Guides
Straight, vendor-neutral answers for founders abroad — how to form a US LLC with no SSN, get an EIN, choose a state, and stay compliant. Sourced from the IRS and state agencies; not legal or tax advice.
- How to Form a US LLC as a Non-Resident (No SSN Required)
Yes. Non-US citizens and non-residents can form a US LLC in any state without a green card, an SSN, or visiting the United States. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to own a US LLC. You will need a US registered agent and an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which the IRS issues to foreign founders for free.
Read the guide → - How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (CP-575 Explained)
Yes. You don't need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN. The IRS lets international and foreign-owned businesses apply with Form SS-4 by fax, international phone, or mail. On the responsible-party line, eligible foreign applicants write 'Foreign' instead of a US tax ID.
Read the guide → - EIN.LLC vs Stripe Atlas, doola, Firstbase & More: 2026 Comparison
Non-resident founders choose between flat one-time fees (EIN.LLC $399, Stripe Atlas $500, Firstbase $399) and annual subscriptions (doola $297/yr, Globalfy $588/yr). Key differences are EIN-without-SSN turnaround, registered-agent renewal costs, Form 5472 support, and whether US banking is included. Mercury is a bank, not a formation service.
Read the guide → - Best State to Form a US LLC as a Non-Resident (Wyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico)
If you have no US physical presence, your state of formation is a cost-and-privacy choice, not a legal requirement — Wyoming and New Mexico win for bootstrapped online businesses. Pick Delaware only if you plan to raise US venture capital. If you have real US nexus (an office, staff, or inventory), form in that state to avoid double registration.
Read the guide → - How to Open a US Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident (No SSN)
Yes — a non-resident can open a US business account with no SSN. You need a US LLC, an EIN, state-stamped formation docs, an operating agreement, and a passport. Fintech platforms like Mercury, Relay, Wise, and Payoneer onboard remotely; traditional banks usually require an in-person branch visit. Country eligibility varies by provider.
Read the guide → - Form 5472 & the $25,000 Penalty: What Foreign-Owned LLCs Must File
Every foreign-owned single-member US LLC (a disregarded entity) must file Form 5472 attached to a pro-forma Form 1120 each year — even with zero income or activity. Missing or botching the filing triggers a minimum $25,000 IRS penalty, with more added every 30 days after an IRS notice.
Read the guide → - Does a Foreign-Owned US LLC Owe US Tax? (ECI & ETBUS Explained)
Often, no. A foreign-owned US LLC with no US office, employees, or dependent agent is generally not engaged in a US trade or business, so it usually owes no US federal income tax — even with US customers. But Form 5472 is still required, and your home country may tax the profit.
Read the guide → - ITIN vs EIN: Which Do You Actually Need as a Non-Resident Owner?
An EIN identifies your business; an ITIN identifies you personally. To form a US LLC, get its EIN, and open a US business bank account, you need only the EIN — no ITIN. You need an ITIN solely if you must personally file a US return (e.g., Form 1040-NR) or claim a tax-treaty benefit.
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