Operating Agreements for U.S. LLCs: What You Need to Know

An operating agreement is the internal governance document for a limited liability company. It records how the LLC is owned, managed and financed; how important decisions are made; and what should happen if ownership or circumstances change. It is normally kept with the company’s records rather than filed as a public formation document. State requirements […]

How to Get an EIN for Your U.S. Business

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It identifies a business or other entity for federal tax administration. The IRS issues EINs free of charge. What an EIN is used for Depending on the entity and its activities, an EIN may be needed to: […]

Which State Should I Form My LLC In?

Delaware, Wyoming and Nevada are frequently promoted as the best places to form a U.S. LLC. For many owner-managed businesses, the more useful question is simpler: where will the company actually operate? The formation state affects filing fees, annual reports, registered-agent requirements, state taxes and the rules that govern the LLC. Forming in a well-known […]

What Is an LLC? A Simple Guide for Starting a Business in the USA

A limited liability company, usually called an LLC, is a business entity created under state law. It is popular because it can combine liability separation with flexible ownership and management. For an international founder, however, the legal entity is only one layer: federal tax classification, state compliance and cross-border reporting must also be considered. What […]

LLC, Corporation or Sole Proprietor: Choosing the Right U.S. Business Structure

Choosing a U.S. business structure is not simply an administrative decision. It affects personal liability, federal and state tax treatment, ownership, fundraising, ongoing compliance and, for an international founder, how the business fits into a broader immigration strategy. The familiar options are a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (LLC) and a corporation. Each can […]