Americas
LLC or corporation, formed state by state · check state filing and annual fees · foreign-owned LLCs may need Form 5472 even without income tax
Form 5472 may be due even without income tax
A foreign-owned US disregarded entity with reportable related-party transactions files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120. Contributions and distributions can count. Failure to file correctly can trigger a US$25,000 penalty.
Yes · most states allow foreign LLC members
Most states allow foreign individuals and entities to own LLC interests. Regulated businesses and foreign-investment restrictions require separate checks.
No US citizenship or residence required for directors
Foreign individuals can serve as corporate directors without US citizenship or permanent residence. State and regulated-sector rules still need checking; board membership does not grant permission to work in the US.
Check state filing, licence and annual fees
Registration and licence fees depend on the state, structure and activity. Use the official state-registration office for an itemised quote.
21% federal corporation tax · state taxes extra
Corporations calculate federal income tax at 21% of taxable income. This is the corporation rate, not a universal LLC rate; state and local obligations require a separate check.
Ecosystem evidence, not proof of demand for your product. Validate customers, competition and economics before investing.
SelectUSA describes the scale of the US customer market and its distribution, infrastructure and workforce. Assess a specific customer group and state before choosing a location.
Component and technology suppliers can assess specific clusters and potential partners.
A corporation can raise funds by selling shares, but involves more formal reporting. Compare that with an LLC before choosing the structure.
A possible first step is meetings with business associates, conferences and contract negotiations within permitted visitor activities. Check the appropriate immigration category before delivering work in the US.
An LLC is formed under state law. Choose the state and structure based on where the business will operate and its tax treatment.
Eligible B-1 visitors may undertake specified business activities, including negotiations and meetings. This does not authorise US employment or ordinary skilled or unskilled labour. ESTA admission allows the same business activities where otherwise eligible.
Federal, state and local licences may be needed for the proposed activity. Check the issuing agency’s requirements before starting operations.
Banks commonly request an EIN, formation documents, ownership agreements and a business licence. Individual banks may require additional information.
An eligible LLC can elect corporate taxation. Federal classification does not remove state taxes, information returns or the owner’s own tax obligations.
An employer identification number supports business administration. The IRS application itself is free; avoid treating a paid intermediary’s fee as a government charge.
National observations help frame the market. They do not measure demand for your specific product.
94.7% of population
2024
2.2%
2025
US$30.8tn
USD · 2025
342m
people · 2025
25.0% of GDP
2024
Tell us what you sell, where you operate and what you want to achieve.
Information on this page is compiled from official and public sources, linked and dated next to each item. It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and rules change. Please confirm with the source or a qualified adviser before acting. ExpandUs Global accepts no liability for decisions made using this information.
