The U.S. LLC, explained simply
A flexible, well-recognised and easy-to-manage structure for international entrepreneurs. Here is what it is, who it suits, and the obligations to know before you get started.
What is an LLC?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a U.S. business structure that separates your personal assets from your professional assets. Simple to form and to run, it is one of the most widely used structures by entrepreneurs around the world.
An LLC is a U.S. limited liability company. It protects your personal assets, can be formed remotely, and works just as well for a solo founder as for several partners.
Four qualities make the LLC the favourite gateway into the United States for international entrepreneurs.
Limited liability
Your personal assets are kept separate from the company's. Your private property is not exposed to the LLC's business debts.
Flexible management
Few operating formalities, no imposed minimum capital, and lighter accounting than other structures.
International credibility
A U.S. entity makes invoicing easier, opens access to tools like Stripe, and helps when opening a business account (Mercury, Relay, Wise).
Formed remotely
The LLC is formed without travelling to the United States, which makes it accessible to nomads, expats and international entrepreneurs.
For which entrepreneurs?
The LLC is particularly well suited to people based outside the United States who need a reliable U.S. structure to grow their business.
- Digital nomads and entrepreneurs on the move
- E-commerce sellers and online merchants
- Freelancers and service providers
- SaaS and app builders
- Consultants and international agencies
Single-member or multi-member?
The choice simply depends on how many people own the company. It affects the annual tax filing due to the IRS.
Single-member LLC
One ownerYou are the sole owner of the company. This is the most common case for a solo founder. For filing purposes, a single-member LLC owned by a non-resident files a Form 5472 together with a pro forma 1120.
- Owners
- 1 person
- IRS filing
- Form 5472 + pro forma 1120
- Deadline
- April 15
Multi-member LLC
Two or more ownersSeveral people own the company, with ownership shares set out in the Operating Agreement. A multi-member LLC files a Form 1065 together with a K-1 for each member.
- Owners
- 2 people or more
- IRS filing
- Form 1065 + K-1 per member
- Deadline
- March 15
Why Wyoming?
An LLC is formed in a specific U.S. state. If we form in Wyoming by default, it's first for the confidentiality it offers owners — and for its simplicity. No tax promise: your taxes depend on your country of residence.
- 0
Owner names in the public register
Wyoming publishes neither members' nor managers' identities. Your name appears nowhere publicly — the confidentiality that changes everything.
- 1 day
For clear and stable rules
Straightforward formation and upkeep, few formalities.
- 100 %
Personal assets protected
Limited liability separates your private assets from the company's debts.
Wyoming is chosen for its owner confidentiality, simplicity and low fees — not for any tax promise. Your tax obligations depend on your country of residence: consult a tax professional.
Wyoming, Delaware or New Mexico?
An LLC is formed in a specific state. For the typical non-resident, Wyoming remains our default recommendation. Here is how it compares to two credible alternatives, on qualitative criteria.
Wyoming
Recommended- Confidentiality
- High
- Annual report
- Yes (simple, low cost)
- Ideal for
- The typical non-resident: solo, freelance, e-commerce, SaaS
- Recommendation
- Our default choice — the most comfortable
Delaware
- Confidentiality
- Medium
- Annual report
- Yes (annual tax)
- Ideal for
- Startups aiming to raise funds (often as a C-Corp)
- Recommendation
- Relevant for fundraising, less so for solo founders
New Mexico
- Confidentiality
- High
- Annual report
- No
- Ideal for
- Those who prioritise discretion and minimal admin
- Recommendation
- High privacy, no annual report
We form in Wyoming by default; Delaware and New Mexico are available, and other states possible on request. No tax promise: your taxes depend on your country of residence.
The annual obligations to plan for
An LLC stays in good standing as long as its annual obligations are met. We state them clearly, from the start: it is both a sign of seriousness and your protection.
- 01State-dependent
State Annual Report
Annual filing depending on the state (Wyoming, Delaware) — none for New Mexico. Covered by the Maintenance Pack.
- 02Covered by Maintenance
Registered Agent
A registered agent in the state is mandatory. First year free, then covered by the Maintenance Pack.
- 03Form 1065 or 5472+1120
IRS filing
Any LLC owned by a non-resident files an annual information return with the IRS, even with no activity or income.
Ready to form your LLC?
Two possible paths: start directly, or talk with us before you decide. No commitment is triggered before you agree.
Statecove is an administrative support service for company formation. We facilitate your business formation and compliance steps. Statecove is not a law firm or an accounting firm, and does not provide personalized legal or tax advice. Accounting and tax services are handled by licensed partner professionals (CPAs). For any binding legal or tax decision, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.