How to Start a Company in the U.S. (2025 Guide) + Free Fillable Business Forms
Starting a company in the U.S. is one of the smartest ways to gain access to the world’s largest economy. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a foreign entrepreneur, or a startup founder looking to expand globally, starting a company in the U.S. opens doors to unlimited opportunities.
But here’s the catch: the process of opening a company in the U.S. involves legal paperwork, IRS registration, and decisions that could impact your taxes and liability.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to start a company in the U.S. in 2025—including free fillable business forms you can download from Formtify and use right away.
Why Start a Company in the U.S.?
- Access to a stable legal and financial system
- Trusted reputation with global clients
- Easier access to payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Ability to raise venture capital from U.S. investors
- Lower corporate taxes in some states like Wyoming or Delaware
No wonder tens of thousands of international founders open companies in the U.S. every year.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
Before you can register a company in the U.S., you need to choose your legal entity:
1. LLC (Limited Liability Company)
- Most popular for small businesses
- Offers liability protection
- Simple tax reporting
Need a ready-to-use LLC agreement? Download it here.
2. Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)
- Better for startups planning to raise investment
- Allows stock options
3. Sole Proprietorship
Not recommended due to lack of liability protection.
Step 2: Select a State for Incorporation
Most founder-friendly states include:
- Delaware – Investor-friendly
- Wyoming – Low fees, privacy
- Florida – No state income tax
You don’t need to live in the U.S. to form a company. Learn more in our Delaware LLC formation guide.
Step 3: Register Your Company
File your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation with the state. Use these templates:
Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS
Required for banking and taxes. Apply online or use Formtify’s template: SS-4 Fillable EIN Form.
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Even if not required, banks and partners will expect this. Try these:
Start a Company in the U.S. as a Non-Resident
Yes, it’s possible. Use a registered agent and U.S. address. Helpful templates:
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong business structure
- No Operating Agreement
- No EIN
- Not separating personal and business funds
- Missing compliance filings
Avoid these with our full set of U.S. business templates.
Free Fillable Forms to Start a Company
| Form | Link |
|---|---|
| LLC Articles of Organization | Download |
| Operating Agreement – Single Member | Fill Online |
| EIN Application (SS-4) | View Form |
| Statement of Organizer | Download |
| Bylaws Template | View |
Why Use Formtify?
- 100% free and fillable templates
- No sign-up required
- Updated for 2025 U.S. business laws
- Trusted by professionals, founders, agencies
Explore all Formtify business tools or check our business startup blog archive.
Final Thoughts
Ready to turn your idea into a business? Don’t let paperwork hold you back. Use Formtify to get started with legally ready free fillable forms to start a company in the U.S..
