Open and run a business in the US.

The US offers the world's deepest venture capital market, dollar-denominated contracts, and access to 330M+ consumers. Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming impose no state income tax on non-operating entities. The federal corporate tax rate is 21%. INNOVA CG has maintained a New York desk since 2016, providing incorporation, EIN, banking, and FinCEN compliance for non-US founders across all 50 states.

A Delaware LLC can be formed in 1–2 business days with a $90 state filing fee plus a registered agent fee of $100–$300/year. A Delaware C-Corp is the preferred structure for VC-backed startups. Neither structure requires a US citizen director, manager, or shareholder. Post-incorporation, an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS is required for banking; foreigners without an ITIN may apply by fax, which takes 4–6 weeks.

Delaware LLCs pay an annual franchise tax of $300. Delaware C-Corps pay a franchise tax based on authorized shares or assumed par value (minimum $175, often $400–$50,000+ for VC-backed companies). Federal and state tax returns are due annually. Under FinCEN's interim final rule of March 26, 2025, US-formed companies are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act — that obligation now falls only on foreign-formed entities registered to do business in a US state (for which a $500/day penalty applies).

No. A US LLC or C-Corp only requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation — not an operational office. Registered agents in Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming are widely available for $100–$300/year. However, banks and payment processors may require a US address for correspondence. A virtual office or coworking address in cities like New York or San Francisco satisfies most banking KYC requirements.

A Delaware LLC offers pass-through taxation (profits taxed at member level, not entity level), flexible governance via an Operating Agreement, and minimal formalities. A Delaware C-Corp issues stock, enables employee stock option plans (ESOPs), and is the standard structure required by US venture capital funds. C-Corps are subject to 21% federal corporate tax plus potential dividend withholding. Most VC-backed startups incorporate as Delaware C-Corps; LLCs suit consulting, services, and non-VC businesses.