BUSINESS SERVICES

US Company Setup Guide

Complete guide from company type selection to registration completion, helping you operate legally in the US and apply for business credit cards

1. US Company Type Selection

Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most popular company type, high flexibility, obvious tax advantages

Advantages

  • ✅ Limited liability protection
  • ✅ Tax flexibility
  • ✅ Simple management
  • ✅ Low registration fees

Disadvantages

  • ❌ Annual fees in some states
  • ❌ Complex equity transfer
Registration Cost:$100-500
Time Required:1-2 weeks
Best for: Small to medium businesses, startups
Corporation (C-Corp)
Traditional company form, suitable for companies needing financing

Advantages

  • ✅ Easy equity transfer
  • ✅ Easy financing
  • ✅ Perpetual existence
  • ✅ Tax deferral

Disadvantages

  • ❌ Double taxation
  • ❌ Strict regulation
  • ❌ Complex registration
Registration Cost:$200-1000
Time Required:2-4 weeks
Best for: Large corporations, public companies
S-Corporation (S-Corp)
Hybrid form combining advantages of LLC and C-Corp

Advantages

  • ✅ Avoid double taxation
  • ✅ Flexible equity
  • ✅ Easy financing
  • ✅ Limited liability protection

Disadvantages

  • ❌ Shareholder restrictions
  • ❌ High regulatory requirements
  • ❌ Strict formation requirements
Registration Cost:$300-800
Time Required:3-5 weeks
Best for: Growing businesses, professional service firms

2. Registration Process Details

1

Choose Company Type

Choose the most suitable company form based on business needs and goals

2

Confirm Company Name

Check company name availability and pre-register

3

Prepare Registration Documents

Collect all necessary identity and address proof documents

4

Submit Registration Application

Submit company registration application to state government and pay fees

5

Obtain EIN Number

Apply for US federal employer identification number (tax number)

6

Open Bank Account

Open US company bank account using EIN

3. Required Documents List

Identity Documents
  • Passport

    Valid passport original or copy

  • ID Proof

    Driver's license or other government-issued ID

  • Visa Information

    Valid US visa or green card

Address and Business Documents
  • Registered Address Proof

    Legal address proof within the US

  • Business Plan

    Company business description and operation plan

  • Funding Proof

    Proof of funding source for initial registered capital

4. Cost Breakdown Details

Cost ItemLLCCorporationDescription
State Registration Fee$100-300$200-500Varies by state
Document Certification$50-150$100-300Notarization and certification
Registered Agent Service$200-400$200-400Annual fee, legal address service
EIN Application Fee$0$0Free application
Lawyer/Accountant Fee$500-1500$1000-3000Professional service fees
Total Estimate$850-2350$1500-4200Excluding annual fees and maintenance

5. Important Considerations

Legal Requirements
  • Registered Address

    Must provide legal registered address within the US

  • Annual Reports

    Most states require annual reports and annual fee payments

  • Tax Filing

    Must file federal and state tax returns on time

Practical Tips
  • Choose Registration State

    Delaware, Wyoming are business-friendly states

  • Hire Professional Services

    Recommended to use professional company registration services

  • Maintain Compliance

    Update documents timely and maintain good records

Apply for Business Credit Cards After Company Setup

After company registration is complete, you can apply for business credit cards to support business operations and development

Business Credit Card Benefits

  • Higher credit limits
  • Business spending rewards
  • Tax deduction benefits
  • Employee card management

Application Requirements

  • Company registration documents
  • Business plan
  • Financial statements
  • Personal credit history

Recommended Cards

  • Chase Ink series
  • American Express business cards
  • Capital One Spark series
  • Brex business cards

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Set Up Your US Company?

We provide professional US company registration services with complete guidance from consultation to completion

US Company Setup Guide | Registration Process, Costs, Precautions - UsCardBiz