent name and Wyoming street address (P.O. boxes not accepted)
- • Principal office address
- • Authorized shares and par value information
- • Incorporator name and address
- • Email address for official correspondence
- • Corporate purposes
Wyoming Registered Agent Requirement
Wyoming law mandates that every corporation maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Wyoming. Your registered agent can be located anywhere in Wyoming, not necessarily in Casper.
Filing Process and Fees
Filing Methods
- • Online Filing: Through Wyoming Business Center portal for domestic profit corporations
- • Mail Filing: Send to Wyoming Secretary of State, Herschler Building East, 122 W 25th Street, Suite 101, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Filing Fees
- • Articles of Incorporation: $100.00
- • Online filings: Visa or MasterCard accepted with $3.75 convenience fee
- • Mail filings: Check or money order payable to "Wyoming Secretary of State"
Step 2: Elect S Corporation Tax Status with IRS Form 2553
IRS Form 2553 Requirements
After your Wyoming corporation is approved, you must file IRS Form 2553 "Election by a Small Business Corporation" to elect S Corp tax treatment.
Critical Timing Requirements
According to IRS instructions for Form 2553:
- • New Corporations: File no more than 2 months and 15 days after the beginning of the tax year the election is to take effect
- • Existing Corporations: File anytime during the tax year preceding the tax year the election is to take effect
- • Late Elections: Relief may be available for reasonable cause within 3 years and 75 days
S Corp Eligibility Requirements
According to IRS guidelines, your corporation must meet these requirements:
- • Be a domestic corporation
- • Have only allowable shareholders (individuals, certain trusts, and estates)
- • Have no more than 100 shareholders
- • Have only one class of stock
- • Not be an ineligible corporation (certain financial institutions, insurance companies, etc.)
- • No nonresident alien shareholders
Step 3: Obtain Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Every Wyoming corporation needs an EIN from the IRS. You must have an EIN before filing Form 2553.
How to Obtain EIN
- • Apply directly with IRS online (free and immediate)
- • Apply by mail or fax (takes several weeks)
Step 4: Casper City Business License Requirements
Mandatory Casper Business Licensing
According to the City of Casper, "Business licenses are currently required within the City of Casper for the following types of businesses." All qualifying businesses operating in Casper must obtain proper city licenses before beginning operations.
Casper Business License Application Process
Current Filing System
The City of Casper offers many types of permits and licenses to residents and businesses through their online portal system.
Application Process
- • Register at the City's Citizen Self-Service Website
- • Create an account for your business
- • Fill out application online for required licenses
Contact Information
- • City Clerk's Office: (307) 235-8215 (City Council meetings)
- • Public Records/Licensing: (307) 235-8272
- • Liquor Licensing Specialist: (307) 235-7568
- • Office: City Hall, 200 N. David Street, Casper, WY 82601
Required Health Inspections
Health License Requirements
According to the City of Casper, "Every business affecting the public health must, before beginning business, apply to the city for a license, and, after the business and premises are inspected by the Casper-Natrona County Health Department - Division of Environmental Health, and payment of the proper fee, the license shall be issued by the City."
Critical Process Note: This process begins at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department-Division of Environmental Health. The exception is massage therapy licenses/permits, which do not require a county health inspection before issuance.
Special Business Type Requirements
Liquor/Alcohol Sales
Liquor License applications may be obtained through the City Clerk's office and will undergo a thorough review process before being presented to the Casper City Council for approval.
Application Submission:
Complete Liquor License applications should be mailed to:
City of Casper, Liquor License Applications
200 N. David St
Casper, WY 82601
Contractor Services
Contractor licensing is available for various building trades. Note: International Code Council (ICC) offers testing in multiple languages for City of Casper license applicants.
Step 5: Additional Casper Requirements
Building and Construction
Building Codes
The City of Casper has adopted the 2024 International Codes, which includes comprehensive building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical requirements.
Permits Required
Building permits are required for most projects, with specific exemptions for certain small structures.
Fire Safety Requirements
Business Registration with Fire Department
Eligible businesses are required by ordinance to register with the Casper Fire-EMS Department. Registration can be completed through the Casper Fire-EMS/CRR website or by calling (307) 235-8222.
Fire Safety Self-Inspection Program
Casper Fire-EMS offers a voluntary Commercial Fire Safety Self-Inspection Program (FSIP) for eligible occupancies with low to moderate life safety risk. Participation is free of charge.
Non-Participation Fees: Those eligible businesses that do not participate in the FSIP shall be assessed service fees for each inspection performed by Casper Fire personnel.
Step 6: State Tax Registration
Wyoming Sales Tax Registration
The Wyoming Department of Revenue collects state sales tax. Businesses must collect Wyoming sales tax on any sales (unless exempt) and remit it to the Department of Revenue.
Contact Information
- • Phone: (307) 777-5200
- • Location: Herschler Building, 2nd Floor West, 122 W. 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
According to the Wyoming Department of Revenue, "The Excise Tax Division mission is to fairly and efficiently collect all sales, use, lodging, cigarette and estate tax owed the State of Wyoming and its political subdivisions."
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Wyoming Annual Report Requirements
According to Wyoming statutes, all Wyoming corporations must file annual reports to maintain good standing.
Annual Report Details
- • Due Date: First day of anniversary month of incorporation
- • Filing Fee: $60 or $0.0002 per dollar of Wyoming assets, whichever is greater
- • Filing Methods: Online through Wyoming Business Center or by mail
Federal S Corporation Requirements
Ongoing Federal Obligations
- • File annual Form 1120S by March 15
- • Pay shareholders reasonable salaries (subject to payroll taxes)
- • Issue Schedule K-1 to all shareholders
- • Maintain corporate formalities
Casper Business License Renewals
Casper business licenses typically require periodic renewal. Contact the City Clerk's Office for specific renewal requirements and deadlines for your business type.
Cost Summary for Casper S Corporation Formation
State and Federal Costs
| Requirement | Cost | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Articles of Incorporation | $100 | WY Secretary of State |
| IRS Form 2553 (S Corp Election) | Free | IRS |
| Federal EIN | Free | IRS |
| Wyoming Annual Report | $60+ | WY Secretary of State |
Casper City Costs
- • Business License: Varies by business type (contact City Clerk for specific fees)
- • Health Inspections: Fees vary by type and scope of business
- • Building Permits: If applicable, contact Building Department for fees
- • Fire Department Registration: Free if participating in self-inspection program
Timeline for Casper S Corp Formation
Typical Timeline
1. File Articles of Incorporation
- • Online filing available for domestic profit corporations
- • Processing: Same day online, 15 business days by mail
2. Obtain EIN from IRS
- • Online application: Immediate
- • Mail application: 4-6 weeks
3. File Form 2553 within deadline
- • Must be completed within 2 months and 15 days
- • Processing: 60 days for IRS acknowledgment
4. Apply for Casper Business License
- • Must be obtained before beginning operations
- • Processing time varies by business type
5. Complete required health inspections
- • Process begins at Casper-Natrona County Health Department
- • Timeline depends on business type and inspection complexity
6. Register with Casper Fire-EMS
- • Required by ordinance for eligible businesses
- • Can be completed online or by phone
Key Contact Information for Casper S Corp Formation
Wyoming Secretary of State - Business Division
- • Website: wyobiz.wyo.gov
- • Phone: (307) 777-7311
- • Address: Herschler Building East, 122 W 25th Street, Suite 101, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
- • Fee Schedule: Business Division Filing Fees
Internal Revenue Service
- • Form 2553 Instructions: IRS.gov/instructions/i2553
- • S Corporation Information: IRS.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations
- • EIN Applications: IRS.gov EIN Online
City of Casper - Business Licensing
- • Online Portal: City of Casper Self-Service Website
- • City Clerk's Office: (307) 235-8215
- • Licensing Questions: (307) 235-8272
- • Liquor Licensing Specialist: (307) 235-7568
- • Address: City Hall, 200 N. David Street, Casper, WY 82601
City of Casper - Fire-EMS Department
- • Community Risk Reduction Division: (307) 235-8222
- • Email: [email protected]
- • Business Registration: Casper Fire-EMS/CRR website
Wyoming Department of Revenue
- • Phone: (307) 777-5200
- • Address: Herschler Building, 2nd Floor West, 122 W. 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
- • Mission: Sales tax collection and administration
U.S. Small Business Administration
- • Business Structure Guide: SBA.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
- • Registration Guidance: SBA.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business
Important Casper-Specific Considerations
Location Requirements
Physical Presence: If your S Corporation will have a physical location in Casper, ensure the location complies with:
- • 2024 International Building Codes adopted by Casper
- • Fire safety requirements and registration
- • Health department inspection standards (if applicable)
Business Type Considerations
Health-Related Businesses: Any business affecting public health must complete inspection by Casper-Natrona County Health Department before license issuance.
Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Eligible businesses with low to moderate life safety risk may participate in the voluntary self-inspection program to reduce inspection costs.
Multi-Jurisdictional Operations
Beyond Casper: If your S Corporation will operate in multiple Wyoming cities or counties, additional local licenses may be required in each jurisdiction.
Out-of-State Operations: If conducting business outside Wyoming, foreign qualification may be required in other states.
Professional Services
Licensed Professions: If your S Corporation will provide professional services requiring state licensing, additional regulatory compliance may be needed beyond city business licenses.
Final Recommendation
Casper S Corporation formation involves state incorporation, federal tax elections, and mandatory local business licensing with health and fire department coordination. The SBA recommends consulting with qualified professionals for complex business structures. Contact the appropriate City of Casper departments early in the process to understand specific requirements for your business type.
Sources: Wyoming Secretary of State, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Small Business Administration, City of Casper, Wyoming Department of Revenue
Last Updated: September 2025