Why Set Up a Business in the USA in 2025
The United States is the key player in the international market. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s analysis shows: economy of the country is poised for growth in 2025, even stronger than in previous years (expecting at least 3% growth rate, which is quite a high indicator).
Considering the business-friendly environment, strong financial system, and focus on technologies a lot of founders prefer this jurisdiction. A company formation in the USA is also attractive for venture startups and businesses planning to expand into new markets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Company Formation in the USA
Determining the purpose of the company
Depending on the type of the activity, investment planning, possible licensing requirements and other factors the specific forms of a company (LLC or corporation) as well as the specific states will be more suitable for the particular situation.
Defining the address of the US company registration
There are separate options of the company’s address: in many cases the founders look for the real office in the state, however if they choose to register a company online without the real office, they need to take care of the virtual office and the registered agents’ services.
Gathering the necessary information
Before filling out the application for the company registration in the USA, the founders should clearly determine the ownership structure, the initial capital, existing assets and other details to fill out the application form. Also an essential point is to check the US company register (federal and state) if the planned company’s name is not already pre-owned.
Filling and submitting the application
The US company formation is done with the approval of the Secretary of the State. That’s why it is critical to fill the application form correctly, having previously checked the name, address and other information.
Preparing the company’s documents
After the approval of the registration, it is required to prepare the core company documents: LLC operating agreement or bylaws, and the minutes of the organizational meeting of directors/shareholders. These documents can be vital when opening bank accounts or starting business relationships with counterparties.
Mail forwarding services
If the company uses the registered agent’s services and does not have a physical address, it will be essential to get mail forwarding services, allowing to receive the company’s correspondence at a convenient address. Typically, these services can be received along with the company formation services.
Obtain the Employee Identification Number
EIN covers the core identification details of the company. In order to obtain the EIN it is required to give in the form SS-4. It is possible to do it online or via other means, like fax. The duration of receiving it can vary depending on the form of submission and the founder's resident status.
BOI reporting
In 2025, some companies are still required to prepare the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) report to the FinCen. However, the reporting requirements are typically applicable for foreign companies (according to the last FinCen’s update for March 26, 2025).
LLC vs. C-Corp — Choosing the Right Company Type
The process of company registration
Generally, the process of LLC formation in the USA is quite similar with the C-corporations. Of course, there are variations, such as the type of initial articles, however the main steps have many similarities.
Taxation
There is a core contrast in the system of taxation. LLCs are usually considered “pass-through” entities. It means that the owner pays the taxes for the funds received from the LLC as their own (personal taxes). At the same time, C-corporations are taxed separately from their owners with corporate taxes. Besides, the owner will still be required to pay the personal taxes for funds received from the corporation, even after its taxation.
Ownership and management structure
The owners of an LLC are recognized as members, while the owners of a corporation are shareholders. Despite the different naming, their rights remain similar: they have the division of ownership, the corporate rights influencing the company, and so on. Furthermore, in management, the corporations are required to have a management body (like a board of directors), while the management process is more flexible for LLCs.
Company’s type and goals
LLC registration in the USA is ordinary for SMEs. Typically, US residents choose this form to start doing business in their state. But talking about C-corporations, they are commonly chosen for international businesses or those planning to expand the US markets, involving investments (particularly attracting new shareholders and selling shares).
Company cost in the USA
Name of the service
Start
Basic
Business🔥
Pro
Company registration, including state duty
✅
✅
✅
✅
Articles of Incorporation
✅
✅
✅
✅
Share certificate
✅
✅
✅
✅
Minutes of the meeting of the company`s directors
❌
✅
✅
✅
The corporation`s record book
❌
✅
✅
✅
Assigning an EIN from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
❌
❌
✅
✅
Opening a corporate account in the USA
❌
❌
✅
✅
Agreement with investor and shareholders agreement
❌
❌
❌
✅
Support for attracting Investments
❌
❌
❌
✅
Total cost
350 USD
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250 USD
1343 USD
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890 USD
2131 USD
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1365 USD
5438 USD
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3625 USD
Annual renewal
577 USD
577 USD
577 USD
577 USD
from 650 USD
from 650 USD
from 650 USD
from 650 USD
Annual submission of accounting statements
*The offer is valid until 09/30/2025
Delaware or Wyoming — Best State to Register a Company in the USA
Both Delaware and Wyoming are frequently chosen when it comes to the USA company registration. Firstly, because both states have a favorable tax landscape. It allows to minimize tax burden at the state level. Even so, Delaware provides 0% of the corporate tax if the corporation doesn’t have an office in the state and has a franchise tax. Wyoming, in turn, has a zero rate for personal and corporate taxes. In addition, Delaware proposes a favorable investment regime that can be attractive for C-corporations, particularly for large businesses, while Wyoming can be more suitable for SMEs.
Anyway, if a non-resident owner is located outside the US and does not have a place there, they should consider the services of the registered agent providing the address. Moreover, in the case of an LLC company registration in the USA, a personal ITIN will be further required for reporting purposes. Nevertheless, non-residents can apply for an ITIN as well.
Company Formation Services for Non-Residents
The USA allows LLC or C-corporation company registration for non-residents. Usually, it is not required to have the local director to register or manage the company. And such conditions make this jurisdiction fascinating for startups.
Anyway, if a non-resident owner is located outside the US and does not have a place there, they should consider the services of the registered agent providing the address. Moreover, in the case of an LLC company registration in the USA, a personal ITIN will be further required for reporting purposes. Nevertheless, non-residents can apply for an ITIN as well.
Key Features of USA Company Registration
If you think about “How easy is it to register a company in the USA?” the following features become essential:
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a non-resident can register a company;
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the registration can be done online;
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typically, a substance (local office or local director) is not required to register a company;
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the process of registering is straightforward;
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in most cases, there are no requirements for the minimum share capital, or the requirements are established at the minimum level.
Benefits of Registering Your Company in the USA Online
Many states, particularly Delaware and Wyoming, allow the registration of the company online. That means it is possible to check the US company registers (available names) online, submit the application form to the Secretary of State, as well as order other company formation services online. This procedure helps reduce the time and cost as there is no need to come to the state (that might be quite complex for non-residents), or to gather the handwritten documents.
USA Company Formation Costs and Timeframes
If we look at the other jurisdictions, the expenses for the US company registration are lower. Despite the fact that they include not only registration, but in some cases registered address and mail-forwarding services, the prices remain affordable. But it should be noted that there could be additional expenses, like payment for the real office, that is why the situation shall be evaluated in complexity.
The timeframes of registration are generally fast, if there is all the necessary information and the preparation of the documents was proper. For example, in Delaware, the US company registration can take a week, but this term can change according to the load level of the Secretary of State. Additionally, there is a possibility to boost the time of revision of the application form by the Secretary for an extra fee.
Why Choose the USA for Startups, Fintech, and E-commerce Businesses
The USA has a common law legal system, which, compared to the civil law system, allows the wider possibilities to base on the general law principles. This approach is reflected in the local legislation that can simplify the requirements for example in the FinTech sector.
The second argument for the company registration is that the USA is not considered an offshore jurisdiction and has a perception as a country with many opportunities for startups and economic development. This factor is essential both for the company’s reputation and the business owner’s responsibilities, in particular the legal ones.
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