FAQ
The most common questions about opening a company in the United States
The questions our clients ask every week, answered by the team. If yours is missing, book a video call and we will answer it.
Forming the company
I am a foreigner and do not live in the U.S. Can I form a company?
Yes. Any foreign national who does not live in the United States can form an LLC or Corporation in any of the 50 states, without a visa, residency or travel.
How registration works →Do I need a U.S.-resident partner?
No. An LLC or Corporation can be formed with foreign members only, whether individuals or companies.
Do I need initial or share capital?
No. To operate you only need the company registration, the EIN and the bank account. The United States has no minimum capital requirement.
Do I pay taxes if I register in Delaware?
Delaware charges no state income tax on operations outside the state, but it does charge an annual franchise tax. Federally, members file and pay on profits as in any other state.
What are amendments?
Changes to the company after registration: adding or removing members, changing the name, address or registered agent, or correcting errors. They are routine and we file them with the state.
Address and registered agent
Do I need a physical U.S. address to form my company?
Yes, to register in any state. Our office in Stuart, Florida can be your company’s business address; it is included for the first year when you form with Matrix.
Virtual office →What is a registered agent and why do I need one?
The person or entity named in the formation documents to receive legal documents and state notices on behalf of the company. It is mandatory from the day of registration. It is included for the first year when you form with Matrix.
Registered agent →Do I need a physical office to operate?
No. Your company can lease or buy property if it needs to, but it is not a requirement to operate.
EIN and ITIN
What is the EIN?
Employer Identification Number: the nine-digit number that identifies your company to the IRS. It is essential to open the bank account and operate. We obtain it from the IRS and it is included in your company formation.
EIN →What is the ITIN and what is it for?
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number: your personal taxpayer number in the United States. The IRS issues it, regardless of immigration status, to people who must file returns and cannot get an SSN. It is for tax purposes only: it grants no work permit or immigration benefit.
Do I need an ITIN?
If you have no SSN and cannot get one, and you must file a federal return or appear on one, yes. Banks also often ask for it for personal accounts. As IRS Certifying Acceptance Agents we certify your passport without you mailing it.
ITIN with certified agents →Bank, invoicing and payments
Can you open my company’s bank account without me traveling?
In many cases yes. We work with several banks and choose with you the one that fits your country and activity; some require physical presence. You will need the Articles, the EIN, your passport and a U.S. address. Opening is subject to the bank’s approval.
Bank account →How do I invoice with my U.S. company?
The U.S. government does not regulate invoice formats: you can issue them with any invoicing system, in the language and currency you agree with your client.
What is a DBA or fictitious name?
A trade name different from the company’s registered name, under which you can invoice, open accounts, issue checks and sign contracts. We help you register it.
Can I pay Matrix by credit card?
Yes. We accept international credit cards and bank transfers to the account of Matrix International Business Consulting LLC.
Employees, taxes and bookkeeping
Do I need employees in the U.S. to operate?
No. Your company can hire people in any country under that country’s labor laws. If you hire within the United States, the person must be a citizen, resident or hold a visa that allows work.
If I register a company, can I work in it from the U.S.?
Only with citizenship, residency or a work visa. Owning the company does not grant work authorization; for that, speak with an immigration attorney. If you are preparing an investor visa, we can prepare the business plan.
Business plan →Must my company file taxes even with no revenue?
Yes. Every registered company files every year; a single-member LLC owned by a foreigner with no activity files Form 5472 with an informational 1120. Our tax team handles it.
Taxes and bookkeeping →Can Matrix handle my company’s bookkeeping?
Yes, as long as it is based on your company’s U.S. bank account. We offer monthly plans by transaction volume.
Taxes and bookkeeping →Did not find your answer?
Book a 30-minute video call or message us on WhatsApp. A member of the team answers, no commitment.