{"id":2590,"date":"2025-09-25T09:03:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T09:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/?p=2590"},"modified":"2025-10-10T09:07:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T09:07:08","slug":"guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Step-by-step guide: Forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Step-by-step_guide_Forming_a_US_LLC_as_a_non-resident\" >Step-by-step guide: Forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#There_are_minimum_requirements_main_points\" >There are minimum requirements (main points).<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#The_decision_on_how_to_select_the_state_short_factors\" >The decision on how to select the state (short factors)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Formation_by_steps_in_a_clear_manner_with_numbers\" >Formation (by steps) in a clear manner with numbers.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Papers_you_are_going_to_need_key_points\" >Papers you are going to need (key points).<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Costs_timeline_main_points\" >Costs &amp; timeline (main points)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Taxes_and_compliance_primarily\" >Taxes and compliance (primarily)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Mistakes_that_should_be_avoided_main_points\" >Mistakes that should be avoided (main points)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Additional_issues_of_interest_to_you_on_my_part\" >Additional issues of interest to you (on my part)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Top_5_companies_that_offer_this_service_Less-popular_Indian\" >Top 5 companies that offer this service (Less-popular, Indian)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-step_guide_Forming_a_US_LLC_as_a_non-resident\"><\/span><b>Step-by-step guide: Forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>What:<\/strong> LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a U.S. business type that is an easy form of business that separates the personal and business liabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The reason non-residents establish one:<\/strong> to enter the market of the United States, more convenient payment processing (Stripe\/PayPal), a positive reputation among clients\/investors, and the ability to avoid liability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Who is eligible:<\/strong> freelancers, SaaS founders, e-commerce sellers, consultants, as well as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">small startups interested in having a presence in the U.S. without having to move.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"There_are_minimum_requirements_main_points\"><\/span><b>There are minimum requirements (main points).<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered Agent: An address in the state of formation (street address\/agent) in the United States(required).<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State of formation selected (see factors below).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Original company name (should not coincide with already registered filings in the state).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Articles of Organization (registered with the state).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IRS (banking, taxes, hiring) Identity number, Employer Identification Number (EIN).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operating Agreement (internal document \u2014 recommended even when the business has only one member).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank accounts (U.S or international-friendly) &#8211; many require formation and EIN.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_decision_on_how_to_select_the_state_short_factors\"><\/span><b>The decision on how to select the state (short factors)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware: pro-investor, good corporate law (good VC).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wyoming: low charges, high privacy, no state income tax.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Florida: practical in case you intend to do physical activities or live there.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Select according to investor requirements, privacy, tax and cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Formation_by_steps_in_a_clear_manner_with_numbers\"><\/span><b>Formation (by steps) in a clear manner with numbers.<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State, type of decision structure LLC type and state (Delaware\/Wyoming\/Florida).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Name: make sure it is not taken.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need to hire a Registered Agent in that state (mandatory).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete and submit Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of the state of choice (online or mail).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Design an Operating Agreement (regulations, ownership, profit share \u2014 in house).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Register EIN with IRS (through online application using SSN (in case of having), otherwise using form SS-4 (by mail\/fax or use of agent).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open a U.S. bank or international-friendly bank\/fintech (most are willing to serve remote non-residents).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply to obtain state tax IDs (sales tax, employer tax).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in order: state filings, annual reports and registered agent fees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Papers_you_are_going_to_need_key_points\"><\/span><b>Papers you are going to need (key points)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passport copy (owner\/ authorized signator)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Address (passport or national ID + utility bill)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Articles of Organization (state filing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operating Agreement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank-required KYC documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form SS-4 (on behalf of EIN) or on behalf of an agent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs_timeline_main_points\"><\/span><b>Costs &amp; timeline (main points)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State filing fee: varies by state (typically USD 50300).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered agent fee: USD 50300\/year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EIN: non-IRS (agent fees with the help of a service).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banking fees and services: depend; distance account opening can be expensive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Timeline: up to 1-7 business days (expedited) can be formed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taxes_and_compliance_primarily\"><\/span><b>Taxes and compliance (primarily)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal taxes: LLCs inherently pass through taxation, and taxation is based on the residency of members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State taxes: are variable as some states have franchise or annual fees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filing: The IRS returns, and potentially state returns; non-residents are advised to seek the advice of a tax advisor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistakes_that_should_be_avoided_main_points\"><\/span><b>Mistakes that should be avoided (main points)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omission of an Operating Agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some PO Box address, other than a Registered Agent one.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating a bank account without receiving EIN\/information documents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not taken into consideration annual report and franchise taxes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_issues_of_interest_to_you_on_my_part\"><\/span><b>Additional issues of interest to you (on my part)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual office\/ physical presence, nominee\/ real directors, international tax treaties aimed at avoiding the effects of double taxation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_5_companies_that_offer_this_service_Less-popular_Indian\"><\/span><b>Top 5 companies that offer this service (Less-popular, Indian)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">E-Startup.io Quick U.S LLC formation, EIN, and bank account services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LegalRaasta &#8211; establishment assistance, legalization advice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">StartupYo &#8211; step wise encouraging help to founders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MyOnlineCA- services and filings of international companies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registerkaro- LLC filing and U.S. compliance services to Indians.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To establish a U.S. LLC as a non-resident, it is relatively easy to follow these steps: select the appropriate state, select a registered agent, complete Articles of Organization, receive an EIN and open a bank account. Prepare documents, remember state taxes and annual reports, and do not make any popular mistakes, hire a good service to do it at a decent price in a short period of time, perhaps E-Startup India would be a good choice.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Step-by-step guide: Forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident What: LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a U.S. business type that &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Step-by-step guide: Forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/guide-forming-a-u-s-llc-company\/#more-2590\" aria-label=\"Read more about Step-by-step guide: Forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2591,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2590","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2590"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2619,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2590\/revisions\/2619"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2591"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2590"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2590"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-startup.io\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}