The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your U.S. Company Hassle-Free in 2025

✅ Choose Your Business Structure

For most international businesses, an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the ideal choice. It offers:

• Personal liability protection
• Pass-through taxation (no double taxation)
• Minimal compliance requirements
• Flexibility in management structure

✅ Select Your State

Delaware is best for businesses seeking credibility, planning to raise venture capital, or considering future IPO. Annual cost: ~$450/year.

Wyoming is ideal for businesses prioritizing privacy, lower costs, and asset protection. Annual cost: ~$60/year.

✅ Choose a Company Name

Your company name must:

• Be unique and not already registered in your chosen state
• Include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
• Not contain restricted words like "Bank" or "Insurance" without proper licensing
• Be available as a domain name (recommended)

✅ Prepare Articles of Organization

This is the primary document that legally creates your LLC. It includes:

• Company name and address
• Registered agent information
• Management structure
• Purpose of business

✅ Draft an Operating Agreement

While not always legally required, this internal document is crucial for:

• Defining ownership percentages
• Outlining member roles and responsibilities
• Establishing profit distribution rules
• Setting dispute resolution procedures

✅ Appoint a Registered Agent

Every U.S. LLC needs a registered agent with a physical U.S. address to receive legal documents. As an international founder, you'll need to hire a professional service ($100-150/year).

✅ Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Your EIN is like a social security number for your business. You need it to:

• Open a U.S. bank account
• File tax returns
• Hire employees
• Apply for business licenses

Timeline: 1-2 weeks when applying as a foreign business owner

✅ Understand Your Tax Obligations

As a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, you'll need to:

• File Form 5472 annually (Information Return)
• File Form 1120 (Pro forma tax return)
• Report U.S.-sourced income
• Comply with state tax requirements

Important: Foreign-owned LLCs with no U.S. activities generally don't pay U.S. federal income tax, but must still file informational returns.

✅ Consider C-Corp Tax Election

Some businesses elect to be taxed as a C-Corporation (using Form 8832) to:

• Access U.S. payment processors more easily
• Simplify banking relationships
• Prepare for venture capital funding

✅ Open a U.S. Bank Account

Popular options for international LLC owners:

• Mercury: 100% online, no physical presence required, designed for startups
• Wise Business: Multi-currency accounts, excellent for international transactions
• Payoneer: Easy approval, good for e-commerce businesses

Required documents: Articles of Organization, EIN letter, Operating Agreement, passport, proof of address

✅ Set Up Payment Processing

Once your bank account is active, apply for:

• Stripe: For online payments and subscriptions
• PayPal Business: For e-commerce and invoicing
• Square: For in-person payments (if applicable)

✅ File Annual Reports

Most states require annual or biennial reports with updated company information. Delaware requires both annual reports ($300) and franchise tax filings.

✅ Maintain Registered Agent Service

Ensure your registered agent service remains active to receive important legal notices and tax documents.

✅ Keep Accurate Records

Maintain organized records of:

• All income and expenses
• Bank statements and invoices
• Contracts and agreements
• Meeting minutes (for multi-member LLCs)