Every question we get, answered plainly.

Can I open a U.S. LLC if I'm not a U.S. resident?

Yes, in most cases. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to own a U.S. LLC. You typically need a state filing, a registered agent with a physical address in the formation state, and an EIN if you plan to open business accounts.

Do I need to visit the U.S. at any point?

No. Formation, registered agent setup, EIN application, and document delivery are all handled remotely. Opening some traditional bank accounts may prefer in-person visits, but many fintech options are fully remote.

Is it legal for a foreigner to own a U.S. LLC?

Yes. U.S. LLCs can be owned by non-resident individuals or foreign companies. What matters is meeting the state's requirements (registered agent, reports) and your own country's rules on foreign income — the latter is a question for a local tax professional.

How long does the whole process take?

State filing: 1-15 business days depending on the state. EIN for non-residents: typically 2-8 additional weeks via IRS fax processing. We share expected timelines for your state up front — as estimates, not guarantees.

What documents do I need to begin?

A passport or government ID for each owner, three LLC name choices, a short description of your business activity, and your contact details. No SSN, U.S. address, or U.S. phone number is required.

Which state is best for non-residents?

Wyoming and New Mexico for low cost and privacy; Delaware if you plan to raise U.S. investment; your operating state if you have physical U.S. operations. Our state comparison has the numbers and a 60-second quiz.

How much are state filing fees?

New Mexico $50, Wyoming $102, Delaware $110, Florida $125, Texas $300 (current fees, set by each state and subject to change). These go to the state, not LLCDeck, and are itemized separately in every total we show.

Can I change my state later?

Yes, but it's work: you either domesticate the LLC into a new state (where allowed) or form fresh and dissolve the old one. It's far cheaper to choose thoughtfully now — which is exactly what our comparison and quiz are for.

Can I get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes. Form SS-4 is submitted to the IRS by fax or mail for founders without an SSN or ITIN. We prepare and coordinate it; the IRS issues the number, typically within 2-8 weeks.

Will an LLC + EIN get me approved for Stripe or a U.S. bank?

They're the standard prerequisites, and we prepare the documents these providers typically request — but each bank and platform makes its own approval decision. No honest service guarantees approvals.

What is Form 5472 and do I need to worry about it?

Foreign-owned single-member LLCs generally must file IRS Form 5472 (with a pro-forma 1120) each year — the penalty for missing it starts at $25,000. We remind you of the deadline; a licensed tax professional prepares the filing.

What does a registered agent actually do?

Maintains a physical address in your formation state, receives state mail and legal documents during business hours, and forwards what matters to you. Every U.S. LLC is required to have one, continuously.

Can the registered agent address be my business address?

For state filings, yes. For banks, platforms, and general mail — sometimes, and policies differ. Our address guide covers what works where, honestly.

What does registered agent service cost?

Included for your first year on Formation Plus and Founder Complete, then $99/yr — stated up front, with reminders at 60, 30, and 7 days before renewal. No silent auto-charges.

What happens after my LLC is formed?

Your documents arrive in your organized deck, EIN support proceeds if selected, and your compliance calendar activates — annual report and renewal reminders included on Plus and Complete.

What if I miss an annual report deadline?

Late fees first (Florida's is $400), then loss of good standing, then administrative dissolution. Our reminders exist so this never happens — and the Annual Compliance Service files the report for you.

Can I close the LLC later if plans change?

Yes — dissolution is a state filing (plus settling any final obligations). We can coordinate it, and we'd rather help you close cleanly than have you abandon an entity and collect penalties.

When do I actually pay?

After you submit the start form, a specialist confirms your exact total and sends a secure payment link. Submitting the form itself costs nothing and doesn't commit you.

What's the refund policy?

Full refund of our service fee before we file. After the state filing is submitted, state fees are non-refundable (the state keeps them) and our fee is refundable minus work completed. Full terms on the refund policy page.

Which payment methods do you accept?

International cards, and in many countries local payment methods. Prices are in USD.