OCTIS vs Delaware vs Wyoming LLC for non-US residents
Same IRS rules for a foreign owner. The difference is the yearly state bill and who you plan to show it to.
Last checked · 6 sources
Otty's short answer
Wyoming is cheaper to keep: US$100 to file and a US$60 minimum each year, against Delaware's US$400 annual LLC tax. Delaware is the safer name if you expect investors, a bank or a platform to ask where you are incorporated. For a solo consultant or online seller outside the US, Wyoming usually costs less with no loss.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Delaware LLC | Wyoming LLC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | US$110 | US$100 |
| Yearly state cost | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | US$400 annual tax | US$60 minimum license tax |
| Yearly due date | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | June 1 | Anniversary month |
| Late penalty | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | US$200 + 1.5% per month | Not published on schedule |
| Annual report | Annual return to the Companies Registry, prepared by OCTIS | None for LLCs | Yes, with license tax |
| Registered agent | Hong Kong company secretary and registered office | Required | Required |
| Investor familiarity | Hong Kong company, 100% foreign ownership allowed | Standard for startups | Less common |
| IRS Form 5472 for foreign owner | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Yes, same rule | Yes, same rule |
| Offered by Firstbase | No, OCTIS forms a Hong Kong company | Yes | Yes |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you sell to customers in several countries and want a Hong Kong company run from anywhere, with accounts, banking and CRM in one place.
Delaware LLC
Choose Delaware if investors, enterprise buyers or a payment platform may ask about your state, or you may convert to a C-corp.
Wyoming LLC
Choose Wyoming if you run a solo business, want the lowest yearly state bill and have no investor on the horizon.
What the table does not show
The yearly bill
Delaware lists an annual tax of US$400 for LLCs, due June 1, with a US$200 penalty plus 1.5% interest per month if late. Wyoming charges the greater of US$60 or two-tenths of one mill per dollar of assets located in Wyoming, so most small LLCs pay US$60. Over five years that is US$2,000 in Delaware against US$300 in Wyoming, before registered agent fees.
What does not change
State choice does not change your IRS duties. A single-member LLC owned by a foreign person files a pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 each year, even with no income, and the penalty for missing it is US$25,000. It cannot be e-filed. You also still need a registered agent in the state, and a US bank or payment account is a separate application.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not form US companies. If your main company is in Hong Kong or Malaysia, the US LLC is an extra entity that sits beside it. OCTIS handles the Hong Kong or Malaysian company: secretary, bookkeeping and tax, so the two entities do not contradict each other. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wyoming or Delaware better for a non-US resident?
Wyoming costs less every year. Delaware is more recognized by investors and legal advisers. If you will never sell shares to a US investor, Wyoming is the lower-cost default.
Do I need to live in the state?
No. Both states require a registered agent with a physical address in the state, but not an owner who lives there. Providers such as doola, Firstbase and Stripe Atlas supply the agent.
Will a Delaware or Wyoming LLC pay US income tax?
A single-member LLC is ignored for US income tax. A foreign owner with no US-connected income usually owes no US federal income tax, but still files Form 5472. Tax depends on your facts, so ask a US preparer.
Can I open a US bank account with a Wyoming LLC?
Yes. Mercury and Relay both take US-formed companies with foreign owners, subject to restricted-country lists. The state is not the main check. Your business activity, owners and documents are.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.