Knowledge Base
US Law for Founders.
Plain English.
18 expert guides on formation, taxes, banking, and compliance — written for international entrepreneurs, not lawyers.
18 guides
Understanding Federal Tax Obligations for Foreign-Owned LLCs: Form 5472, 1120, and FBAR
Complete guide to Form 5472, Form 1120, and FBAR for foreign LLC owners. Deadlines, penalties, and filing requirements explained with practical examples.
LLC Owner Distributions: How to Pay Yourself and Keep Your Corporate Veil Intact
When to take owner draws vs. S-Corp distributions, the quarterly estimated tax calendar, the most common commingling mistakes that destroy liability protection, and how to transition to S-Corp payroll.
S-Corp Election Deep Dive: Form 2553, Reasonable Salary, and the $50,000 Profit Threshold
The exact Form 2553 filing deadline, how to define a defensible reasonable salary, what running S-Corp payroll actually costs, and the hidden state-level taxes that change the math.
LLC Owner Draws and Quarterly Estimated Taxes: Avoiding the April Surprise
How Single-Member LLC owners calculate and pay quarterly estimated taxes (Form 1040-ES), the exact payment deadlines, the underpayment penalty rate, and the step-by-step process for executing draws without triggering IRS issues.
Single-Member LLC Owner Draws: The Documentation System That Protects Your Liability Shield
How to set up a bulletproof owner draw process for your SMLLC — the 30% tax reserve rule, memo line requirements, draw frequency best practices, and how to avoid commingling funds.
How to Cut Your US Tax Bill: S-Corp Election, Section 199A QBI, and Section 179
Three legal strategies to reduce your US business tax burden — the S-Corp salary/distribution split, the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction, and Section 179 equipment expensing.
How to Pay Zero US Federal Tax on Your LLC as a Non-Resident Foreign Founder
The ETBUS test explained, Form 5472 and 1040-NR filing requirements, foreign-source income rules, W-8BEN for US clients, and state selection strategy for non-resident LLC owners.
LLC vs. S-Corp: The Tax Election That Could Save You $10,000 a Year
When to elect S-Corp status, the exact break-even profit threshold, how the 60/40 salary-to-distribution split works, what counts as reasonable compensation, and how to file Form 2553.
How Non-Residents Can Legally Receive US Payments Without Opening a US Bank Account
Alternative payment pathways for foreign-owned LLCs: Stripe, PayPal, Wise Business, ACH-enabled fintech accounts, and invoicing platforms that settle to foreign bank accounts — with setup steps, fees, and compliance tips.
How to Pay Yourself from Your LLC: Owner Draws, S-Corp Salaries, and IRS Compliance
Complete guide to LLC owner draws and S-Corp salary distributions — how your tax classification determines the method, how to avoid the audit triggers, and the exact S-Corp break-even threshold.
How Non-Residents Can Open a US Business Bank Account Without Flying to the USA
A step-by-step guide covering remote-friendly banks, required documentation (EIN, formation docs, passport, proof of address), and fintech workarounds for non-resident founders.
How to Choose the Best US State for Your Foreign LLC: Wyoming vs Delaware vs Nevada
A detailed comparison of the top three states for forming an LLC as a non-US founder, covering annual fees, privacy protection, filing requirements, and state taxes.
LLC vs. C-Corp: Choosing the Right Business Structure for Your US Startup
Side-by-side comparison of LLC and C-Corp — pass-through taxation, double taxation, VC investor requirements, Section 1202 QSBS, self-employment tax, and when each structure wins.
How Non-US Founders Can Open a US Business Bank Account Without Flying to the USA
A comprehensive guide for non-US founders on opening a US business bank account remotely. Covers options, required documents, and step-by-step instructions for Mercury, Relay, and Wise.
How to Form a Delaware LLC as a Non-US Resident: 2025 Cost Guide
Complete breakdown of Delaware LLC formation costs for non-US founders — state filing fees, registered agents, EIN, annual franchise tax, and total first-year estimates.
How Non-Residents Can Obtain an ITIN and Use It for US Tax Filing
A comprehensive step-by-step guide for foreign founders on obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), including required documents, Form W-7 walkthrough, submission options, and how to use it for US tax filing.
Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Beneficial Ownership Reporting for Foreign-Owned LLCs: Deadlines, Exemptions, Penalties
An in-depth explanation of the CTA's BOI reporting requirements for LLCs formed by non-US persons: who is a beneficial owner, FinCEN filing timelines, exemptions, and civil/criminal penalties for non-compliance.
Foreign-Owned LLC Annual Report Guide: State-by-State Requirements for 2025
Complete state-by-state breakdown of annual report filing deadlines, fees, online portals, and penalties for foreign-owned LLCs. Includes tips for filing from outside the US.
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