US Company Formation
The United States has a highly diversified economy and one of the world’s most mature market systems. Forming a US company is an effective way to expand business in international markets.
As someone who is neither a US citizen nor a permanent resident, you can establish a US company without a visa and even without visiting the country. M&N Business offers one-stop US company registration services, including a US registered address, company secretarial services, accounting and tax filing, to help you develop your business in the United States.
Advantages of Registering a US Company
Legal Protection
A strong international legal standing, US government protection and wide recognition.
Strong International Recognition
A strong international reputation and recognition; US companies can open business accounts with banks worldwide.
Flexible Company Names
Few restrictions on company names, with terms such as International, Group, Industrial and Holdings permitted.
Flexible and Convenient Business Operations
Registering a US company can help you obtain various business and work visas. You can also engage a lawyer to apply to US authorities for a residence card as a route to immigration.
A Strong Market Position
The United States has one of the world’s most mature market systems. Funds can move freely through a US company, facilitating international trade and capital management and supporting expansion into other international markets.
M&N Business US Company Registration Services Include:
- Handling US company registration procedures.
- Employer Identification Number application (EIN application)
- Searching the proposed company name
- Paying US government company registration fees
- Preparing a standard Operating Agreement
- Recording the first board meeting
- Filing a Statement of Information
- Preparing board resolutions for a business bank account, where applicable; an additional fee applies for US company bank account opening
- A customised corporate kit, including a metal seal, share certificates, registers of shareholders and directors, and a share transfer ledger
- Advice on US company registration and ongoing corporate compliance
Start Your Business Your Way
4 Main Types of US Business Structure
There are generally four main structures to choose from: LLC, C corporation, DAO LLC and sole proprietorship.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC):
A US limited liability company protects its owners from liabilities generally associated with company debts. LLC rules vary by state, but these companies do not pay tax on their profits in the same way as sole proprietors. Instead, profits and losses pass through to members, who report them individually on their IRS returns.
- C Corporation:
C corporations are more attractive to potential investors. There are no restrictions on who may own shares. Shareholders do not directly run the organisation; a board of directors oversees day-to-day business operations.
Business owners or shareholders pay tax separately, as with an LLC. The company must also pay income tax on its profits.
- Decentralised Autonomous Organisation LLC (DAO LLC):
A DAO LLC is a relatively new business entity. Instead of a traditional board of directors or trustees, decision-making authority is delegated to each member.
DAO LLCs can currently be formed in only three US states: Wyoming, Tennessee and Vermont.
- Sole Proprietorship:
A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, with the fewest formation steps and lowest costs. The owner has full control over assets and business decisions but is also personally responsible for all legal liabilities, including debts and losses, which may need to be repaid from personal assets. The owner pays tax on all business income as an individual and does not need to apply for a separate business bank account.
Basic US Company Registration Requirements:
- At least one legal entity may act as a shareholder or senior officer
- At least one shareholder, who may be a corporate entity or an individual of any nationality
- At least one director, who must be an individual
- At least one officer, such as a chief executive, financial officer or secretary; these roles may be held by one or more individuals
- Directors or senior officers may sign legal documents and record meetings on behalf of a corporate entity
Documents Required for US Company Registration:
For a corporate shareholder, provide:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Articles of association or equivalent constitutional documents
- Business Registration Certificate and annual return, for Hong Kong companies
- A Certificate of Incumbency issued within 6 months, for offshore companies only
- Register of Directors
- Register of Members
- Significant Controllers Register, for Hong Kong companies
- An organisation chart if the corporate structure is complex
US Company Registration Process:
- Conduct market research and prepare a business plan.
- Choose a business location and decide in which states to incorporate and register the company.
- Choose a structure: a C corporation or limited liability company.
- Choose an available company name and register it as appropriate: entity name, trademark, DBA name and domain name.
- Engage a registered agent and register with the state government. M&N Business offers professional one-stop US company registration services.
- Obtain federal and state tax numbers, also referred to as an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Apply for the licences and permits required for the business type and state.
- Open a business bank account.
Why Do Entrepreneurs Choose M&N Business Services?
- Licensed in Hong Kong: M&N Business Services Limited is a licensed company secretarial provider recognised by the Hong Kong government, offering dependable services.
- Comprehensive One-Stop Services: From company formation, company secretarial services and accounting and tax filing to virtual offices, we provide everything in one place, saving you the effort of coordinating multiple providers.
- An Experienced Team: Over the years, we have helped many SMEs and start-ups register successfully and handle complex situations.
- Clear, Transparent Fees: Our service plans have clearly stated prices with no hidden charges, so you can engage us with confidence.
Related US Company Registration Services
Company Incorporation Services
Company Secretarial Services
Tax Filing Services
Virtual Offices
Frequently Asked Questions
Forming a US C corporation or LLC takes an average of 9-10 weeks, including preparation of registration documents, incorporation procedures, a business bank account and business licence applications. A registration agent can handle these steps without you visiting the United States. M&N Business provides professional one-stop US company registration services.
Yes. The US government’s EB-5 investor immigration programme allows applicants who meet the minimum capital and job creation requirements to apply for a two-year green card for themselves and their families, followed by permanent residence. The requirements are a minimum investment of US$900,000 to US$1,800,000 and at least 10 full-time jobs for US residents.
US company law requires a company to keep the following information:
Records of shareholder and board meetings, and actions taken by directors or shareholders without a meeting; accounting records; and information about all shareholders.
A US company may have one or more directors, and a shareholder may also act as director.
Company documents may be lawfully amended or supplemented at any time. Changes to information in the original Articles of Incorporation, such as the company name, registered secretary or directors, must be filed with the relevant US government authority.
M&N Business can help with future document amendments.
All companies must pay tax under applicable US tax laws. State rules vary. For example, a company registered in California must pay an annual minimum tax whether or not it is trading.
Requirements vary by state. Consult a professional accountant for details.
Anyone aged 18 or over may apply to register a US company and become its director.
There is no capital verification requirement or capital limit when registering a US company. You must state the number of shares issued at formation. Companies commonly issue 1000-100000 shares initially, and the number may be increased at any time after incorporation.
Registration requirements and timelines vary by state. Contact M&N Business to learn more about registering a US company.