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.
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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, annual reports, registered agent renewals, and the operating tools you need afterward. $0 service fee. Penalty-free guarantee.
Start my business See pricingAt a glance
- What is it
- International founder playbook · form a us llc from anywhere is a regulated business process governed by federal or state agencies. File.Business handles the paperwork, filings, and tracking for you.
- Why it matters
- Doing this correctly the first time avoids penalties, late fees, and personal liability exposure for owners.
- Who needs it
- Any US business that has triggered the relevant requirement - usually based on entity type, state, or business activity.
- When it is due
- Deadlines vary by agency and state. We track your specific dates and remind you ahead of any filing window.
- How it works
- Tell us what you need, review the prepared filing, and we submit through the agency's official channel.
- What it costs
- Pricing is shown on this page with state and federal fees disclosed separately from our service fee.
- Risks of skipping
- Penalties, administrative dissolution, loss of liability shield, blocked transactions, or audit triggers depending on the filing.
- Alternatives
- File directly with the agency yourself, hire a law firm, or use a competing service. File.Business is the fastest premium option.