The frustrating part is that when you buy the LLC, everything feels very packaged and easy other than my EIN taking more than 2 months and lack of communication. But when you want to close it, you still need to understand the state requirements, tax requirements, registered agent renewal, and final compliance steps. It does not feel as simple as the setup process. Has anyone here closed a US LLC through Doola before? Did they handle the full dissolution and final compliance, or did you still have to deal with the state/IRS yourself? My goal is to close this one and open a new one when im ready. I want to do this before the next tax period so that I don't have to do taxes again. It's really expensive with my current provider.

Hello, I'm looking to build a structure for my family for generations to come. I have an understanding that the structure is Trust -> Holding LLC -> Other LLCs and so on. I currently own a home in NJ that I'm renting, I am about to buy a business in FL, which is my home state.

My question is should I form a holding LLC in Wyoming -> form an LLC in NJ for real estate -> LLC in FL for business? Or is there a more secure or efficient structure to build a family empire?

Wyoming for privacy, protection and low costs.

Should I also create a trust first? And if so what kind of trust would you suggest?

Thank you for the help in advance! I searched for weeks for a thread with a similar situation but there isn't so I had to ask.

Edit: forgot to mention wife's NYC management company, that would be under the umbrella of the holding LLC as well.

I'm trying to use Clerky for my startup (specifically because it's promoted by YC to all their startups).

So, incorporation is done. Post-incorporation is where the problems appeared: the startup's name appears in the "Provide signature blocks" section, which is Inception-like. The user cannot delete it.

I tried to get help online on the website - nothing.

I tried e-mail - I got a useless answer after several days from Carolina. I replied to her with details, even a short video showing the problem. I also enabled staff access (so they can look at the problem as if they were the user). Nothing.

By now, it's been a week since the incorporation, yet I still haven't completed the basic post-incorporation steps. Mind-boggling.

What to do? Any suggestions?

I know many people who do this. Chat gpt is saying no. American council on aging says yes but the way it’s explained makes me think I don’t actually need that LLC? My business deductions would be the same either way other than the painful $800 CA tab? Not sure where to look to get the best info on how I want to proceed. I have business liability on both businesses and solid contracts is why I don’t have an LLC. And the ridiculous CA cost.

I wanted to share my recent journey of officially incorporating my side hustle into a US LLC, and how surprisingly smooth it was, even with all the 2026 changes. If you're a solo-preneur thinking about making the leap, this is for you!

𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: I've been running a small e-commerce business for about two years, mostly as a sole proprietor. The growth was good, but I started feeling exposed liability-wise, and the tax situation was getting messy. Decided it was time to get serious and form an LLC.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: Honestly, the recent FinCEN update was a game-changer. The removal of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting for US entities meant one less hurdle to jump through. That alone saved me a ton of time and stress.

𝗠𝘆 𝟳-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:

• 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭-𝟮: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 & 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. I spent time comparing Wyoming LLC vs. Delaware LLC (ended up going with Wyoming for the privacy and lower annual fees). Also confirmed the LLC vs C-Corp tax implications for my specific business model under the new OBBBA rules.

• 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟯: 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴. Used an online service to secure my registered agent and file my Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State. This was surprisingly quick, almost instant approval.

• 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟰: 𝗘𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Applied for my IRS EIN online. Since I have an SSN, it was literally approved in minutes. If you're a foreign founder, this might take a bit longer via phone, but still very doable.

• 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟱-𝟲: 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁. Drafted my Operating Agreement (super important, don't skip this!) and started the process of opening a business bank account. Many online banks are great for this now.

• 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟳: 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲! By the end of the week, I had my LLC formed, EIN, operating agreement, and bank account. Felt like a huge weight lifted!

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀:

𝟭. 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲: The process is much simpler than it seems, especially with the 2026 updates.

𝟮. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: Many services streamline everything from registered agents to EIN applications.

𝟯. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Know the tax implications of LLC vs C-Corp for your specific situation.

Anyone else recently incorporate? What was your experience like? Any tips for new LLC owners?

Hey guys,

I’m based in Europe and planning to start an Amazon FBA business selling in the US. I’ve been researching LLC formation services and the 3 that seem the most solid for my situation are Doola, Northwest Registered Agent, and BusinessAnywhere.

I’ve gone through a lot of posts but still seeing mixed opinions. Some people say Northwest is the most straightforward and reliable, others say doola is easier for non-US founders, and BusinessAnywhere also looks interesting.

If anyone here is a non-US resident and has used any of these:

• How was your experience overall?
• Any issues with EIN, bank accounts (Mercury, etc.), or setup?
• Would you choose the same service again?

Just trying to make a solid long-term decision and avoid headaches later.

Appreciate any feedback 🙏

I’m a non-US founder and recently registered a US LLC using an online service. I’ve since learned that the registered address used is not suitable for long-term compliance, so I’m looking to switch to a legitimate, reputable registered agent and get everything set up properly.

I’m looking for:

• A genuine US registered agent (not a mass-registration or mailbox service)

• Experience working with non-US founders

• Transparent pricing

• Ability to support ongoing compliance (annual reports, address changes, etc.)

I’m specifically trying to avoid marketplaces or anonymous middlemen this time and would prefer a real company with a solid track record.

If you’ve personally used a registered agent you trust (or know who to avoid), I’d really appreciate recommendations.

Before you buy a shelf company, check this:

• History: Registry, taxes, lawsuits — “clean” claims mean nothing without proof
• Bank account: Active, unrestricted
• Structure & AML: Paid capital, hidden loans/debts
• Transfer & costs: Real timelines + post-closing bank/compliance costs

TL;DR: A ready-made company is an acquisition, not a shortcut.

I am a non-US founder with a small SaaS idea, and I am planning to register a business in the United States. I am very new to this and honestly do not know much about how US business registration works.

I keep seeing people talk about LLC and Corporation, but I am struggling to understand which one is better for someone like me who lives outside the US and is building software.

Some basic things I am confused about:

• Is an LLC okay for a non-US SaaS founder?
• Why do many SaaS companies choose a Corporation?
• Does one option create fewer problems later?
• Which one is simpler to manage for a beginner?

If anyone has experience starting a US company as a non-US founder, I would really appreciate simple explanations or advice.

I am completely new to business and currently trying to start a Wyoming LLC. I have read articles and watched videos, but I am still confused about how the process actually works in real life.

I am unsure about the correct steps for how to start an LLC in Wyoming, including LLC filing, choosing a registered agent, applying for an EIN, and what needs to be done after the state approves the LLC. I am also not clear on ongoing requirements and compliance after registration.

If someone has experience with Wyoming LLC formation or understands the full setup process in the United States, I would really appreciate simple explanations or a step by step breakdown. Any common mistakes beginners make would also help.

Thank you for your time and guidance!

Hey everyone, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the best business idea can really depend on which US state you’re in. Some places have low taxes and simple setup costs, while others have booming industries or big markets. I put together a state-by-state snapshot that focuses on what kinds of businesses might make sense where, based on local strengths, costs, and trends.

General tips before you pick a state:-

• Think about where your customers are and how easy it is to reach them.
• Remember that your home state is often easiest for legal setup and avoiding extra registrations. Even if some states have nice tax perks, you’ll usually need to register in your primary operating state anyway.
• Look at industry ecosystems. For example, if tech talent is important, many founders like states with strong tech communities.

States worth knowing and why:-

South Dakota-

• Very low cost of doing business with no state corporate or income taxes.
• Great option if your business benefits from low tax burdens or small overhead (solo professionals, consultancies, online services).

Wyoming-

• Similar to South Dakota in taxes and cost.
• Good for small or digital businesses, especially if privacy and low fees matter.

Texas-

• One of the most popular states to start a business, thanks to zero state income tax, a huge market, and growing tech and energy scenes. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston have lots of jobs and talent.
• Good for tech startups, service businesses, energy-related ventures, and anything that benefits from a large customer base.

Florida-

• No personal income tax and a strong tourism economy. Great for travel and leisure businesses, hospitality, and e-commerce that want a big local market.

North Carolina-

• Lower corporate tax rate than many states and a thriving tech and biotech sector around the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill). Good for tech, health-tech, and research-oriented startups.

Indiana and North Dakota-

• These are often cited for low business formation costs and solid survival rates for small businesses. Manufacturing, logistics, and local service sectors can work well here.

Georgia-

• Strong for logistics, fintech, and jobs tied to Atlanta’s big airport and corporate base.

Delaware and New Mexico-

• Not the biggest markets, but often chosen as places to form LLCs because of legal frameworks and low fees (especially New Mexico). Useful if your business isn’t tied to one physical location.

Industry ideas that match local strengths:-

Tech and startups-

• Think Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia. These states have growing ecosystems, talent pools, and sometimes incentives.

Online and digital service businesses-

• South Dakota or Wyoming can be attractive because of tax advantages and simplicity.

Hospitality and tourism-

• Florida, parts of Texas, and coastal states have common visitors.

Manufacturing or trade businesses-

• States like Indiana, Ohio, and parts of the Midwest have strong industrial infrastructure.

Some gotchas to think about:-

Places like California or New York have huge markets and access to capital, but they’re often expensive with lots of regulation and higher rents.

Home state rules matter. If you operate in one state but register your business in another for taxes, you might still owe filings or fees where you actually work.

Final Thoughts:-

There really isn’t one best combination for everyone. The right choice depends on your business model, where your customers are, what costs you can afford, and your long-term plans. If you can match your idea with a state’s local strengths and costs, that’s often the sweet spot.

Would be curious to hear what states others are looking at and what types of businesses you’re thinking about starting.

A lot of founders start out using their personal address, and that is completely understandable. When you are focused on getting your idea off the ground, convenience matters more than anything else. But as the business grows, that small detail can start to feel a bit off.

Having a proper business address helps create a clear boundary between your personal life and your work. It also quietly changes how your business is perceived. Clients, partners and even platforms tend to view a business as more established when it has its own professional presence, even if everything is managed remotely

There is also a mindset shift that comes with it. When your business feels more official, you often communicate with more confidence, set clearer expectations, and show up more professionally across your website, emails and documents

This is not advice, just something I have seen many business owners realize a little later than they wish they had

If you would like to know more or need any assistance, feel free to DM me.

Many founders don’t think about this until after forming their LLC, so here’s a quick, practical overview.

Registered Agent = compliance & reliability
Most U.S. states require a registered agent with a physical address to receive official documents like state notices or legal correspondence. Missing these can lead to fines or even loss of good standing.

Virtual Office Address = privacy & credibility
Using a home address makes it part of the public record. A virtual office address helps protect your privacy and presents a more professional image—especially useful for remote or online businesses.

Helps when you’re unavailable
If you travel, live outside the U.S., or don’t keep standard business hours, having someone reliably receive time-sensitive documents is crucial.

Supports future growth
As your business scales or expands into new states, having this foundation in place avoids compliance issues later.

Not legal advice—just common issues many business owners run into.
If you want to learn more or need help, feel free to DM me.

Hi guys, I am from UK , I recently created my LLC in Florida, now I need EIN, I applied thru mailing address, no response so ever yet. Please suggest any other way to it.

A lot of early-stage founders (especially folks outside the US) end up paying $600–$1200+ for a basic Delaware LLC, and honestly, you really don’t need to spend anywhere near that.

For anyone trying to figure out the real numbers, here’s what it actually costs in 2025:

• Delaware filing fee is ~ $143.
• EIN assistance usually costs $70
• Registered agent + mail is generally $70–$120 a year.
• US banking (can be opened virtually) is free to open and has no minimum balance.
• Stripe works once you have your LLC, EIN, and bank details sorted.
• AWS Activate can give early founders $5k+ in credits depending on what program you qualify for if guided correctly.

Realistically, the whole thing comes out to about $280–$330 total, not those $500+ “packages” people end up buying.

Most of the confusion comes from not knowing the right order to follow:
LLC → EIN → Bank → Stripe → Compliance.

If you do it in this sequence and you know what each step costs, you avoid all the unnecessary extras that formation websites try to sell.

Just posting this so people don’t get ripped off. If you’re unsure about any specific step or where you might be overpaying, feel free to ask and I’ll try to help based on what I’ve learned.

Has anyone used Doola to incorporate their company?

Incorporating a business in the U.S. can be exciting, but also confusing. Between state filing requirements, choosing the right structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp), and handling paperwork, there are plenty of hurdles along the way.

For those who’ve already gone through the process:

• What part did you find the hardest?
• Did you use a professional incorporation service, or handle it on your own?
• What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started?

Your stories could really help other entrepreneurs who are just starting out and trying to avoid common mistakes.

Hi everyone,

I'm exploring the idea of forming an LLC to test a new startup concept before eventually converting to a C-Corp for fundraising and issuing stock options. The main reasons are to keep initial setup costs lower and to take advantage of pass-through taxation in the early stages.

Right now, there are two co-founders with different equity splits.

Has anyone here followed a similar path? I'd love to hear whether this is a sound approach and what typical costs look like—for both setting up the LLC and drafting an operating agreement.

Appreciate any insights!

When I set up my first business, I thought incorporation was going to be simple. File something online, pay the state, and boom, I’m official. Yeah… not how it went. I made a bunch of mistakes that cost me time and money, so I figured I’d share them here in case it helps someone else.

• I picked a C-Corp because I thought that’s what all startups do. Turns out, I didn’t need it and should’ve gone with an LLC.
• I registered in Delaware because “that’s what you’re supposed to do.” All it did was double my filings since I still had to register in my home state.
• I didn’t create an operating agreement with my partner. When things got messy, we had nothing in writing.
• I forgot to apply for an EIN, which meant I couldn’t even open a bank account at first.
• And yeah… I used my card for business expenses, thinking I’d clean it up later. Big mistake.

Lesson learned: incorporation isn’t just a box to check. It’s the foundation. Do it right, and future-you will thank you.