Form 5472 Filing for Foreign-Owned US LLCs
Form 5472 is required for every foreign-owned single-member US LLC, even with zero income. The penalty starts at $25,000. We prepare and file it.
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Form US Company from Anywhere, Anytime
Knowledge Base
Blogs and Guides
Practical guidance on US LLC formation, EIN & ITIN applications, IRS filing and staying compliant — written for founders outside the United States.
71 articles
Registered Agent Service for US LLCs
A registered agent with a physical street address in your formation state, receiving state and legal mail and scanning it to you the same day.
Read articleUS Business Banking Setup for Non-Residents
Open a US business bank account remotely with your LLC and EIN. What Mercury, Relay and Wise each require, who they reject, and how to prepare.
Read articlePrivacy Policy
What Startup Consultancy collects, why, who it is shared with and how long it is kept — including the identity and tax documents you send us.
Read articlePricing, Government Fees and Refunds
Our service fees separated from government fees, what each package includes, what it excludes, realistic processing times and our refund terms.
Read articleEditorial Policy: How We Check What We Publish
Every tax or filing rule on this site is traced to the IRS, FinCEN or a Secretary of State before publication, dated, and reviewed at least annually.
Read articleWyoming LLC for Non-Residents
Wyoming is the cheapest US state to keep an LLC in and does not name members publicly. What it costs, when the annual report is due, and when to pick
Read articleDelaware LLC for Non-Residents
Delaware charges a flat $300 annual LLC tax due 1 June whatever you earn. When the Court of Chancery is worth that, and when Wyoming is the better answer.
Read articleFlorida LLC for Non-Residents
Florida publishes every LLC member’s name and address on Sunbiz and charges an unwaivable $400 late fee after 1 May. When Florida is right, and when it is
Read articleTexas LLC for Non-Residents
Texas has no income tax but requires a franchise tax report every year, including the years you owe nothing. What that means for a non-resident owner.
Read articleNew Mexico LLC for Non-Residents
New Mexico requires no annual or biennial report from an LLC at all, and does not name members in the public record. Who that suits, and who it does not.
Read articleNevada LLC for Non-Residents
Nevada requires an annual list and a state business licence renewal, making it the costliest of the privacy states. When that is worth paying for.
Read articleCalifornia LLC and the $800 Minimum Franchise Tax
California charges every LLC organised or registered there $800 a year regardless of profit — and can reach a Wyoming LLC through your customers or
Read articleNew York LLC and the Publication Requirement
A new New York LLC must publish in two newspapers for six weeks, costing a few hundred dollars upstate and well over $1,000 in Manhattan. What that means.
Read articleUS LLC for Amazon Sellers Outside the United States
What a non-US Amazon seller needs: LLC, EIN, bank account — and why FBA inventory in a state can create tax obligations your Wyoming filing does not
Read articleUS LLC for Shopify and Dropshipping Store Owners
Why non-US store owners form a US LLC: Shopify Payments, Stripe and PayPal onboarding. Which state to pick when you hold no US inventory, and what you
Read articleUS LLC for Freelancers Outside the United States
Invoice US clients as a US company, get paid on US rails, and separate your work from your personal assets — plus the annual filing nobody warns you about.
Read articleUS LLC or C-Corporation for Non-US SaaS Founders
The entity decision that actually matters for SaaS: LLC if you are bootstrapping, Delaware C-corp if you are raising. Plus how SaaS sales tax nexus works.
Read articleEIN vs ITIN: Which One Do You Actually Need?
An EIN identifies your company, an ITIN identifies you. They are not alternatives, and most non-resident LLC owners need only the EIN. Compared in one
Read articleLLC vs C-Corporation for Non-Residents
An LLC is cheaper and avoids entity-level tax; a C-corp is what US investors require. Compared on tax, filings, fundraising and treaty withholding.
Read articleSingle-Member vs Multi-Member LLC for Foreign Owners
Adding a second member changes the federal return from a pro-forma 1120 with Form 5472 to Form 1065 with K-1s. What that changes, and the spouse trap.
Read articleRegistered Agent vs Virtual Business Address
A registered agent is required by law in every state and accepts lawsuits. A virtual address handles post. Buying the wrong one is how LLCs get dissolved.
Read articleCan a Non-US Resident Form a US LLC?
No citizenship, residency, visa, SSN or US travel is required to own a US LLC. What you do need, what it does not give you, and what you take on.
Read articleDoes a Foreign-Owned LLC Need an EIN?
In practice yes: banking, the annual federal return and every marketplace tax interview require one. The technical exemption exists and is useless.
Read articleCan I Get an ITIN From Outside the US?
You can apply from any country and never enter the US. The real question is proving identity without posting your passport — which is what a CAA solves.
Read articleDo I Need a US Address to Form an LLC?
You need a registered agent with a physical address in your formation state. Your own address can be anywhere. The three addresses people confuse
Read articleDoes a US LLC Pay Tax If It Has No US Income?
Generally no federal income tax — but it still has to file. Owing nothing and filing nothing are different things, and the gap is where $25,000 penalties
Read articleWhat Is the Best State for a Non-Resident LLC?
Wyoming for most, Delaware if you are raising, New Mexico for no annual report, and the state you operate in if you have people or stock there. Compared.
Read articleWhat Happens If You Do Not File Form 5472?
A $25,000 penalty per form per year, applied automatically, with a further $25,000 for each 30 days after an IRS notice. What to do if you have missed one.
Read articleDo I Need to Visit the US to Open a Business Bank Account?
No. Several providers onboard non-resident-owned companies entirely online. What they ask for, and the four reasons remote applications get declined.
Read articleCan a US LLC Be Owned by a Foreign Company?
A foreign parent can wholly own a US LLC with no US individual involved. The ownership is simple; Form 5472, BOI look-through and transfer pricing are not.
Read articleHow to Close a US LLC as a Non-Resident
Abandoning an LLC does not close it — fees and federal filings keep accruing. The six steps, in order, and what happens if you simply stop.
Read articleForming a US LLC from Pakistan
Own a US LLC from Pakistan with no visit, no SSN and no US partner. What the US tax treaty does, what it does not, and what you still owe at home.
Read articleForming a US LLC from India
The US side is routine for an Indian resident. The question to settle first is which Indian exchange-control route your remittance falls under.
Read articleForming a US LLC from Nigeria
Nigeria has no US tax treaty — which for most founders changes nothing. The real constraint is which payment providers onboard Nigerian residents.
Read articleForming a US LLC from the UAE
No US treaty, but no UAE personal income tax either — so the analysis is almost entirely on the US side, and it comes down to one question.
Read articleUS LLC Compliance Calendar for Non-Residents
Every federal and state deadline a non-resident-owned US LLC has to meet, in one table, with what happens if you miss each one.
Read articleDocument Checklist for a Non-Resident US LLC
What you need at each stage — formation, EIN, banking, BOI report, annual return — and, more usefully, what you do not need.
Read articleOur Services for Non-Resident Founders
Everything we file for non-resident founders: LLC formation, EIN, ITIN, registered agent, BOI reports, annual filings and federal tax returns.
Read articleSite Index
A complete, grouped index of every page on startupconsultancyofficial.com, with a one-line summary of each. Guides and articles are on the blog index.
Read articleWyoming vs Delaware LLC: Which Is Better for Non-Residents?
Wyoming costs $60 a year with no state income tax. Delaware costs $300 and suits fundraising. A side-by-side comparison for non-resident founders.
Read articleLLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp for Non-Residents
Non-residents cannot own an S-Corp. This compares LLC and C-Corp on ownership, tax, compliance and fundraising, and says which to pick and when.
Read articleHow Much It Really Costs to Maintain a US LLC as a Non-Resident
A full year-one and year-two cost breakdown for a non-resident US LLC: state fees, registered agent, annual report, tax preparation and banking.
Read articleCan I Get an EIN Without a Social Security Number?
Yes. Foreign owners without an SSN apply on paper Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS international unit. Here is the exact process and how long it takes.
Read articleHow Long Does US LLC Formation Take for Non-Residents?
State approval takes 1 to 15 business days depending on the state. The EIN is the real bottleneck at 4 to 6 weeks. A realistic end-to-end timeline.
Read articleWhat Happens If You Miss Your BOI Report Deadline?
Late BOI filing carries civil penalties that accrue daily and possible criminal liability for wilful failure. What to do if your deadline has passed.
Read articleBest US Bank Accounts for Non-Resident LLC Owners
Mercury, Relay, Wise and Payoneer compared for non-resident LLC owners: who onboards remotely, what each requires, and which countries are excluded.
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How to Verify If Your EIN Is Fake
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is crucial for running a business in the United States. It’s used for tax filings, identifying your business…
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How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) remains a favored option for entrepreneurs seeking both liability protection and operational flexibility. Yet…
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How to Dissolve or Close an LLC: A Step-by-Step Process
Dissolving or closing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a significant and structured process that goes far beyond simply ceasing business operations…
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How Your LLC’s State of Formation Impacts Your Bottom Line
Choosing the state in which to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a crucial decision that affects the business’s costs, taxes, legal protections…
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How lack of personal income tax in Texas and Florida impact LLC formation
When starting a business, one of the biggest decisions entrepreneurs face is where to form their company. Taxes play a huge role in this choice…
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How to Choose the Best State for Your LLC Formation: Pros and Cons
Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a major milestone for any entrepreneur. But before proceeding further, one big decision can shape your…
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The Annual Compliance Requirements for LLCs: A Complete Guide
LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) in the United States must meet certain annual compliance requirements to keep their legal status and continue operating…
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Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an EIN for Foreign Owned LLCs
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a critical requirement for foreign-owned LLCs that wish to legally operate in the United States. The EIN is a…
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A Simple Guide to Filing an Extension for Startups
Filing for a tax extension is a common and practical move for many startups. Whether you’re still gathering financial records, waiting on documents, or…
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Forming a Delaware LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a business is an exciting adventure, but navigating all the legal requirements can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to…
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How to Get an ITIN as a Foreigner ?
If a foreign national who needs to file a U.S. tax return but not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides…
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Understanding EIN vs ITIN: A Comprehensive Guide
For many startups, understanding the various tax identification numbers is essential for smooth business operations and regulatory compliance. In the…
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Why Every Business Needs a Registered Agent
Every business, whether large or small, operates within a framework of legal and regulatory requirements. Among these, the role of a registered agent…
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US Tax Obligations for Non-Resident Entrepreneurs
The United States is considered a land of opportunity for non-resident entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. However, navigating the U.S. tax…
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The Ultimate Guide to Form 1099 for LLC Owners
Managing taxes is one of the most important responsibilities for any business owner. Among the many tax forms, the IRS Form 1099 is a vital document which…
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LLC Tax Filing Deadlines 2025: Key Points to Remember
Tax season can be a stressful time for business owners, especially for those operating Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). Filing taxes on time is not…
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The Complete Guide to Taxes for Multi-Member LLCs: What You Need to Know
Starting and running a multi-member LLC can be a great way to structure your business, but understanding taxes for multi-member LLCs is crucial to avoid…
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Federal Income Tax Filing: Why It Matters and the $25,000 Penalty for Non-Filing
Tax season can feel overwhelming, but understanding the importance of federal income tax filing can save you from major financial and legal troubles. The…
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Why You Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return
Introduction: You might be wondering if it’s really necessary to file your federal income tax return. After all, not everyone has to file taxes every…
Read articleLLC Compliances No Business? No Problem! Why Your LLC Still Needs to File (And What Happens If You Don’t)LLC Compliances
Think Your Inactive LLC Is Off the Hook? Not So Fast! So, you started an LLC, but life happened. Maybe your big business idea got put on hold, or you just…
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360° Guide to Forming a U.S. LLC for Non-Residents
The complete walkthrough of forming a US LLC from abroad: choosing a state, filing, EIN, registered agent, banking and the compliance that follows.
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Banking Made Simple for Non-U.S. Residents
What non-residents need before applying for a US business bank account, which providers onboard remotely, and why applications get declined.
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The Non-US Resident’s $5,000 Scam Protection Guide
How non-resident founders lose money to fake EIN sellers, bogus registered agents and BOI filing scams, and the checks that stop each one.
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The Ultimate Non-US Freelancer’s U.S. Tax Survival Guide
How US tax actually works for freelancers living outside the United States: what is taxable, what is not, and which forms you owe and when.
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