LLC Registration in the USA, for US Residents, Non-Residents, and Foreign Entrepreneurs
Establishing an LLC is the fastest way to turn your idea into a real, protected business. We handle your LLC registration, EIN, registered agent, and compliance end-to-end, with one dedicated specialist guiding you the whole way, whether you live in Texas or Toronto, Dublin or Dubai.
Real Human Specialists
Every filing is prepared and reviewed by our team, never auto-generated.
One Dedicated Contact
No call centers or ticket queues. One consultant owns your entire file.
True End-to-End Setup
LLC, EIN, banking, bookkeeping, and compliance, under one roof.
Every State, Every Country
We register LLCs in all 50 states for founders based anywhere in the world.
What Is an LLC, and What Does It Actually Do for You?
A Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a business entity that legally separates you from your business. Establishing an LLC is what turns a side hustle, freelance practice, or startup idea into a recognized company, one that can sign contracts, open a bank account, hire staff, and build credit in its own name.
The core purpose of an LLC is right there in the name: limited liability. The definition of limited liability is simple, your personal exposure to business debts and lawsuits is limited to what you invested in the company. In plain terms, does an LLC protect personal assets? Yes. If your business is sued or cannot pay a debt, your house, personal savings, and car are generally off-limits, as long as you keep business and personal finances separate and follow your state's rules.
LLC vs. LLP: know the difference before you file
A limited liability partnership, or LLP, is a related but distinct structure built for licensed professionals (think law firms and accounting practices) who share ownership between multiple partners. An LLC is more flexible: it can have one owner or many, does not require a professional license to form, and is the structure most US and international entrepreneurs choose for registering a company. If you are not a licensed partnership of professionals, an LLC is almost always the simpler, more protective choice.
Who Can Start an LLC in the USA?
Short answer: almost anyone, anywhere. US LLC formation is one of the few company structures in the world that does not require citizenship, residency, or even a US visit to get started.
US Citizens & Residents
Starting a Business at Home
If you are based in the US, business formation is straightforward: choose a state (usually your home state), reserve a name, and file. We handle registering your company, drafting your articles of organization, and managing every business filing so you never have to decode a Secretary of State portal on your own.
Non-US Residents & Foreigners
Can Foreigners Open an LLC in the USA?
Yes. Can a foreigner set up an LLC in the US? Absolutely, US law does not require you to be a citizen, a green card holder, or even physically present. A non-resident LLC in the USA gives you the same liability protection, banking access, and credibility as a domestic company. We register non-resident LLCs for founders across Europe, the Gulf, Asia, and the Americas every week.
From Anywhere in the World
American LLC Formation, No Matter Your Address
Whether you are setting up a US LLC from Ireland, Canada, the UK, India, the UAE, or anywhere else, the process runs the same way for you: identity verification, a US registered agent, your EIN application, and a fully compliant American LLC, all coordinated remotely and in plain English.
Can a Canadian set up an LLC in the US?
Yes, and it is one of our most common non-resident LLC requests. Canadians do not need a US visa, a US address, or a US partner to open a non-resident LLC in the USA. You will need a registered agent in your formation state, an ITIN or EIN for tax purposes, and (for most banks) a short video verification call, all of which we coordinate for you.
Which State Is Best for Your LLC?
Can you set up an LLC in any state? Yes, US law lets you register a company in any of the 50 states regardless of where you live, even if you have never set foot there. The better question is which state is best for LLC formation given your situation.
If you live and operate in the US: your home state is almost always the simplest and most cost-effective choice, since operating an out-of-state LLC usually means registering a second time as a "foreign LLC" back home.
If you are a non-resident: which state is best for LLC for non-resident founders usually comes down to three things: no state income tax, low ongoing fees, and privacy. That is why Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, and Florida are the most common choices for non-resident LLC formation, though the right answer always depends on where your customers, suppliers, or marketplace (like Amazon or Shopify) require you to register.
This is general guidance, not personalized legal or tax advice. Your dedicated Simple Consulting Services specialist will confirm the right state for your specific business before you file.
How to Start an LLC, Step by Step
Here is exactly how to register an LLC when you work with us, from first search to fully operational company.
Name Search & State Selection
We run a business entity search (for example, a business entity search in Florida's Sunbiz system, or your chosen state's equivalent) to confirm your name is available, then confirm the best state for your LLC.
File Your Articles of Organization
This is the core document that legally creates your company. We prepare and file your articles of organization LLC paperwork correctly the first time, avoiding the rejections that delay DIY filings.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Every state requires a registered agent with a physical address to receive legal notices. We provide this service in all 50 states, so you never need a US address of your own.
Get Your EIN
Your Employer Identification Number is what banks, the IRS, and platforms like Stripe or Amazon require. We prepare and submit your EIN application, including the extra steps needed for non-resident LLCs without a Social Security Number.
Draft Your Operating Agreement
This internal document spells out ownership, profit splits, and decision-making. Most states do not require you to file it, but no serious LLC should operate without one, and we draft yours as part of your package.
Open Banking & Set Up Bookkeeping
The end-to-end part of end-to-end: we help you open a US business bank account and configure QuickBooks or Xero, so your LLC is genuinely ready to trade, not just ready on paper.
LLC Registration Packages
What is included in our LLC registration package? Every plan bundles your state filing with the pieces most providers leave out, registered agent, EIN, and real human support, so your LLC is actually usable, not just filed. Most orders are submitted to the state within 24 to 48 hours, and how long LLC registration takes after that depends on your state (see the state-by-state table below).
Launchpad
For solo founders forming their first LLC.
- Articles of organization, prepared & filed
- Registered agent, 1 year included
- EIN application (US & non-resident)
- Operating agreement template
- Single point of contact
Growth Engine
For founders ready to actually operate and sell.
- Everything in Launchpad
- Business bank account introduction
- QuickBooks or Xero setup
- DBA / trade name filing
- Compliance calendar for your state
Executive Ecosystem
For multi-state operators and global entrepreneurs.
- Everything in Growth Engine
- Multi-state LLC & foreign qualification
- Annual report & franchise tax management
- HubSpot CRM setup
- Dedicated virtual back-office team
How much is LLC registration? Your total cost is your package fee plus your state's filing fee (see below, ranging from $35 to $500 depending on state). Ask your specialist for an exact quote.
Business Taxes for LLCs, in Plain English
By default, the IRS treats an LLC as a "pass-through" entity, meaning the company itself usually does not pay federal income tax. Profits pass through to the owners, who report them on their personal returns. Which LLC tax form you file depends on your ownership structure:
- Single-member LLC (US owner): Schedule C, filed with your personal Form 1040.
- Multi-member LLC: Form 1065 partnership return, with a Schedule K-1 issued to each owner.
- Foreign-owned single-member LLC: Form 5472 alongside a pro-forma Form 1120, filed annually even if the LLC had zero activity. Missing this filing carries a steep IRS penalty, so non-resident owners should treat it as non-negotiable.
- Elected corporate taxation: Form 8832 or Form 2553, for LLCs that choose to be taxed as a C-corp or S-corp.
Simple Consulting Services provides administrative support, compliance tracking, and strategic planning for LLC tax filings through our partner CPA network. This is general information, not formal tax or legal advice, every business is different, so we will connect you with the right professional for your specific filing.
LLC Registration by State: Fees, Timelines & Rules
We file LLC registrations in all 50 states. Filing fees, annual report rules, and processing times below are current as of 2026 and sourced from official state filing schedules; always confirm final figures with your Secretary of State before filing, as fees do change.
California LLC Registration
File your Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the CA Secretary of State. Expect the $800 annual franchise tax on top of the state fee, California's biggest ongoing cost.
LLC Registration Texas
How to file a LLC in Texas: submit a Certificate of Formation (Form 205) to the Texas Secretary of State. No annual report, but a franchise tax ("no tax due" report) applies above the revenue threshold.
LLC Registration Florida (Sunbiz)
Florida LLCs file through the Sunbiz portal, the Division of Corporations' official system. Use it for your business entity search in Florida before you file, and for annual report renewals after.
Wyoming LLC Registration
A top pick for non-resident LLC formation: no state income tax, strong privacy protections, and low ongoing fees make Wyoming a favorite for founders outside the US.
Georgia LLC Registration
Filed through the Georgia Corporations Division. Publication of formation is optional but recommended to preserve full liability protection.
Montana LLC Registration
The lowest filing fee in the country. Montana LLCs are sometimes used for vehicle registration purposes; see our FAQ below for what that actually involves and its limits.
PA LLC Registration
Pennsylvania files a Certificate of Organization with the Department of State, and uniquely requires a decennial (every-ten-years) report instead of an annual one.
Arizona LLC Registration
One of the cheapest states with no annual report at all, though Arizona requires new LLCs to publish formation notice in an approved newspaper for three weeks.
All 50 States, Filing Fees & Rules at a Glance
| State | Filing Fee | Annual / Ongoing Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200 | $50 / yr | Same day | |
| $250 | $100 / 2 yrs | Same day | |
| $50 | None | 14-16 business days | |
| $45 | $150 / yr | 3-7 business days | |
| $70 | $20 / 2 yrs + $800 tax | 2-3 business days | |
| $50 | $10 / yr | Same day | |
| $120 | $80 / yr | 2-3 business days | |
| $110 | $300 / yr tax | 10 business days | |
| $99 | $300 / 2 yrs | 5 business days | |
| $125 | $138.75 / yr | 5 business days | |
| $100 | $50 / yr | 7-10 business days | |
| $50 | $15 / yr | 10-15 business days | |
| $100 | None | 5-7 business days | |
| $150 | $75 / yr | 5-10 business days | |
| $95 | $31 / 2 yrs | 1 business day | |
| $50 | $30 / 2 yrs | 1 business day | |
| $160 | $55 / yr | Same day | |
| $40 | $15 / yr | Same day | |
| $100 | $35 / yr | 3-5 business days | |
| $175 | $85 / yr | 10-15 business days | |
| $100 | $300 / yr | ~2 weeks | |
| $500 | $500 / yr | 1-2 business days | |
| $50 | $25 / yr | 7-10 business days | |
| $155 | None | Same day | |
| $50 | None | 1-2 business days | |
| $50 | None | Same day | |
| $35 | $20 / yr | 5-6 business days | |
| $100 | $10 / 2 yrs | 2-3 business days | |
| $425 | $150 + $200 license | 1 business day | |
| $100 | $100 / yr | 7-10 business days | |
| $125 | $75 / yr | 1 business day | |
| $50 | None | 1-3 business days | |
| $205 | $9 / 2 yrs | Same day | |
| $125 | $200 / yr | 2-5 business days | |
| $135 | $50 / yr | 5 business days | |
| $99 | None | 1 business day | |
| $100 | $25 / yr | 2-3 business days | |
| $100 | $100 / yr | 2-3 business days | |
| $125 | $70 / 10 yrs | 5-7 business days | |
| $150 | $50 / yr | 3-4 business days | |
| $110 | None | 1-2 business days | |
| $150 | $50 / yr | Same day | |
| $300 | $300 / yr | Same day | |
| $300 | Franchise tax | 13-15 business days | |
| $59 | $20 / yr | Same day | |
| $155 | $35 / yr | 1 business day | |
| $100 | $50 / yr | 2-5 business days | |
| $200 | $60 / yr | 5 business days | |
| $100 | $25 / yr | 5-10 business days | |
| $130 | $25 / yr | Same day | |
| $100 | $60 min. / yr | Same day |
Fees and rules are set by each state and change periodically. Figures above reflect published 2026 state filing schedules and are provided for planning purposes only, not a guarantee of current pricing.
How to Choose a Provider for LLC Registration
Most LLC filing sites route you through a chatbot, an auto-generated document, and a support ticket if anything goes wrong. Before you pick a provider, ask three questions: Who actually reviews my filing? Do I get one contact or a new agent every time? What happens after the LLC is formed?
At Simple Consulting Services, every registering company request is handled by a human specialist, not a script. You get a single point of contact from your first question through your EIN, your bank account, and your first annual report, plus a team that also covers legal compliance, finance and tax, and marketing, so your LLC is never the only thing we help you build.
Talk to a SpecialistLLC Registration FAQs
The questions we hear most about LLC registration numbers, timelines, and compliance.
What is an LLC registration number, and is it the same as my EIN?
Your LLC registration number (also called a file number, entity number, or company registration number for an LLC) is assigned by your state's Secretary of State when your Articles of Organization are approved. It is different from your EIN, which is issued separately by the IRS for tax purposes. You will typically need both: the state number to prove your LLC exists, and the EIN to open a bank account and file taxes.
Where do I find my LLC's registration number?
Check your state's approval letter or filed Articles of Organization first, the number is usually printed at the top. If you cannot locate it, every state runs a free business entity search (Florida's is called Sunbiz) where you can look up your LLC by name and find its registration number, status, and filing history in a few seconds.
How do I check my LLC registration status in the USA?
Every state offers an online business entity search through its Secretary of State (or equivalent) website. Search your company name to see whether your LLC registration is active, pending, or in need of a compliance filing like an annual report. If you registered through us, your specialist can pull this status for you directly.
Does the US use VAT registration numbers for LLCs?
No. VAT (Value Added Tax) is a system used across the EU, UK, and many other countries, but the United States does not have a federal VAT. US LLCs instead use an EIN for federal tax purposes and, where applicable, a state sales tax permit for collecting sales tax. If you are used to VAT registration abroad, think of the EIN as the closest US equivalent for tax identification.
What is LLC registration, in simple terms?
LLC registration is the legal process of filing your Articles of Organization with a state government to officially create your Limited Liability Company. Once approved, your business becomes a recognized legal entity separate from you personally, which is what unlocks liability protection, business banking, and the ability to operate under your company name.
How do I cancel or dissolve my LLC registration?
You will need to file Articles of Dissolution (the exact name varies by state) with your Secretary of State, settle any outstanding annual reports or franchise taxes, and close your EIN with the IRS. Skipping this step means your LLC keeps accruing annual fees and compliance obligations even if it is no longer operating. We handle dissolutions as part of our compliance management service.
Can I set up an LLC in any state even if I do not live or operate there?
Yes, US law allows anyone to register an LLC in any state. Keep in mind that if you operate primarily in a different state than the one you formed in, you will usually need to register there too as a "foreign LLC," which means paying fees in both states. This is why most US-based founders form in their home state, while non-residents typically choose a state based on tax and privacy advantages rather than physical location.
Can I use a Montana LLC to register a vehicle?
Some RV and vehicle owners form a Montana LLC specifically because Montana charges no sales tax on vehicle purchases and titles vehicles to LLCs without requiring in-state residency. The LLC then legally owns and registers the vehicle. This is a legitimate structure when set up and used correctly, but several states have challenged it when a Montana-registered vehicle is primarily kept and used elsewhere, sometimes resulting in fines or back taxes owed in the owner's home state. If this is your goal, talk to a specialist about your specific state's rules before you file, this is not something to set up on a generic template.
What is a business entity search, and how do I use one?
A business entity search is a free lookup tool run by each state's Secretary of State (Florida calls its version Sunbiz) that lets you check whether a business name is taken, confirm an LLC's registration status, or find a company's registration number. We run this search as the first step of every LLC registration to confirm your chosen name is actually available before you pay any filing fee.
Ready to Register Your LLC?
Tell us your state (or let us help you choose one) and we will assign you a dedicated specialist today. One conversation, one point of contact, one fully registered LLC.
Legal & Tax Disclaimer: Simple Consulting Services provides administrative support, document preparation, and compliance management for LLC registration, and works with a network of licensed partner attorneys and CPAs for formal legal counsel or certified tax advice. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or tax advice, and state filing fees, forms, and processing times are subject to change without notice. Please confirm current requirements with your state's Secretary of State and consult a licensed attorney or CPA for advice specific to your situation.
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