Hello everyone,
If you’ve ever worked with independent websites, Amazon, Stripe, or needed to receive international payments, you’ve probably heard the phrase:
“Without a US company, you’re going nowhere.”
This is hardly an exaggeration.

Want to use Stripe? You need an EIN.
Want to open a Stripe account? EIN or ITIN is required.
Want to accept USD? Clients will expect an invoice, contract, and a valid tax ID.

So today, I’ll walk you through the process of registering a US company step-by-step, and help you decide whether to do it yourself or work with a service platform. (I’ll also share my personal experience and some common pitfalls to avoid.)

Ⅰ. Why more people are choosing to register US companies?

Whether you're engaged in cross-border eCommerce, launching a SaaS venture, or simply aiming to receive payments in USD, forming an LLC is increasingly the standard route.

Here’s why:

• Low setup costs, fast processing, and no capital requirements

• 100% foreign ownership is permitted

• EIN (Employer Identification Number), company certificate, and address proof can all be used for banking, Stripe registration, and more

• Widely accepted by platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Amazon, etc.

Ⅱ. Recommended Registration Platform

To be frank, I prefer not to overcomplicate things or deal with the US bureaucracy myself, so I evaluated multiple providers and eventually chose IngStart, which allowed me to get everything done remotely – I simply submitted my documents and waited for updates. The entire process was worry-free.

You only need to provide:

• Company name (in English)

• Director/shareholder details (passport or ID card)

• Company type (LLC is sufficient in most cases)

From there, the platform handles the rest – including EIN application, Articles of Organisation, and more. Upon approval, a full set of digital documents is emailed to you directly. The process is quick and remarkably efficient.

Ⅲ. Why I recommend this provider:

• Fully in your native language – any issues can be resolved via WeChat

• Complete service: Registration + EIN + address + company documents, even US tax adviser access

• Optional assistance with opening Stripe and PayPal

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• Typically, all documents are ready within one week

Ⅳ. Step-by-Step Process to Register a US Company

Step 1: Create an Account
Visit the IngStart website, register using your email, and log in to your dashboard.

The backend interface is feature-rich: risk assessment tools, annual report reminders, online EIN/ITIN applications, bank account opening options, and more.

Step 2: Choose Your Service
Within the dashboard, select “Company Registration”, then choose “US Company”.
The system will guide you through the necessary forms.

Step 3: Fill in Company Details
Now the formal registration process begins. Don’t worry — it's very straightforward.

[Choose your company type]
Most people opt for an LLC (Limited Liability Company), which is better suited for small to medium-sized enterprises due to its simplified setup and tax flexibility. If you're running an independent site, collecting payments via Stripe, or engaging in cross-border transactions, LLC is likely your best choice.
If you're aiming to go public or operate at scale, you might consider a C-Corp, though it’s more complex from a tax perspective.

[Name your company]
The company name must comply with US naming conventions and must not duplicate existing registered entities. The platform will check for availability. Certain keywords like “Bank” or “Insurance” may trigger additional scrutiny. It’s wise to prepare several name options in advance in case your preferred name is unavailable.

[Select your registration state]
Each US state has its own regulations, tax rules, privacy policies, and maintenance costs. I personally chose Colorado, which offers good value overall. Popular alternatives include:

• Wyoming – no state tax, low maintenance costs, ideal for small businesses

• Delaware – a business-friendly legal environment, popular with larger firms

• Nevada – strong privacy laws, favourable taxation

• California – not recommended for small businesses; you’ll owe an annual $800 franchise tax, even with zero income

[Enter your business address]
Most registration agents offer a free business address. My provider included one year of address service. You can use your own US address if you have one, but using their official address service is generally safer and more convenient. Many offer mail forwarding, which is helpful for receiving official documents.

[Add director/shareholder details]
You’ll need to specify the ownership structure. A single-member LLC is common — just list yourself if you’re the sole owner.

[Registered capital]
Unlike many jurisdictions, the US does not impose a minimum capital requirement. You can enter $1 if you like. However, note that your stated capital can affect how credible your business appears to banks, clients, or platforms like Stripe.
Most startups declare a figure in the range of $50,000–$100,000 – this appears professional without being excessive. Importantly, this is only a nominal commitment; you are not required to deposit this amount.

[Business scope (Business Purpose)]
Clearly describe your intended business activities — for example: eCommerce, tech services, brand operations, cross-border retail, etc. Avoid overly vague descriptions as they can hinder compliance reviews or even result in rejection. If unsure, consult the platform’s support team — mine was available 24/7 via WeChat.

Delivery information
Do not take this lightly. Always use your real name, mobile number, and a valid local address (or wherever you reside). False information can cause issues with receiving your documents or passing identity verification later on.
Once everything is filled in, simply submit your application.

Step 4: Choose a Service Package
Typical packages include:

• Company registration

• Registered agent address

• Articles of Organisation

• EIN application

• Annual compliance reminders

Premium options may include Stripe/Wise account setup assistance, address verification, digital seals, etc.

Step 5: Make Payment and Wait for Confirmation
After submission, the platform will review and process your application. If anything requires clarification, they’ll reach out via WeChat.

Once approved, you’ll receive your full documentation package:
Certificate of Formation, Operating Agreement, EIN, Address Proof, and more — all valid for use with Stripe, online banking, and international payment platforms.

Ⅴ. Final Tips

• Company Type: For most, LLC is ideal. C-Corp is better suited for larger operations or fundraising.

• State: Beginners should consider Wyoming for simplicity and tax efficiency.

• EIN: Essential — without it, many platforms won’t accept your registration.

• Address: Use a registered provider to ensure receipt of official mail.

• Company Documents: Use a professionally prepared Operating Agreement to avoid banking issues.

Ⅵ. In Summary:

Registering a US company isn’t overly difficult — but it’s not something to take lightly either.
If you’re the sort of person who enjoys researching and navigating bureaucracy, DIY might be fine. But if you’re focused on launching quickly and avoiding common mistakes, partnering with a reliable service provider is a far more efficient choice.

That’s all for today. If you’re unclear about the required documents or process, feel free to drop a question in the comments. I’ll be happy to reply as soon as I can. Thanks for reading — and if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to give it a like or follow!

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.