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Who it’s for
- SaaS, e-commerce and services businesses in the UAE, Gulf, UK, Europe, Africa, Singapore, Latin America and India selling to US customers.
- Startups raising from US investors, who usually expect a Delaware C-Corp.
- Freelancers and agencies who want a US entity for contracts and payments — see US LLC for freelancers.
LLC or C-Corp?
| LLC | C-Corp | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Owner-run businesses, services, e-commerce | Startups raising venture capital, issuing stock options |
| Usual state | Wyoming or Delaware — see Delaware vs Wyoming | Delaware — see C-Corp vs LLC |
| Key annual filings for foreign owners | Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 for a single-member LLC; state annual tax or report | Federal corporate return; Delaware franchise tax and annual report |
How it works
01
Structure
A short call on your business, owners and home-country tax — so the US entity fits with your local company and personal tax.
02
Form & EIN
State filing, registered agent, operating agreement or bylaws, and an EIN from the IRS — no SSN or ITIN needed. See EIN for non-residents.
03
Bank & compliance
US bank or fintech account, bookkeeping set-up and a calendar of every federal and state deadline.
Staying compliant
- Form 5472: foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file it each year with a pro forma Form 1120; the penalty for missing it is USD 25,000 per form — see Form 5472 guide.
- Delaware: corporations file an annual report and pay franchise tax by 1 March; LLCs pay an annual tax by 1 June — see Delaware franchise tax.
- Home country: your own country may tax or require reporting of a foreign company you own — we flag this at the structuring stage, and work with your local adviser.
- Full calendar: US company compliance calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident form a US company?
Yes. Non-US citizens and residents can form an LLC or corporation in any US state, usually Delaware or Wyoming, without visiting the US, and obtain an EIN from the IRS without an SSN or ITIN.
Should a foreign founder choose an LLC or a C-Corp?
An LLC usually suits owner-run service or e-commerce businesses; a Delaware C-Corp suits startups raising from US investors or issuing stock options. Home-country tax rules also matter.
What annual filings does a foreign-owned US LLC have?
A foreign-owned single-member LLC files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 each year (penalty USD 25,000 per missed form), plus its state's annual report or tax.
Do you help founders outside India?
Yes — founders and companies in the UAE, Gulf, UK, Europe, Africa, Singapore, Latin America and elsewhere, working remotely.