Let's Find the Right Entity for
for Your Your Business Goals

Whether you’re forming an LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp — choosing the right structure, state, and tax setup is critical. Our licensed CPA team guides you through every step: entity selection, state filing, EIN, compliance, and beyond. 25+ years of experience. All 50 states. One firm behind you.

Certified for guaranteed quality

Cobb Chamber of Commerce logo

Trusted by 500+ Entrepreneurs and Businesses Across the United States and Around the World

Square Generic

NEW BUSINESS FORMATION

Why Starting a Business in the USA Feels Overwhelming

You have the ambition, the business idea, and the drive — but when you sit down to actually register a company in the USA, the complexity hits you like a wall. Should you form an LLC or a C-Corp? Which state offers the best tax advantages — Delaware, Wyoming, or your home state? What is an EIN, and how does a non-resident even apply for one?

These are not just administrative questions. Every decision you make during business formation has lasting tax and legal consequences. Choosing the wrong setup can cost you significantly:

  • The wrong entity type can cost you thousands in excess taxes annually
  • State compliance rules vary dramatically — what works in Wyoming may create tax obligations in California
  • Missing your EIN, BOI Report, or Annual Report deadline triggers federal and state penalties
Years of CPA Experience
0 +
Businesses Formed
0 +
Clients Served
0 +
States Covered
0
Why choose Manay CPA as your U.S. CPA firm

Not a Filing Service.
A Full-Service CPA Firm.

Most online platforms file your papers and disappear. At Manay CPA, formation is just the starting point. We stay with you from entity selection through tax season and beyond — because the decisions you make today shape your tax obligations for years to come.

Compare States

The state you choose affects your taxes, privacy, and annual compliance costs. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two most popular formation states.

        State Comparison Table (2026)

        Formation cost, annual obligations and tax structure for the six states international founders choose most often. Figures are for 2026.

        WyomingDelawareFloridaTexasCaliforniaNew York
        LLC filing fee~$100~$110~$125~$300~$70~$200
        State personal income taxNoneNone on out-of-state revenueNone (personal)None (personal)1%–13.3% (highest in U.S.)3.9%–10.9%
        Annual fee / franchise taxAnnual Report + License Tax (~$60/yr)$400/yr flat for LLCs; Corps min. $175, up to $200KAnnual Report ($138.75 for LLCs)Margin-based; no tax due below $2.65M revenue (2026)Minimum $800/yr flat fee (all entities)Biennial filing fee ($9 for LLCs)
        State sales tax4% (low)None6% + local6.25% + local7.25% + local (highest base)4% + local
        Is owner information public?Full anonymity — no public disclosureDirectors not required in ArticlesMembers listed in the Annual ReportPublic Information Report requiredStatement of Information lists managers/membersArticles of Organization list organizer
        Annual reportRequired annuallyNot required for LLCs; required for Corps ($50)Required annuallyPublic Information Report (PIR) annuallyStatement of Information every 2 years ($20)Biennial statement

        Important: for an LLC, state personal income tax is generally owed by the owner rather than the company. A non-resident owner with no U.S.-source income usually owes none; it applies where the business has nexus in that state. Income tax rates: Tax Foundation, 2026 State Income Tax Rates.

        Which state fits whom?

        • Wyoming: Small businesses, e-commerce, international founders seeking privacy ★ Top pick for international entrepreneurs and online businesses
        • Delaware: C-Corps seeking VC, startups planning to scale, Fortune 500 track ★ Top pick for investor-ready startups and C-Corps
        • Florida: Businesses with physical operations in the Southeast that want no personal income tax Suitable for Florida-based operations
        • Texas: Product-based businesses, logistics, large physical operations Good for Texas-based operations
        • California: Businesses with California customers or physical presence (required) High cost — only recommended if you have CA nexus
        • New York: Businesses operating in NYC metro or Northeast corridor High cost — only recommended if you have NY nexus

        Entity Type Comparison

        Your entity type determines how you’re taxed, how you raise capital, and how your personal assets are protected. Select a type below to learn more.

        The right structure depends on your business model, your goals and where your investors are. This table is for orientation; the decision should be made against your own numbers.

        LLCC-CorpS-CorpPartnership
        TaxationPass-through; profits flow to owners’ personal returnsDouble taxation; at both company and shareholder levelPass-through; avoids double taxationPass-through; profit and loss flow to partners
        LiabilityLimited (personal assets protected)LimitedLimitedVaries by partnership type
        Owner / member structureSingle or multi-member; foreign owners allowedUnlimited shareholders; foreigners allowedRestricted; generally requires U.S. citizens or residentsAt least two partners
        Investment & capitalFlexible, but limited share issuanceBest for issuing shares; ideal for raising investmentLimited to one class of stockLess suited to traditional investment
        Ideal useSmall business, e-commerce, freelancersStartups, investment-driven growth, going publicEligible profiles seeking a tax advantageJoint ventures with multiple founders

        For most international founders the choice is between an LLC and a C-Corp. An LLC is simpler and pass-through, which suits e-commerce, consulting and service businesses. A C-Corp can issue stock, which is what venture investors expect. An S-Corp is generally unavailable to non-residents, because its shareholders must be U.S. citizens or residents.

        How to Form a U.S. Company: 7 Steps

        Forming a U.S. company takes seven steps and, in most states, 1–10 business days. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or hold a visa.

        1. Choose your entity type. An LLC is simpler and pass-through, which suits e-commerce, consulting and service businesses. A C-Corp can issue stock, which is what venture investors expect.
        2. Decide on the state. Filing cost, annual obligations and tax structure differ by state — the comparison table above puts the six most common choices side by side.
        3. Pick your company name and clear it. The name must not already be in use in your chosen state. Check it through that state’s secretary of state name search before filing.
        4. Appoint a registered agent. Every state requires an agent with a physical address there to receive legal and state correspondence on the company’s behalf.
        5. File the formation document with the state. Articles of Organization for an LLC, Articles of Incorporation for a corporation, together with the state filing fee.
        6. Get an EIN from the IRS. The federal tax ID is obtained with Form SS-4 and the application itself is free. Founders without an SSN apply by fax or mail rather than online.
        7. Open a business bank account and set up compliance. Once the account is open, put bookkeeping, any required licenses and — if you will hire — payroll registration in place.

        How Much Does It Cost to Form a U.S. Company?

        Short answer: the first-year cost of forming a U.S. LLC — state filing fee plus registered agent — is $150–$450 in most states. The EIN is free. California’s $800 minimum franchise tax and New York’s publication requirement push the total meaningfully higher.

        ItemFrequencyAmountNotes
        State filing feeOne-time~$70 – ~$300California ~$70 · Wyoming ~$100 · Delaware ~$110 · Florida ~$125 · New York ~$200 · Texas ~$300
        Registered agentAnnual~$50 – ~$300Required in every state
        EIN (federal tax ID)One-timeFreeIRS Form SS-4; a provider charges only for the service, not the filing
        ITIN (if needed)One-timeFree (IRS)Form W-7; a certified acceptance agent charges a service fee
        Annual report / franchise taxAnnual$0 – $800+Wyoming ~$60 · Delaware LLC $400 · Florida $138.75 · California minimum $800 · Texas exempt below the revenue threshold · New York $9 biennial
        Business bank accountOne-timeUsually $0Subject to the bank’s minimum balance and transaction terms
        Publication requirementOne-timeVaries by stateRequired for New York LLCs; cost varies significantly by county
        Accounting and tax filingsAnnualVariesForm 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 is due even in a year with no income

        The one item not in the table is advisory fees — and they are less about the formation itself than about setting up what comes after it correctly. A missed filing can cost more than every line above combined: failing to file Form 5472 carries a penalty of $25,000 per related party. Manay CPA handles formation and the ongoing compliance that follows, including international tax filings.

        What You Owe After Formation

        Forming the company is a one-time event; the filings that follow are not. From the day your entity is registered it carries recurring federal and state obligations — and they continue even in a year with no revenue. The table below covers what an international founder with a U.S. entity faces in the first year.

        FilingWho it applies toDeadlineIf missed
        Form 5472 with pro forma Form 1120Foreign-owned single-member LLCApril 15 (October 15 with extension)$25,000 per related party
        Form 1120C corporationApril 1521% federal tax plus late-filing penalties and interest
        Form 1065 and Schedules K-1Multi-member LLC or partnershipMarch 15Monthly penalty per partner
        Form 1040-NRNon-resident owner with U.S.-source incomeApril 15 or June 15Tax, penalties and interest
        State franchise tax and annual reportVaries by stateVaries by state (Delaware LLC: June 1; California: $800 minimum)Loss of good standing, administrative dissolution
        Registered agent renewalAll companiesAnnualService of process not received, administrative dissolution
        Payroll taxes (Form 941)Companies with U.S. employeesQuarterlyTrust fund recovery penalty — personal liability
        Sales taxSellers with nexus in a stateMonthly or quarterly by stateBack tax assessment plus penalties

        The calendar depends on your state, entity type and ownership structure. Manay CPA runs all of it from one place — bookkeeping, international tax filings and ongoing compliance — with a licensed CPA team.

        Flexible Structure. Pass-Through Taxation. Zero Restrictions on Foreign Ownership.

        The LLC is the most popular entity type for small businesses and international entrepreneurs entering the U.S. market. It offers personal asset protection, tax flexibility, and minimal operational formalities.

        • Pass-through taxation — profits taxed only at the personal level (10%–37%)

        • No board of directors or annual meeting requirements

        • No restrictions on foreign ownership — ideal for non-U.S. residents

        • Personal liability protection separates business debts from personal assets

        • Can be single-member or multi-member with flexible profit-sharing

        Square – LLC

        Built for Growth. Issue Stock. Attract Investors.

        The C-Corp is the preferred entity for startups seeking venture capital, companies planning to go public, and businesses that need to issue multiple classes of stock. It’s a separate legal entity with the strongest liability protections.

        • Flat 21% federal corporate tax rate on profits

        • Can issue common and preferred stock to raise capital

        • Preferred by VCs, accelerators, and institutional investors

        • Subject to double taxation: corporate profits + shareholder dividends

        • Requires board of directors, corporate minutes, and formal governance

        Square – C Corp

        Corporate Structure. Pass-Through Tax Benefits. Self-Employment Savings.

        The S-Corp election combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax efficiency of pass-through taxation. Owners can reduce self-employment tax by splitting income between salary and distributions.

        • Pass-through taxation — no corporate-level tax, avoids double taxation

        • Self-employment tax savings through salary/distribution split

        • Restricted to U.S. citizens and resident aliens only

        • Maximum 100 shareholders; no foreign or entity ownership

        • Requires reasonable salary, board meetings, and corporate minutes

        Square – S Corp

        Who We Serve

        We have been partnering with our clients since 2001.

        International Entrepreneurs

        Launching into the U.S. from abroad? We understand foreign ownership rules, non-resident EIN timelines, and treaty-based tax obligations.

        Growth-Stage Startups & E-Commerce

        From Amazon sellers to SaaS founders — we set up entity structures that account for multi-state nexus, investor readiness, and sales tax compliance.

        stablished Businesses Expanding to the U.S.

        Already operating abroad? We handle subsidiary formation, foreign qualification, and ongoing U.S. compliance for your stateside operations.

        Business Formation Services for Every Entrepreneur

        End-to-end company formation in the USA — from entity selection to tax setup and ongoing compliance.

        CPA-Guided Entity Selection

        Our licensed CPAs analyze your business model, income projections, and residency status to recommend the right entity. No guesswork.

        CPA-Guided Entity Selection

        Our licensed CPAs analyze your business model, income projections, and residency status to recommend the right entity. No guesswork.

        Tax-Optimized State Filing

        Delaware, Wyoming, Florida, or your home state? We match you to the jurisdiction that minimizes costs and maximizes compliance.

        LLC Formation

        Flexible structure with pass-through taxation and liability protection. Ideal for startups, freelancers, and small businesses seeking simplicity.

        C-Corp Formation

        The preferred entity for venture-backed startups and companies planning to issue stock. We handle Articles of Incorporation and all state filings.

        EIN & Federal Tax ID

        Your Employer Identification Number is required for banking, hiring, and tax filing. We manage the complete IRS application process.

        Registered Agent Service

        A Registered Agent receives legal and government documents on your behalf. Our team keeps your business in good standing across all 50 states.

        End-to-End Compliance SupportOperating Agreement & Bylaws

        We draft your Operating Agreement (LLC) or Corporate Bylaws (Corp) — defining ownership, management, and member responsibilities.

        Compliance Calendar Setup

        Never miss a deadline. We configure your annual report dates, tax filing dates, franchise tax due dates, and all state-specific requirements.

        Burcu Manay

        Let Our CPA Team Build Your Formation Roadmap — Tailored to Your Business Goals

        Forming Your Company with a Georgia CPA

        Entity choice, EIN, state registrations and the first year of filings — we walk owners through all of it from our Marietta, GA headquarters in Cobb County and our Atlanta, GA office. We form companies in every state, not only Georgia.

        MANAY CPA PLATFORM

        Post-Formation Services

        Formation is just the beginning. Manay CPA supports your business at every stage — from your first transaction to your annual tax return.

        FAQ

        Frequently Asked Questions

        What’s the best marketing automation tool for my business?

        You should consider adopting any marketing automation tool that will improve processes and drive revenue for your business. Make sure you find ones suited to your needs. For example, B2B and B2C businesses may benefit from different marketing automation software.

        You should consider adopting any marketing automation tool that will improve processes and drive revenue for your business. Make sure you find ones suited to your needs. For example, B2B and B2C businesses may benefit from different marketing automation software.

        You should consider adopting any marketing automation tool that will improve processes and drive revenue for your business. Make sure you find ones suited to your needs. For example, B2B and B2C businesses may benefit from different marketing automation software.

        You should consider adopting any marketing automation tool that will improve processes and drive revenue for your business. Make sure you find ones suited to your needs. For example, B2B and B2C businesses may benefit from different marketing automation software.

        You should consider adopting any marketing automation tool that will improve processes and drive revenue for your business. Make sure you find ones suited to your needs. For example, B2B and B2C businesses may benefit from different marketing automation software.

        Do you have other questions?