Can you form a US LLC without having an American address?

Yes, it's possible. You'll need a registered agent in the state where you form. They provide a physical address. Also, you might need a virtual mailbox for business mail. Many services offer this.

i did this last year. Used a registered agent service in Wyoming. They gave me a US address for the LLC. For my own mailing, I use a virtual address. Works fine. Just make sure you understand the tax implications.

Wait, you you don't need a physical address? I thought you had to have a real office. So I've been overpaying for a coworking space for nothing?

No, you don't need a physical office. Registered agent address is sufficient for legal requirements. But some banks might want a physical address for account opening. That's a hurdle.

Banks are the real pain. Most traditional banks require a US address and sometimes in-person verification. Fintech solutions like Mercury or Wise might work better for non-residents.

Mercury work ed for me. No US address needed, just my European one. But they ask for a lot of documents. Still, it's doable.

So you're saying you can form an LLC with just a registered agent address? What about the EIN? I heard you need an SSN or ITIN to get one. That's the catch.

You can get an EIN without SSN by filing Form SS-4 via fax. It takes longer but works. Many non-residents do it.

I used a service called 'Startup Inc' that handled everything including registered agent and EIN. Cost a few hundred bucks but saved me the headache. Worth it if you're not comfortable with paperwork.

So basically you pay someone to be your address. Seems like a loophole. But I guess that's how it works. What about sales tax? If you sell in the US, you might need to register in each state. That's a nightmare.

Sales tax is separate. If you have inventory in a US warehouse (like Amazon FBA), you create nexus in that state. Otherwise, economic nexus thresholds vary. It's complex. Consult a CPA.

Also, remember that a US LLC is a pass-through entity for tax purposes if you're a non-resident. You might not owe US tax if you have no US-source income, but you still have to file. Don't skip that.

So to sum up: registered agent address, virtual mailbox, fintech bank, EIN via fax, and a CPA for taxes. Sounds like a lot of hoops. Is it really worth it for a small e-commerce?

Depends on your scale. If you're selling internationally, a US LLC can add credibility and simplify payments. But if you're just starting, maybe test with a sole prop first.

Also consider privacy. Some states like Wyoming offer more anonymity. But don't expect total secrecy. It's doable but requires due diligence.