8-step LLC. For non-US residents.
Step-by-step guide for non-US residents forming a US LLC. Covers state choice, formation, EIN, banking, Stripe, BOI, Form 5472, and ongoing compliance.
Start here.
Choose state (Wyoming for asset protection + privacy, Delaware for VC, others contextual).
File Articles of Organization (we handle).
Get EIN via paper Form SS-4 (1-3 weeks).
Open US bank account (Mercury, Relay, Wise Business).
Set up US Stripe (or other payment processors).
File BOI with FinCEN (within 30 days of formation).
Form 5472 + 1120 (pro forma) annually for foreign-owned single-member LLCs.
Ongoing compliance: annual reports, BOI updates, tax filings.
The full picture.
Step 1: Choose state
Wyoming: low fees ($100 formation, $60 annual), anonymous LLCs, strongest charging order protection, no state income tax. Delaware: standard for VC-backed; Court of Chancery; $110 formation, $300 annual. New Mexico: cheapest ($50 formation, no annual), anonymous. Most non-US founders choose Wyoming.
Step 2: File Articles of Organization
We file Articles with the chosen state. Articles include: LLC name, registered agent, principal office, management structure. We can use our address as principal office and act as your registered agent. Filing takes 1-3 days (Wyoming, Delaware) to 7-10 days (some other states).
Step 3: Get EIN
File paper Form SS-4 with the IRS via fax. Designate yourself as Responsible Party. EIN issued in 1-3 weeks. EIN letter (CP-575) is your proof for banking and Stripe.
Step 4: Open US bank account
Apply to Mercury, Relay, Wise Business, or Bluevine. Submit: passport, formation documents, EIN letter, address proof. Decision typically 1-2 weeks. Account active for receiving funds.
Step 5: Set up Stripe
Submit Stripe application with EIN, formation documents, and US bank account info. Verification typically 1-3 days. Once approved, start accepting payments.
Step 6: File BOI
FinCEN requires Beneficial Ownership Information filing within 30 days of formation (for entities formed 2024+). Submit online at fincen.gov. Penalty $500/day for non-compliance.
Step 7: Form 5472 + 1120
Foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 (information return) + Form 1120 (pro forma, blank for disregarded entity) annually by April 15. Penalty for failure: $25,000.
Step 8: Ongoing compliance
Annual reports to state (Wyoming $60; Delaware $300). BOI updates within 30 days of any change. Form 5472 + 1120 annually. State and federal tax obligations as applicable. We handle all of this.
Common questions.
Can I really form a US LLC from abroad?
Which state should I pick?
Do I need to come to the US?
How long does the full setup take?
What does it cost?
Do I owe US taxes?
Can I take US Stripe payments?
What about Form 5472?
What about BOI?
Form your US LLC.
From abroad. Wyoming or Delaware. EIN, US banking, Stripe, ongoing compliance handled.
This guide is educational. International tax and compliance require specialty CPA and attorney advice.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.