US LLC and payment banking for a non-resident services founder
A founder selling services online from outside the United States needed a company that clients and payment platforms accept. We coordinated an LLC formation with a licensed US partner and prepared a bank-ready document set.
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The challenge
Clients and payment platforms preferred to contract with a company rather than an individual.
Earlier account applications had stalled because the business was described vaguely and the documents did not match the description.
The founder was unsure which LLC documents banks expect and whether a US company would create US tax.
Our approach
A strategy call comparing a US LLC with alternatives such as a Hong Kong company, based on where the founder lives, who the clients are and which banking is realistic.
Formation through a licensed US formation partner in a state commonly used by non-resident owners, with a registered agent.
A complete document set: articles of organization, operating agreement, an initial resolution authorising bank accounts, and the EIN from the IRS.
A plain-language explanation of disregarded-entity status and of the informational filings that can apply even when no US tax is due, with an introduction to an independent US accountant for annual compliance.
A bank-ready file covering identity, company verification and a simple, evidenced description of the business (website, contracts, invoices), submitted to payment and EMI providers matched to the profile.
An operating, treasury and backup account structure, so the business does not depend on a single provider.
The outcome
LLC formed with an EIN and the documents banks and payment providers typically request.
Account applications submitted with one consistent description of the business; approval remained with each provider.
Annual compliance handed to an independent accountant, with the founder's personal tax position left to advisers in their country of residence.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Approval always rests with the institution or authority.
Reviewed by the Redomiciled team on .
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