Small Business
Build the business.Understand the paperwork.
Practical, source-backed guides for forming and operating a US business—especially when the owners live outside the United States.
Start a US business
Entity choice, state formation, registered agents, EINs, and the compliance steps that come after filing.
Formation services
Understand what formation companies actually do, what renews, and which add-ons may be optional.
Business banking
Compare eligibility, operating-address rules, USD workflows, international payments, and provider restrictions.
Tax & compliance
EIN applications, Form 5472, pro forma Form 1120, state maintenance, and recordkeeping for foreign owners.
For international founders
Formation is the easy part. Compliance is where the details matter.
A US entity can be useful, but it does not automatically create immigration status, banking approval, tax exemption, or a universal “best state.” Our guides separate formation mechanics from tax, banking, address, and ongoing filing obligations.
EIN
How international applicants can use the IRS phone, fax, or mail routes when the online EIN application is unavailable.
Foreign-owned LLC filings
Why Form 5472 and a pro forma Form 1120 can apply even when a disregarded LLC has no normal income-tax return.
State choice
Why Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico differ in fees and maintenance—but may still require foreign qualification elsewhere.
Banking
Why registered-agent addresses and virtual mail solutions do not automatically satisfy operating-address verification.
Small Business library
Guides and comparisons
7 published resources
Mercury Books Review 2026: Why I Prefer It for Tuffice LLC
I tried Xero, Zoho Books and other accounting tools for Tuffice LLC. Here is why Mercury Books feels simpler when accounting lives beside the bank.
Read guideWyoming vs Delaware vs New Mexico LLC for Non-US Founders
Compare Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico LLCs for non-US founders by state fees, ongoing maintenance, investor context, privacy, and qualification.
Read guideForeign-Owned US LLC Tax Filing: Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 Explained
Understand when a foreign-owned US disregarded LLC may need Form 5472 and a pro forma Form 1120, what transactions can matter, and the penalties.
Read guideHow to Get an EIN Without an SSN or ITIN in 2026
A practical 2026 guide for international founders applying for a US EIN without an SSN or ITIN, including phone, fax, mail, and Form SS-4.
Read guideMercury vs Wise Business for Non-US Founders: 2026 Comparison
Compare Mercury and Wise Business for non-US founders by eligibility, operating address, USD access, international payments, verification, and fit.
Read guideNorthwest vs Bizee for Non-US Founders: LLC Formation Comparison
Compare Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee for non-US founders by formation price, registered agent service, privacy, EIN help, and ongoing costs.
Read guideCan a Non-US Resident Start a US Business in 2026? Step-by-Step Guide
A 2026 step-by-step guide for non-US residents forming a US company, getting an EIN, opening business accounts, and handling key compliance.
Read guide