ForshippersForming a US company from outside the US is not hard. Doing it in a way that lets your bank, payment and marketplace applications go through smoothly takes more care. This is the checklist we use with clients.
1. Decide what the company is for
Selling on Amazon or Walmart, running a Shopify store and offering services each lead to slightly different choices. Write down the first two things the company will do.
2. Choose a state
Most non-resident founders compare a few popular formation states on annual cost, annual-report rules and privacy. There is no single right answer — the best state is the one that matches your plan and budget.
3. Get your names and addresses consistent
Use exactly the same spelling of your name, company name and address everywhere: formation documents, EIN application, bank applications and seller accounts. Small mismatches are one of the most common reasons applications stall.
4. Apply for an EIN
The EIN is your company's federal tax ID and is needed for banking and marketplaces. Non-residents without a US SSN use a different route from US residents, so follow the current IRS instructions carefully.
5. Payment and banking
Prepare your formation documents, EIN confirmation and proof of address before applying. Approval is always the provider's decision.
6. Stay compliant
Put your annual report and other filing dates in a calendar on day one, and confirm current federal reporting rules with an official source or a professional.
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