Question 1

Can I form a US LLC without visiting the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can form a US LLC entirely remotely without ever visiting the United States. The entire process — from state filing to EIN application to opening a US bank account — can be completed online. Easybrise handles all formation paperwork, registered agent designation, and document preparation on your behalf.

Question 2

Do I need a US Social Security Number to start a US business?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to form a US LLC or corporation. Non-US founders can form a company, obtain an EIN, and operate a US business without an SSN or ITIN. The IRS issues EINs to foreign nationals via phone or fax application using Form SS-4.

Question 3

Can non-US residents form a US LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no citizenship or residency requirements to form a US LLC. However, banking and payment processor approvals are determined independently by each financial institution based on their internal risk and compliance policies.

Question 4

Which state should I form my LLC in — Wyoming vs Delaware?

Accepted Answer

For most international founders, we recommend Wyoming as the default choice. Delaware is better only if you specifically plan to raise venture capital from US investors who prefer Delaware law.

Question 5

How long does it take to form an LLC?

Accepted Answer

Most LLCs are fully formed within 1-5 business days after you complete the Easybrise onboarding process. The exact timeline depends on your chosen state of formation. State processing times are determined solely by the respective Secretary of State offices and may vary.

Question 6

What's the difference between an LLC and a C-Corp?

Accepted Answer

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) and C-Corporation are both valid business structures, but they serve different founder goals. LLCs offer simplicity and tax flexibility, while C-Corps are designed for equity-based growth and investor funding.

Question 7

Do I need a US address to form an LLC?

Accepted Answer

A Registered Agent address in your formation state is required. EasyBrise provides this service where included. A personal US residential address is not required for formation. Banking requirements may vary by financial institution.

Question 8

Can I have multiple members (owners) in my LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, US LLCs can have unlimited members (owners). Each member's ownership percentage, profit distribution, and management rights are outlined in your Operating Agreement document.

Question 9

What is an EIN and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your company's federal tax identification number — essentially a Social Security Number for your business. The IRS assigns this 9-digit number, and it's required for virtually all business activities in the United States.

Question 10

How long does it take to get an EIN as a non-US resident?

Accepted Answer

For international applicants without a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the IRS requires submission via phone or fax rather than online. This typically takes 1-4 weeks for processing.

Question 11

Can I open a US bank account without visiting the US?

Accepted Answer

Some US banks offer remote account opening for eligible non-resident business owners. Each bank independently evaluates applications according to its internal compliance and risk policies.

Question 12

Which documents do I need to open a US bank account?

Accepted Answer

Bank requirements vary slightly, but most require a standard set of documents proving your identity and business legitimacy. Having complete and accurate documentation supports a smoother review process.

Question 13

Do you provide banking or Stripe accounts directly?

Accepted Answer

EasyBrise is not a bank, financial institution, or payment processor. We help you form your company, obtain EIN documentation, and organize the materials typically required when applying to financial service providers. All financial services are provided by licensed third-party institutions, which review and approve applications independently.

Question 14

What do I need on my website before applying to Stripe?

Accepted Answer

Most payment processors expect your business to have a clear, professional web presence before approving an application. Having these elements in place helps support the review process. Approval decisions are made solely by the payment processor based on their internal review criteria.

Question 15

Do I need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID)?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. An ITIN is only required for individuals who need to file US personal tax returns. For most non-resident LLC owners with no US-source income, the company's EIN is sufficient for business operations.

Question 16

Can I use my US bank account for Stripe and PayPal?

Accepted Answer

A US bank account is typically required to receive payouts from US payment processors such as Stripe and PayPal. Having your formation documents, EIN, and a clear business website helps support the application process. Each payment processor independently reviews and approves applications. EasyBrise does not influence approval decisions.

Question 17

Does EasyBrise guarantee bank account or payment processor approval?

Accepted Answer

No. Bank account and payment processor approvals are made independently by each institution. EasyBrise does not guarantee approval outcomes. Approval decisions depend on each institution's compliance and underwriting policies.

Question 18

What is a Registered Agent and why is it required?

Accepted Answer

A Registered Agent is a person or company officially designated to receive legal documents, government correspondence, and compliance notices on your LLC's behalf. Every US LLC and corporation must maintain a registered agent in their state of formation — this is a legal requirement, not optional.

Question 19

What is BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) filing?

Accepted Answer

BOI reporting is a federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), administered by FinCEN. Under FinCEN's final rule effective August 14, 2026, all US-formed LLCs and corporations are permanently exempt, regardless of their owners' nationality. Only foreign-formed entities registered to do business in a US state must file.

Question 20

What are the BOI filing deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Deadlines apply only to foreign reporting companies. Under FinCEN's final rule effective August 14, 2026, all US-formed LLCs and corporations are permanently exempt. Foreign-formed entities registered in the US must file within 30 days of registration or a change to previously reported information.

Question 21

What happens if I miss compliance deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Missing compliance deadlines can have serious consequences ranging from late fees to losing your business's legal status. Different requirements have different penalties.

Question 22

Do I need to file an annual report?

Accepted Answer

Most states require annual or biennial reports to maintain your LLC or corporation in good standing. Requirements, fees, and deadlines vary significantly by state.

Question 23

How do non-US founders pay US taxes?

Accepted Answer

Non-US founders pay US taxes by filing the required federal and state tax returns for their US entity. C-Corps file Form 1120 and pay corporate tax at the entity level. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Tax payments are made electronically through the IRS EFTPS system or by check. Quarterly estimated payments may be required if your company expects to owe $500+ in taxes.

Question 24

Do foreign-owned US LLCs need to file taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All foreign-owned US LLCs have mandatory federal tax filing requirements regardless of income. Single-member LLCs owned by non-residents must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 annually — even with zero revenue. Failure to file Form 5472 results in a $25,000 penalty per form. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s for each member.

Question 25

What is Form 5472 and do I need to file it?

Accepted Answer

Form 5472 is an IRS information return required for all foreign-owned US LLCs and corporations. It reports transactions between the company and its foreign owner(s), including capital contributions, loans, and payments.

Question 26

What is Delaware Franchise Tax?

Accepted Answer

Delaware charges an annual franchise tax to all companies formed there, regardless of where they operate or generate revenue. This is separate from income taxes and is essentially a fee for the privilege of being incorporated in Delaware.

Question 27

Should my LLC elect to be taxed as a corporation?

Accepted Answer

For many foreign-owned LLCs, electing corporate taxation (via IRS Form 8832) can simplify tax obligations and potentially reduce the reporting burden. However, this decision depends on your specific circumstances.

Question 28

What tax forms does my US LLC need to file?

Accepted Answer

The specific forms depend on your LLC's tax classification, ownership structure, and whether you have US-source income. Here's a general overview of common requirements.

Question 29

Why is a Registered Agent required by law?

Accepted Answer

US law requires every LLC and corporation to have a designated Registered Agent so that the company can always be officially contacted. This ensures legal documents, lawsuits, and government notices are properly delivered.

Question 30

What's the difference between a Registered Agent address and a Virtual Address?

Accepted Answer

These serve different purposes. A Registered Agent address is specifically for receiving legal and state documents. A Virtual Business Address is your general mailing address for business correspondence, banking, and customer communications.

Question 31

How does mail forwarding work for international founders?

Accepted Answer

Professional virtual address services receive your US mail, scan it digitally, and provide secure online access. You can then choose to have physical mail forwarded internationally or simply manage everything digitally.

Question 32

Can I use a PO Box as my business address?

Accepted Answer

While PO Boxes can receive mail, they have significant limitations for business use and are often rejected by banks, payment processors, and government agencies.

Question 33

How much does it cost to form an LLC with Easybrise?

Accepted Answer

LLC formation packages start at $149, which includes essential services to get your business legally established. State filing fees are additional and vary by state. State filing fees are government charges and vary by jurisdiction. EasyBrise service fees cover document preparation and administrative assistance.

Question 34

What are state filing fees and why are they separate?

Accepted Answer

State filing fees are government charges paid directly to the state to process your formation documents. These fees are set by each state and are pass-through costs — we don't mark them up.

Question 35

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Accepted Answer

EasyBrise refunds its service fee if formation is rejected due to an error within our control. Government filing fees paid to state authorities are non-refundable. Refund eligibility is subject to our published refund policy.

Question 36

What are the ongoing costs after formation?

Accepted Answer

After initial formation, you'll have recurring costs to maintain your LLC in good standing. These include registered agent service, state annual reports, and optionally compliance or tax services. Ongoing obligations remain the responsibility of the company owner. EasyBrise provides optional compliance support tools.

Question 37

Can I upgrade or add services later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You can add services like virtual address, compliance monitoring, tax preparation, or upgrade your plan at any time through your Easybrise dashboard. Additional services are administrative support services and do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advisory services.

Question 38

Does EasyBrise provide legal, tax, or financial advice?

Accepted Answer

No. EasyBrise provides administrative and document preparation services only. We do not provide legal, tax, accounting, investment, banking, or financial advice. Clients should consult licensed professionals for regulated services.

US Business FAQ for Non-US Founders

Company Formation

Banking & EIN

Compliance & BOI

Taxes & Accounting

Registered Agent & Address

Pricing & Billing

Ready to Take Action?

Ready to form your US LLC?

Need an EIN for your business?

Related Knowledge

Ready to Take Action?

Ready to form your US LLC?

Need an EIN for your business?

Still Have Questions?

Help Center

Contact Support

Formation Guides

US Business FAQ for Non-US Founders

Company Formation

Can I form a US LLC without visiting the United States?Yes. You can form a US LLC entirely remotely without ever visiting the United States. The entire process — from state filing to EIN applicat…Verified

Do I need a US Social Security Number to start a US business?No. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to form a US LLC or corporation. Non-US founders can form a company, obtain an EIN, and o…Verified

Can non-US residents form a US LLC?Yes. There are no citizenship or residency requirements to form a US LLC. However, banking and payment processor approvals are determined in…Verified

Which state should I form my LLC in — Wyoming vs Delaware?For most international founders, we recommend Wyoming as the default choice. Delaware is better only if you specifically plan to raise ventu…Verified

How long does it take to form an LLC?Most LLCs are fully formed within 1-5 business days after you complete the Easybrise onboarding process. The exact timeline depends on your…Verified

What's the difference between an LLC and a C-Corp?An LLC (Limited Liability Company) and C-Corporation are both valid business structures, but they serve different founder goals. LLCs offer…Verified

Do I need a US address to form an LLC?A Registered Agent address in your formation state is required. EasyBrise provides this service where included. A personal US residential ad…Verified

Can I have multiple members (owners) in my LLC?Yes, US LLCs can have unlimited members (owners). Each member's ownership percentage, profit distribution, and management rights are outline…Verified

Banking & EIN

What is an EIN and why do I need one?An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your company's federal tax identification number — essentially a Social Security Number for your…Verified

How long does it take to get an EIN as a non-US resident?For international applicants without a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the IRS requires…Verified

Can I open a US bank account without visiting the US?Some US banks offer remote account opening for eligible non-resident business owners. Each bank independently evaluates applications accordi…Verified

Which documents do I need to open a US bank account?Bank requirements vary slightly, but most require a standard set of documents proving your identity and business legitimacy. Having complete…Verified

Do you provide banking or Stripe accounts directly?EasyBrise is not a bank, financial institution, or payment processor. We help you form your company, obtain EIN documentation, and organize…Verified

What do I need on my website before applying to Stripe?Most payment processors expect your business to have a clear, professional web presence before approving an application. Having these elemen…Verified

Do I need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID)?Not necessarily. An ITIN is only required for individuals who need to file US personal tax returns. For most non-resident LLC owners with no…Verified

Can I use my US bank account for Stripe and PayPal?A US bank account is typically required to receive payouts from US payment processors such as Stripe and PayPal. Having your formation docum…Verified

Does EasyBrise guarantee bank account or payment processor approval?No. Bank account and payment processor approvals are made independently by each institution. EasyBrise does not guarantee approval outcomes.…Verified

Compliance & BOI

What is a Registered Agent and why is it required?A Registered Agent is a person or company officially designated to receive legal documents, government correspondence, and compliance notice…Verified

What is BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) filing?BOI reporting is a federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), administered by FinCEN. Under FinCEN's final rule effecti…Verified

What are the BOI filing deadlines?Deadlines apply only to foreign reporting companies. Under FinCEN's final rule effective August 14, 2026, all US-formed LLCs and corporation…Verified

What happens if I miss compliance deadlines?Missing compliance deadlines can have serious consequences ranging from late fees to losing your business's legal status. Different requirem…Verified

Do I need to file an annual report?Most states require annual or biennial reports to maintain your LLC or corporation in good standing. Requirements, fees, and deadlines vary…Verified

Taxes & Accounting

How do non-US founders pay US taxes?Non-US founders pay US taxes by filing the required federal and state tax returns for their US entity. C-Corps file Form 1120 and pay corpor…Verified

Do foreign-owned US LLCs need to file taxes?Yes. All foreign-owned US LLCs have mandatory federal tax filing requirements regardless of income. Single-member LLCs owned by non-resident…Verified

What is Form 5472 and do I need to file it?Form 5472 is an IRS information return required for all foreign-owned US LLCs and corporations. It reports transactions between the company…Verified

What is Delaware Franchise Tax?Delaware charges an annual franchise tax to all companies formed there, regardless of where they operate or generate revenue. This is separa…Verified

Should my LLC elect to be taxed as a corporation?For many foreign-owned LLCs, electing corporate taxation (via IRS Form 8832) can simplify tax obligations and potentially reduce the reporti…Verified

What tax forms does my US LLC need to file?The specific forms depend on your LLC's tax classification, ownership structure, and whether you have US-source income. Here's a general ove…Verified

Registered Agent & Address

Why is a Registered Agent required by law?US law requires every LLC and corporation to have a designated Registered Agent so that the company can always be officially contacted. This…Verified

What's the difference between a Registered Agent address and a Virtual Address?These serve different purposes. A Registered Agent address is specifically for receiving legal and state documents. A Virtual Business Addre…Verified

How does mail forwarding work for international founders?Professional virtual address services receive your US mail, scan it digitally, and provide secure online access. You can then choose to have…Verified

Can I use a PO Box as my business address?While PO Boxes can receive mail, they have significant limitations for business use and are often rejected by banks, payment processors, and…Verified

Pricing & Billing

How much does it cost to form an LLC with Easybrise?LLC formation packages start at $149, which includes essential services to get your business legally established. State filing fees are addi…Verified

What are state filing fees and why are they separate?State filing fees are government charges paid directly to the state to process your formation documents. These fees are set by each state an…Verified

Is there a money-back guarantee?EasyBrise refunds its service fee if formation is rejected due to an error within our control. Government filing fees paid to state authorit…Verified

What are the ongoing costs after formation?After initial formation, you'll have recurring costs to maintain your LLC in good standing. These include registered agent service, state an…Verified

Can I upgrade or add services later?Absolutely. You can add services like virtual address, compliance monitoring, tax preparation, or upgrade your plan at any time through your…Verified

Does EasyBrise provide legal, tax, or financial advice?No. EasyBrise provides administrative and document preparation services only. We do not provide legal, tax, accounting, investment, banking,…Verified

Ready to Take Action?

Ready to form your US LLC?

Need an EIN for your business?

Related Knowledge

Ready to Take Action?

Ready to form your US LLC?

Need an EIN for your business?

Still Have Questions?

Help Center

Contact Support

Formation Guides