How to Register Company in USA

How to register a company in the USA? Starting a business in the country is easy, even if you do not have a visa and are not planning to visit. You can manage an LLC from another country, but it may not be allowed in the United States without a valid work visa. Non-citizens are allowed to be a shareholder and/or director of a company within the US but to be an officer and perform any duties in the country, you would need a visa. If you plan to open a small business in the United States, you do not need citizenship or residency to open it either.

Having a company registered in the USA allows you to do a number of things including:

Open a United States bank account so you can sell to domestic clients.
Gain access to a new market that can enhance the reputation of your business, both in your home country and in the US
Open online accounts with businesses like Amazon FA

There are many situations where you do not need to set up a company in the USA (if you are a sole proprietor, for example). However, if you do not register with your company, you will forego personal liability protection, legal benefits, and tax benefits.

How to Register a Company in the USA?

Although specific elements may depend on your situation, these are the general steps to take when you want to register a US company:

Decide what type of business organization is right for you.
Decide in which state you will form your LLC (Limited Liability Company).
Find a local registered agent.
If applicable, register your LLC or S-corporation.
Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
If necessary, get a US mailing address.
Open a bank account in the US.
Open a merchant account, so you can accept payments from customers.
Purchase business insurance.
Get a local US phone number for your new business.
Research what your tax liability is going to be.
Be sure you are keeping your business and personal accounts separate.
Pay annual fees and any other required fees.
Make sure you follow any city, county, state, and federal requirements.
Consult a US business lawyer licensed to practice in the state where your business is in the US.

Registering with State Agencies vs. Registering with Federal Agencies:

Most small businesses do not have to register with federal agencies, but some choose to for trademark protection or tax-exempt status. To trademark your business name, you should file with the US Patent and Trademark Office. To apply for tax-exempt status, you should register with the IRS. And if you want to become an S Corp, file form 2553 with the IRS.

Businesses such as LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofit corporations usually must register with the state where they conduct business activities. This applies if the business has a physical presence, frequent in-person meetings, a sizable portion of revenue, or employees in the state.

The registration process varies by state, with some allowing online registration and others requiring paper filings in-person or by mail. The registration is typically done with the Secretary of State’s office, a Business Bureau, or a Business Agency.

If a business such as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit corporation operates in multiple states, it may need to form in one state and file for foreign qualification in other states where it conducts business activities. The state of formation will view the business as domestic, while other states will view it as foreign.

Foreign qualification involves filing a Certificate of Authority and a Certificate of Good Standing with the state and paying taxes and annual report fees in both the state of formation and foreign states. The requirements and fees for foreign qualification vary by state and should be verified by state offices.

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