For the past several years, we have been focused on helping international clients register U.S. businesses. and international business growth and expansion. Read more about Startup company.
This article, which we update regularly to present the most relevant information, reflects the experience we have gained over the years in assisting European clients. What we cover here:
- What kind of money are we talking about?
- What does it take to form a US company?
- What about banking?
- What about accepting credit cards?
- What about taxation?
- What state should I register my company in?
- Should I register LLC or Corporation?
- What about licensing?
- If I have a US company, can I move to the US?
- If I have a US company, can I get Social Security Number?
What kind of money are we talking about?
The main reason for this is that many prospective incorporators have only a vaguely understood idea of the cost of incorporating a U.S. corporation.
Be aware that the cost of registering your business in the U.S. represents only a portion of the total cost of doing business in the U.S. The cost of registration may be between $300-$1000 and over. On average, our European clients spend between 600 and 700 dollars on registration procedures.
For many merchants, this means that they must have their banking information and merchant information (which many people confuse with payment gateways). However, when considering the option of travelling to the US to open a bank account or using a managed gateway, you can expect to spend an additional $2,000 or more, with about half of that going to fees and the remainder to the payment gateway.
In summary, you should have a budget of $600-$700 just to properly register your company without opening a US bank account. Banking requires a budget of $2,600 or more. Remember – this is just the initial investment for getting the business up and running correctly. Your business will need more money for the actual business activities, and you should consider this in your start-up budget.
Running Costs
Aside from the initial outlay, there will be monthly and annual expenses associated with running the business. Expect to pay between $20 and $99 per month if you plan to rent a US address.
Registered Agent services (which we offer for a competitive $99 per year) are another recurring cost. If you choose a managed bank account service, you will pay an additional $20 to $100 per month in banking and administration fees.
In most states there are recurrent maintenance charges, taxes and reporting. Delaware, for example, has an LLC corporate income tax ($300/year) and both corporate income tax and corporate franchising tax, which are determined by some formula. Some states do not require a yearly fee.
Finally, depending on the structure and activity of your business, you may have to file (and possibly pay) taxes every year, which means you will need a certified public accountant and possibly even an accountant. Simple tax returns shouldn’t cost more than $300-500, but more complex cases will involve higher costs.
Costs. Note that sometimes you, as the owner, will need to obtain an ITIN, which is an additional $300 to $400 per affiliate, but it’s a one-time-only cost.
Prior to launch, you need to know exactly how much money you can afford. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of hoping that some of the initial and ongoing costs will be offset by attracting new customers. But you should never base your business on hope – cold calculation proves to be a more reliable tool in the business world.
You should set aside a certain amount of money to run your business for a year with no revenue. If you are a US business, $4000 to $8000 would be enough to get your business up and running and funded for a year, giving you the security you need to develop your product and customer base.
What does it take to form a US company?
The process of incorporating a company in the United States is relatively simple, requiring the filing of certain paperwork with various government agencies. In order to make it easier for our clients, our company offers a full range of business registration services at very reasonable prices.
Before the registration of your company, you have to make two decisions: The first is the state of incorporation, and the second is the type of legal entity (usually a corporation or limited liability corporation). Later in this article, we will address both of these questions.
For the operation of your business, banking services are essential. Most of our European customers are interested in incorporating companies and opening bank accounts in the USA.
The majority of our European clients are interested in, among other things, the formation of a U.S. corporation and the opening of a bank account in the United States. Since 9/11, the U.S. government has restricted banks from opening remote accounts with non-U.S. citizens. There is a whole article on banking in the U.S. and the different options available.
If you are able to travel to the U.S., if you have a U.S.-based partner, or if you have a friend or family member that can act as a “signatory” on your account, then you might want to consider this option. For those who want to use a managed service, you can opt for a remote service, but this will come with an up-front and monthly cost as well as some limitations.
Why not start with bank account in Europe?
It may make sense to consider opening a bank account in Europe for your US-based company until you are offered other options. In this case, all you need to do is order an apostille for a certified copy of your company’s (or its organization’s) articles of incorporation, a service you can order from us along with your company’s registration.
Once you have established your first American clients who are willing to make payments abroad by wire transfer to your European bank account, you can expand further by using these funds to open an American bank account, either by traveling to the US or by using a management company to act as a local signatory.
Another challenge is to set up a payment processing system for your business. Technically, there are many ways your customers can pay you for the services or products you sell without going the route of using credit cards:
- wire transfers,
- ACH payment services,
- Western Union and similar services,
- PayPal and its equivalents,
- Bitcoin and other virtual currencies,
- e-checks,
- checks (which can be deposited online), and
- money orders & cash.
Depending on your business, these and other payment options are worth exploring as your credit card processing needs evolve.
Having said that, having the ability to process Credit and Debit Cards is critical to growing your business in the US.
Growing Your U.S. Business. First, it’s important to have an understanding of how credit card processing works.
A payment gateway is a payment authorization service for businesses and online merchants. Payment processors such as Authorize.net provide payment gateways.
Opening a payment processor account is not difficult, but opening a merchant account is the real challenge.
Merchant Account
Current accounts enable companies to accept payments, usually debit or credit card payments. Merchant account providers provide these accounts. Funds processed through the payment gateway will be credited to your merchant account.
This risk has been reduced by means of stringent underwriting procedures and by excluding certain countries and certain types of “high risk” activities. Click here for more information on Business Accounts.