Foreign-Owned US LLC Guide
Non-US residents can form and own a US LLC in any state. This hub covers everything from initial formation and state selection to EINs, Form 5472 compliance, US bank accounts, and annual filing requirements. Use the sections below to find the guide that matches your situation.
Popular Foreign-Owned LLC Guides
| Guide | Read time | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| What Is a Foreign-Owned LLC? How the US treats LLCs owned by non-US residents, and what makes them different. | 6 min | — |
| Can a Non-US Resident Open a US LLC? Yes — here are the exact steps, requirements, and restrictions for foreign founders. | 9 min | — |
| Best State for Non-US Residents to Form an LLC Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico? A side-by-side comparison of fees, privacy, and taxes. | 7 min | — |
| How to Get an EIN Without an SSN Step-by-step guide to getting your Employer Identification Number via IRS Form SS-4. | 10 min | — |
| US Bank Account for a Foreign-Owned LLC How to open a US business bank account remotely using Mercury, Relay, or Wise. | 8 min | — |
| Foreign-Owned LLC vs Foreign LLC These two terms mean very different things. Understand the distinction before you file. | 6 min | — |
| Form 5472 for Foreign-Owned LLCs The IRS requires this annual information return for foreign-owned disregarded entities. The penalty for missing it is $25,000. | 15 min | — |
| Pro Forma Form 1120 for Foreign-Owned LLCs Form 5472 must be attached to a blank (pro forma) Form 1120. Here is how to prepare it. | 8 min | — |
| Foreign-Owned LLC Filing Requirements A complete overview of annual federal filing obligations for foreign-owned US entities. | 10 min | — |
| Single-Member LLC Filing Requirements Specific guidance for disregarded entities with a single non-US owner. | 9 min | — |
| Multi-Member LLC Filing Requirements Partnership taxation, Form 1065, and withholding obligations for multi-member structures. | 9 min | — |
| Does a Foreign-Owned LLC Pay US Tax? How US tax liability is determined by source of income, ECI, and tax treaties. | 8 min | — |
| Foreign-Owned LLC with No US Income Zero US sales does not mean zero US filing obligations. Understand what still applies. | 7 min | — |
| Wyoming LLC for Non-US Residents $100 formation, $60/year, strong privacy. The most popular state for foreign founders. | 8 min | — |
| Delaware LLC for Non-US Residents Best if you plan to raise venture capital. Court of Chancery, $300/year franchise tax. | 11 min | — |
| New Mexico LLC for Non-US Residents $50 formation, no annual report fee. The lowest-cost state for foreign owners. | 9 min | — |
Foreign-Owned LLC Bookkeeping
Foreign-owned LLC bookkeeping is more important than many non-US founders expect. Even if the LLC owes no US income tax, a foreign-owned single-member US LLC may still need records for Form 5472, pro-forma Form 1120, owner contributions, related-party transactions, bank transfers, reimbursements, and expenses.
| Record | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Owner contributions | Supports foreign owner transaction records |
| Owner payments/draws | Helps classify transfers from LLC to owner |
| Related-party transactions | May be relevant for Form 5472 |
| Bank statements | Supports reconciliation and audit trail |
| Payment processor reports | Separates gross income from fees |
| Receipts/invoices | Supports deductions and expense categories |
Foreign-Owned LLC FAQs
Disclaimer: Information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified CPA, attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Laws and rules change frequently. Always verify with official sources.
Non-resident LLC path
Plan a foreign-owned U.S. LLC setup
Connect ownership, EIN, banking, Form 5472, and state-selection decisions before filing.
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