Starting a US LLC as a UK LTD

[ThatDevAaron]

Hi, I wanted to learn a little bit about starting a US LLC, which would be a subsidiary company to our current UK LTD.

My primary questions:

• Could we do this without having someone in the US assisting us?
• Can we do this with near to no US presence, such as, no office (virtual office), etc, just the barebones, whatever that may be.

Thanks a lot, I look forward to hearing back.

 

[fisicx]

There are loads of agents in the US that can do this for you. The rules depends on which state you choose but in general you need an address for filing, then registration with the IRS, bank account and employee registration. The agent does everything for you. All you have to do is pay the bills and taxes.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

There are loads of agents in the US that can do this for you. The rules depends on which state you choose but in general you need an address for filing, then registration with the IRS, bank account and employee registration. The agent does everything for you. All you have to do is pay the bills and taxes.

Any rough idea on how much the startup would cost with the agent? And are there any you can recommend?

 

[fisicx]

No idea about costs but Google has adverts running for agents who can do everything for $199. How realistic this is I don't know. I suspect the full costs will be somewhat higher.

I seem to recall a thread here some years ago where the IRS prosecuted the UK owner because the agent hadn't filed the tax return correctly or something. It meant the UK chap would have been arrested should they attempt to enter the US.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Could we do this without having someone in the US assisting us?

Possibly, but I wouldn't recommend this.

You will need to ensure any LLC meets local laws and regulations (including insurance) - this can vary wildly from one state to another! Therefore essential to have a local professional in the state you are seting up the LLC.

Can we do this with near to no US presence, such as, no office (virtual office), etc, just the barebones, whatever that may be.

Yes - I have client's who have no US employees and a US Virtual Office address only.


Also - You need to consider your contracts. I assume your LLC will be the contracted party - as such contracts are likely to be under US law/jurisdiction. Customers are likely to insist on the LLC having its own Insurance policy (In the UK, Professional Indemnity Insurance policies for the UK Parent co can usually be extended to include a US LLC subsidiary).

 

[ThatDevAaron]

No idea about costs but Google has adverts running for agents who can do everything for $199. How realistic this is I don't know. I suspect the full costs will be somewhat higher.

I seem to recall a thread here some years ago where the IRS prosecuted the UK owner because the agent hadn't filed the tax return correctly or something. It meant the UK chap would have been arrested should they attempt to enter the US.

I see. If we do decide to open the US LLC, I'd probably go to the extra extent to definitely hire an accountant to deal with everything TAX related.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

Possibly, but I wouldn't recommend this.

You will need to ensure any LLC meets local laws and regulations (including insurance) - this can vary wildly from one state to another! Therefore essential to have a local professional in the state you are seting up the LLC.



Yes - I have client's who have no US employees and a US Virtual Office address only.


Also - You need to consider your contracts. I assume your LLC will be the contracted party - as such contracts are likely to be under US law/jurisdiction. Customers are likely to insist on the LLC having its own Insurance policy (In the UK, Professional Indemnity Insurance policies for the UK Parent co can usually be extended to include a US LLC subsidiary).

I see, I'll certainly look more into how this would work. Any useful resources you recommend for learning more?

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

I see, I'll certainly look more into how this would work. Any useful resources you recommend for learning more?

I know some clients have used Vistra to set up their overseas operations and for overseas Accounting/Tax support: https://www.vistra.com/corporate/international-expansion

 

[Ray272]

Any rough idea on how much the startup would cost with the agent? And are there any you can recommend?

Hi, do you mind telling us a bit about what you do and the types of companies that use the services you offer?

 

[fisicx]

Hi, do you mind telling us a bit about what you do and the types of companies that use the services you offer?

It’s in their profile

 

[NickZ]

Elon ran away from Delaware. For him Texas is better.
Do you plan on having an office in the US?

 

[ThatDevAaron]

Elon ran away from Delaware. For him Texas is better.
Do you plan on having an office in the US?

nope, maybe a virtual one at most for domestic mail.