US LLCs from India in 2026: Remote Formation & Banking Guide

A US LLC provides access to the world's largest consumer market. It simplifies onboarding with popular platforms like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify, which often prefer US-based entities.

Establishing a US presence also enhances your business's international credibility. This can be crucial when attracting US customers, investors, or partners who prefer to transact with a US entity. It helps streamline payment processing and reduces potential withholding taxes when operating internationally, though specific tax treaties should be reviewed.

Wyoming and Delaware remain the top choices for non-US resident LLCs in 2026. Wyoming offers strong privacy protection, as member information is not publicly listed. Its $50 annual report fee is also low.

Delaware is widely recognized for its corporate-friendly legal system and Court of Chancery. This is appealing for startups seeking venture capital. However, it charges an annual franchise tax of $300, and LLC member details are not as private as in Wyoming. For most Indian founders who do not seek immediate VC funding, Wyoming is often the more cost-effective and private option.

The entire LLC formation process can be completed from India. You will need a registered agent service in your chosen state. This agent receives legal and tax documents on your LLC's behalf.

Once your LLC is registered with the state, you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is crucial for opening a bank account and filing taxes. Bastion Formations can assist with both the state filing and EIN application process.

As an Indian founder without a US SSN or ITIN, you can still obtain an EIN. The IRS Form SS-4 is used for this purpose. You must clearly indicate 'non-US citizen' in the application.

The most reliable method for non-residents is to fax or mail your completed Form SS-4 directly to the IRS. Processing times vary, but typically take 2-4 weeks by fax, or longer by mail. The IRS does not offer an online EIN application for those without an SSN.

Opening a US business bank account from India requires specific fintech solutions. Traditional US banks typically require an in-person visit or a US resident director. Mercury and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are excellent options.

Mercury offers FDIC-insured accounts for US companies that have no US ties. You need your EIN and formation documents. Their online application process is straightforward. Wise provides a multi-currency account with US bank details, useful for receiving USD payments and converting to INR at competitive rates. Both integrate well with Stripe and other payment processors.

With your US LLC and EIN, activating a Stripe account becomes straightforward for your Indian business. Stripe requires a US entity, an EIN, and a US bank account. This setup allows you to accept credit card payments globally.

Ensure your US physical address (provided by your registered agent or a virtual mailbox service) matches your Stripe application details. Be prepared to provide additional KYC (Know Your Customer) documents for your identity, as an Indian resident, which Stripe may request during the onboarding process.

Most single-member LLCs owned by non-US residents are 'disregarded entities' for US tax purposes. This means the LLC itself does not pay federal income tax. Instead, the owner reports income and expenses on their personal tax return in India.

However, even if no US federal income tax is owed, two crucial IRS forms must be filed annually: Form 5472 (Information Return of a 25% Foreign-Owned US Corporation) and a pro forma Form 1120 (US Corporation Income Tax Return). Failure to file Form 5472 incurs a minimum $25,000 penalty. State annual reports and registered agent fees are also ongoing compliance requirements.