The complete playbook for forming a US LLC as a non-US founder
Step-by-step instructions for founders outside the United States. Form your LLC, get an EIN without an SSN, open US banking, set up Stripe, and operate compliantly.
Send it to my email
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
What is inside the playbook
- How to pick the right state (Delaware vs Wyoming vs Florida)
- Forming the LLC remotely (no US visit required)
- EIN without SSN · fax vs mail process
- Form SS-4 walkthrough with sample
- Opening US business banking (Mercury, Relay, Brex)
- Setting up Stripe with a US LLC
- Virtual office addresses that pass bank verification
- Form 5472 reporting requirements (annual)
- Tax treaty benefits by country
- Form 1042 withholding rules
- Common visa concerns and answers
- 90-day post-formation operating checklist
Who this is for
Founders forming their first business, accountants advising small business clients, attorneys helping clients with formation, and anyone running a US business who wants the relevant deadlines and decisions in one place.
Why we made this free
File.Business is a business operating system, not a paywalled content factory. We make money when founders use our formation, registered agent, and compliance services. The more accurate information you have, the better choices you make.
Ready to form your business?
File.Business handles formation, registered agent, BOI, annual reports, and the operating tools you need afterward. $0 service fee. Penalty-free guarantee.
Start my business See pricingOn 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.