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Guides & Resources for
US Founders
Plain-English guides on forming an LLC or corporation, getting your EIN, staying compliant and growing, written for first-time and international founders.
How to Start a Business in the US: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to go from idea to a legally registered, bank-ready US business — choosing a structure and state, registering, EIN, banking, licences, taxes and first-year compliance. Written for US residents and founders abroad.
How to Start a US LLC as a Non-Resident (2026 Guide)
You do not need a US passport, visa or address to own a US LLC. This step-by-step guide shows non-residents how to choose a state, register, get an EIN without an SSN, open a bank account and stay compliant with the IRS.
How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (Step by Step, 2026)
No SSN or ITIN? You can still get an EIN for your US LLC. Here are the three IRS methods — phone, fax and mail — how long each takes, and exactly how to fill in Form SS-4 as a foreign owner.
Wyoming vs Delaware LLC: Which Is Better in 2026?
Wyoming or Delaware? A side-by-side comparison of fees, yearly costs, taxes, privacy and speed — and a simple rule for choosing, whether you live in the US or abroad.
Do I Need a Registered Agent for My LLC? (2026)
Yes — every LLC needs a registered agent. Here is what the agent does, who can be one, whether you can be your own, what happens if you do not keep one, and how to change agents.
LLC vs Sole Proprietorship: Which Is Right for You?
A sole proprietorship is free and instant; an LLC costs a state fee but protects your personal assets. Compare liability, taxes, cost, paperwork and credibility — and see when to switch.
How to Elect S-Corp Status for an LLC (Form 2553)
An S-Corp election can cut self-employment tax once your LLC is profitable. Learn who qualifies, the Form 2553 deadline, how to file, late-election relief and what changes after you elect.
Open a US Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident (2026)
You can open a US business bank account for your LLC without living in the US. Here are the documents banks ask for, remote vs in-person options, why applications get declined, and a checklist to get approved faster.
LLC Annual Report: Costs, Due Dates & Penalties (2026)
Most states require an LLC to file an annual (or biennial) report to stay in good standing. Learn what the report is, what it costs in popular states, when it is due, and what happens if you miss it.
Best State to Form an LLC in 2026: Home State vs Wyoming
For most people the best state to form an LLC is the one they live and work in. Here is why, when Wyoming, Delaware or Nevada actually make sense, and a fee comparison of the states people ask about most.
How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC? Times by State (2026)
LLC approval takes anywhere from a few minutes to six weeks depending on the state and how you file. See typical processing times for popular states, what expedited filing costs, and what to do while you wait.
Do I Need a Business License for My LLC? (2026 Guide)
Forming an LLC does not give you a business licence — that is a separate step, and the rules depend on your state, county, city and industry. Here is who needs one, what it costs, and how to find out what applies to you.
LLC Operating Agreement: What to Include (2026 Guide)
An operating agreement is the rulebook for your LLC — who owns it, how profits are split and what happens if a member leaves. Learn which states require one, what banks expect, and the ten clauses every agreement should cover.
How to Get an EIN (Tax ID Number) Online for Your LLC: Free, Step by Step (2026)
An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID. The IRS issues it free — online in minutes with an SSN, or by phone, fax or mail without one. How to apply, what to enter on Form SS-4, and common mistakes.
LLC vs S-Corp: Which Saves More Tax? (2026 Comparison)
An S-Corp is not a different company — it is a tax election your LLC can make. Here is how the two are taxed, when the S-Corp saves money, when it costs more, and a worked example using 2026 figures.
How to Get a Business License in Illinois (2026 Guide)
Illinois has no general state business licence — what you need depends on your city, your industry and whether you sell taxable goods. Here is how the pieces fit together for an Illinois LLC, including Chicago licences and state tax registration.
LLC Corporate Record Book & Kit: Do You Need One? (2026)
A corporate record book (LLC kit) is the binder that holds your formation documents, operating agreement, membership certificates and minutes. Here is what goes in it, why banks and courts care, and whether a digital version is enough.
How to Get a Business License in Texas (2026 Guide)
Texas has no general state business licence. What your Texas LLC needs instead is a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods, a Certificate of Occupancy for business premises in most big cities, and any state licence your industry requires. Here is the full picture.
How to Get a Business License in Florida (2026 Guide)
Florida has no general state business licence. What most Florida businesses need is a local Business Tax Receipt from their county and city, a Department of Revenue registration if they sell taxable goods, and a state licence for regulated work. Here is how it works.
How to Get a Business License in California (2026 Guide)
California has no statewide business licence. Your California LLC needs a city or county business licence or tax registration, a free seller’s permit if you sell goods, and any state licence your profession requires. Here is how it fits together.
How to Get a Business License in New York (2026 Guide)
New York has no general business licence. A New York LLC needs a Certificate of Authority before making taxable sales, any licence its activity requires — including New York City’s DCWP licences — and must complete the LLC publication step. Here is the full picture.
How to Get a Business License in Georgia (2026 Guide)
Georgia has no statewide business licence. A Georgia LLC gets its “business license” — an occupation tax certificate — from its city or county, registers with the Department of Revenue if it sells taxable goods, and gets any state licence its profession needs.
How to Get a Business License in Wyoming (2026 Guide)
Wyoming has no general state business licence. Your Wyoming LLC needs its Secretary of State filing, a sales tax licence if you sell taxable goods, and any city or professional licence your activity requires. Here is what applies — including to owners outside the US.
How to Get a Business License in Delaware (2026 Guide)
Delaware is one of the few states with a state business licence, issued by the Division of Revenue. Here is who needs it, what it costs, how gross receipts tax works, the new statewide trade name registry, and the $400 annual LLC tax.
How to Get a Business License in Nevada (2026 Guide)
Every Nevada LLC must hold a $200 State Business License, filed with its initial and annual lists. Most businesses also need a city or county licence, and sellers need a sales tax permit. Here is the full picture, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno and Clark County.
How to Get a Business License in Ohio (2026 Guide)
Ohio has no general state business licence. An Ohio LLC needs a $50 vendor’s licence if it sells taxable goods, city income tax registration, and any licence its activity requires. Here is what applies in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
EIN Reference Number 101 (and Other IRS EIN Errors): What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Got "EIN Reference Number 101" from the IRS online EIN application? It usually means the IRS needs to check your business name. Here is what the IRS says to do, what other reference numbers usually mean, and the fastest way to still get your EIN.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?
The real cost of forming an LLC comes down to two things: your state filing fee and your service fee. Here is exactly what to budget — up front and every year.
How to Start an LLC in 5 Steps (2026 Guide)
How to start an LLC in any US state, step by step: choosing a state and name, registered agent, filing, and what to do after approval — with real costs and timelines.
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