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US LLC for Consultants and Agencies (Non-Residents)

A US LLC gives you professional credibility with US clients, access to US payment tools, and a clean, tax-transparent business structure.

Form a US LLC Banking for US LLCs

Who this guide is for

  • Freelancers and consultants with US clients who want a US business entity
  • Marketing, design, and development agencies serving US-based companies
  • Remote workers and digital nomads who want to structure their work professionally
  • Consultants who face resistance from US enterprise clients about paying foreign entities

The practical problem

US enterprise clients and mid-market companies often resist paying foreign entities for services: procurement processes require W-9 forms (US tax ID), compliance teams flag non-US business addresses, and payment processes can be slower for international wires. A US LLC eliminates these friction points: you get a US address, an EIN (for W-9 compliance), and a US bank account — making you indistinguishable from a US-based service provider in all practical respects.

Your options

Wyoming LLC

No state income tax, low annual fees, excellent banking credibility, strong privacy. Best all-around choice for consultants and agencies.

Delaware LLC

Maximum institutional credibility. Preferred by enterprise legal teams that recognize Delaware's well-established corporate law. Higher costs but worth it for enterprise-focused agencies.

Documents typically needed

Common mistakes to avoid

How Nomadic Go helps

Nomadic Go forms your US LLC in Wyoming or Delaware, provides a 12-month registered agent address, and helps you get your EIN. We also coordinate US bank account opening. We do not provide US tax advice.

Form a US LLC

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay US taxes on consulting income billed through my US LLC?

If your services are performed entirely outside the US, the income is generally not 'effectively connected income' and is not US-taxable. However, US tax law is complex and depends on facts and circumstances. Consult a US CPA familiar with non-resident taxation. Nomadic Go does not provide tax advice.

What is a W-9 and why do US clients ask for it?

A W-9 is an IRS form where you provide your entity name, address, and EIN to a US client. They use it to report payments to the IRS on a 1099. Without a W-9, many US enterprise clients cannot pay you under their procurement process.

How do I invoice US clients from my LLC?

Create invoices with your LLC name, registered address, and EIN. Clients pay via ACH to your Mercury or Relay account, or via wire. Invoicing tools like Wave, FreshBooks, or QuickBooks all support US LLC invoicing with no special setup.

Do I need an operating agreement even as the sole member of an LLC?

Yes. Banks and clients ask for it. An operating agreement confirms ownership structure, management authority, and operating rules. Without one, Mercury and most EMIs decline account applications even from single-member LLCs.

Can I form a US LLC if I have never been to the United States?

Yes. US LLC formation is fully remote. You do not need to visit the US to form the LLC, obtain an EIN, open a Mercury or Wise Business account, or activate Stripe. The entire process can be completed from anywhere in the world.

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Form a US LLC