Lately, quite a few people have asked me which type of company is most suitable for those looking to launch an independent website or expand into the US market.

If, like me, you're aiming to open accounts with Stripe or PayPal, or if you wish to enhance trust among overseas clients, then establishing a US company is a sound and strategic choice.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of registering a US company—step by step. If that’s something you’re interested in, do read on.

Ⅰ. When Is Registering a US Company a Good Idea?

If you fall into any of the following categories, setting up a US company may suit your needs:

• You intend to use Stripe, PayPal, or other US-based payment solutions.

• You’re building an independent website targeting US or European customers.

• You plan to sell on Amazon US, Walmart, or similar platforms.

• You are exploring international tax strategies (e.g. mitigating CRS-related exposure—since the US is not part of CRS, financial data remains relatively confidential).

In my own case, I registered a US company mainly to access Stripe and connect it with my Wise account.

Ⅱ. Who Should You Trust with Registration?

There are many service providers out there, and the quality varies significantly. I've tried several—some were vague about pricing, others slow to respond. One individual agent even vanished midway through the process.

Eventually, I came across a reliable and professional provider: IngStart.
Their registration process is clearly outlined, and the Mandarin-speaking customer service team makes the process smoother. I later learned they operate through a legitimate business entity, and many people in my network have heard of them and spoken positively.

If you're also planning to set up an overseas company, I suggest you take a look at them.

Ⅲ. How to Register a US Company — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create an Account on IngStart's Website
You can register your US company online from anywhere—no need to travel to the US. The process takes around 5 minutes.

Email login is supported and only requires a few simple steps.
The platform interface is fairly comprehensive—it provides risk assessments, annual compliance reminders, online bank account registration, EIN/ITIN applications, and more.

Step 2: Select “Register Company” → “US Company”
You’ll be prompted to choose the company type and provide basic registration information.

For most, an LLC is the preferred structure—it suits startups and small businesses. C Corporations are more appropriate for larger entities preparing for listing.

• [Company Name:]
  Names must comply with US regulations and cannot be duplicates. You may use English letters and numbers; however, special terms may require additional approval. It's wise to prepare a few alternatives.

• [State of Registration:]
  Each state has different tax policies. Common options include Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, and Colorado. I chose Colorado for its high cost-performance ratio.
  Note: States like California require companies to pay an $800 franchise tax annually, even if there’s no income.

• [Business Address:]
  IngStart offers a complimentary address for the first year. You can also use your own US-based address if available.

• [Director/Shareholder Information:]
  This section includes ownership allocation and management structure. A single-person company is acceptable.

• [Registered Capital:]
  There is no statutory minimum capital requirement in the US. However, the registered capital affects creditworthiness and liability. For early-stage ventures, a figure between $50,000 and $100,000 is advisable.

• [Business Scope:]
  Clearly define your company’s intended business activities to ensure regulatory compliance. (The 24/7 customer support at IngStart can assist here.)

• [Recipient Details:]
  Use your real information—your overseas mailing address and mobile number are acceptable.

Step 3: Submit Your Application
Click “Next” and proceed to submit your application materials.

Optional Add-on Services:

• Basic Package: Includes company formation, registered agent service, and business address.

• Standard Package: Includes everything in the basic package, plus EIN application (essential for identity verification on many platforms).

Note: Ordering a physical company kit is unnecessary, and company seals hold no legal weight in the US—signatures are sufficient.

Step 4: Payment and Processing
You won’t need an overseas credit card or USD payment. Alipay is accepted.
Once payment is complete, the entire process typically takes around 3 working days.

Ⅳ. Key Advantages of Using IngStart

• Fully online, with a multilingual interface

• Provides business address and annual compliance services

• Transparent pricing—no forced bundling of services

• Access to a dedicated consultant via WeChat

• Local tax experts available for ongoing tax strategy

Ⅴ. What Happens After Registration?

Here’s what I did immediately after the company was formed:

1. Used my EIN and company details to open a Stripe account and link it to my independent site.
   (For Stripe setup instructions, see my separate guide—link attached.)

2. Registered a Wise USD account to manage cross-border transactions.

3. Coordinated with IngStart to manage annual filings and tax returns.
   (Their tax specialists saved me significant hassle.)

Ⅵ. Pro Tips

• Check company name availability in advance (IngStart can assist).

• Always apply for an EIN at the outset—it’s required for identity verification on many platforms.

• Wyoming is ideal for startups due to its low fees and business-friendly policies.

• Ensure timely filing of annual reports and tax returns.

Ⅶ. Conclusion

If you're running a cross-border business, building an independent site, or laying the groundwork for global expansion, a US company could be a valuable asset. Personally, I recommend IngStart for handling the entire process online. It spared me a lot of effort—and with tax services included, I didn’t need to source a separate accountant.

That wraps up today’s guide. If you’re unsure about what’s required or have questions about the process, feel free to leave a comment—I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, consider following and liking the post.

Here are the key details for your reference. Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach out anytime!

IngStart offers global company registration and international bank account opening services, empowering Chinese sellers to expand overseas. We help the world discover Chinese brands while providing you with top-tier professional support.