How to Register a Business in the USA Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting your own business can be the first step toward greater financial independence, the pursuit of a dream, and more flexibility in how you spend your time. The U.S. is a popular destination for business formation—not just for residents, but for foreign founders looking to expand their operations or access the legal and financial advantages of U.S. business structures.
It’s a common adage: every successful business starts with a good idea. But turning that idea into a registered company requires some forethought. This guide walks through the most important considerations for getting your business up and running using accessible online tools and resources. Whether you’re based in the U.S. or operating from abroad, the process can be handled entirely online.
We’ll also explain the advantages of using Slash’s business banking platform to manage your company’s finances.¹ Slash offers corporate cards, treasury, and financial tools to registered business owners with an EIN, including enhanced FDIC insurance, integrated high-yield treasury, and up to 2% cashback on card spending.², ⁶ For founders outside the U.S. who aren’t yet ready to form an entity, the Slash Global USD account provides access to global payment rails (ACH, wire, and cryptocurrency) along with a U.S. bank account and routing number without requiring a U.S. business entity.³, ⁴
The standard in finance
Slash goes above with better controls, better rewards, and better support for your business.
Step 1: Choose your business structure and state
The first decision you’ll need to make is which type of business structure to use. This choice shapes everything from your taxes to your liability exposure and ongoing administrative requirements. Asking a few starter questions will help to narrow down which business structure is right for you:
- Are you a U.S. citizen, or are you based outside the U.S.?
- Will you operate alone, or with partners and employees?
- How much administrative upkeep are you willing to handle?
- What level of liability protection do you need?
Your answers to these questions will point you toward one of five different US business structures. Each structure comes with its own implications for taxation, liability, ownership, and administrative complexity, so it’s important to understand how they differ before making a decision. While there is some overlap in eligibility and use cases, each is designed to support different types of businesses and growth paths. Here’s a quick comparison:
Choosing your registration state
Once you’ve chosen a structure, the next part is deciding which state to register in.
For most U.S.-based founders, registering in your home state is usually the most straightforward option. Registering your business out-of-state requires you to register as a foreign entity in the state where you operate, so while you can get some state-specific protections or perks, you’ll have more complications when it comes to taxation and operational overhead.
Some states charge an ongoing franchise tax or annual fee for the privilege of maintaining a registered entity, regardless of revenue. Delaware and California are two common examples. These costs should be factored into your decision when choosing a state.
If you are forming from outside the U.S., or if you are comparing states based on legal and tax considerations, a small number of states are used far more often than others. The most common options are:
- Delaware: Widely used by startups and larger companies because of its established corporate law system and investor familiarity
- Wyoming: Popular for its low costs, simple maintenance, and privacy protections
- Nevada: Known for no state income tax and fewer reporting requirements, though typically higher setup and maintenance fees
Each state has its tradeoffs, and the best choice depends on where you plan to operate and how you expect your business to grow. In most cases, ease of compliance and operational simplicity will matter more than small differences in tax treatment, especially early on.
Step 2: Choose a company name
Before registering your business, you’ll need to choose a name that complies with state rules and is available for use.
Legal name vs. DBA
Your legal name is the official name of your business as registered with the state, which appears on formation documents, tax filings, and official records. A DBA (“doing business as”), also called a trade name or fictitious name, is the name your business operates under publicly. DBAs are usually used for your company branding, marketing, or when operating multiple lines of business under one entity.
For example, your legal name might be “Anderson Wright Contracting LLC,” while your DBA could be “Wright Roofing Co.”
Both names require registration, but through different processes. Your legal name is submitted as part of your business formation filing with the state, usually through the Secretary of State’s office. A DBA is filed separately at the state or county level, depending on where your business is located. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, and some states require periodic renewals.
Checking legal name availability
Before finalizing your legal name, you’ll need to confirm that it is available in your chosen state. No two business entities in a state can have the same legal name, so you’ll need to choose one that’s unique (DBAs, on the other hand, do not need to be unique). Most states provide a business name search tool through the Secretary of State website.
When checking availability, keep a few requirements in mind:
- Your name must be distinguishable from other registered businesses in the state
- It must include the appropriate entity designator (for example, “LLC” or “Inc.”)
- Certain words may be restricted or require additional approvals (such as “bank,” “trust,” or “insurance”)
If your preferred name is available, some states allow you to reserve it for a short period before filing your formation documents. This can be useful if you are not ready to complete registration immediately.
Step 3: File your formation documents and register your business
Once you’ve chosen your structure and name, the next step is formally registering your business with the state. This process involves several key components:
Secretary of State filing
LLCs and corporations must register with the state’s Secretary of State (or equivalent office, such as Delaware’s Division of Corporations). This is the step that legally creates your business entity. Sole proprietors typically do not need to file at the state level unless they are registering a DBA.
Registered agent
LLCs and corporations are required to designate a registered agent. This is a person or company with a physical address in the state who can receive official legal and government documents, such as lawsuits and tax notices. You can act as your own agent, but many businesses use a registered agent service for reliability and privacy. If you’re forming from outside the U.S., using a registered agent service is typically required.
Articles of Organization / Incorporation
This is the primary formation document filed with the state. For LLCs, it’s called the Articles of Organization; for corporations, the Articles of Incorporation. These documents include core details such as your business name, registered agent, address, and ownership structure, and they serve as the official record of your company’s formation.
Operating agreement (or bylaws)
While not always legally required, this document is strongly recommended. For LLCs, the operating agreement outlines how the business is managed, how profits and losses are distributed, and how decisions are made. For corporations, similar rules are defined in corporate bylaws. This is especially important for multi-owner businesses.
State fees
Filing fees vary by state and entity type, typically ranging from $50 to $500 or more. Some states also impose additional requirements. For example, New York and Arizona may require publication of a formation notice in local newspapers.
Step 4: Obtain an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued by the IRS after your business entity is registered. It acts as your company’s federal tax ID and is used to identify your business with government agencies, financial institutions, and payment providers. An EIN is typically required if you:
- Have employees
- Operate as an LLC with more than one member
- Operate as a corporation
- Want to open a business bank account
- Want to avoid using your SSN on business documents (if you have one)
Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs are not always required to obtain an EIN, since they can use the owner’s SSN for tax purposes. However, getting an EIN is still recommended in most cases. It helps separate your personal and business finances, reduces the need to share your SSN, and is often required by banks and payment processors.
If you’re a U.S. resident with an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website and receive it immediately. Non-U.S. founders can also obtain an EIN, but the process typically involves submitting Form SS-4 and may take longer to process.
Step 5: Open a business bank account
Business bank accounts are different from personal accounts. They are designed to support business operations like managing cash flow, separating personal and business finances, and preparing for taxes and reporting. While they may not offer the same consumer protections as personal accounts, they are important for maintaining clean financial records and preserving liability protection.
Most traditional banks require you to have a registered U.S. entity and EIN to open a business account. With Slash, you can open a full business banking setup once your entity is formed, including corporate cards, treasury, payments, and accounting integrations in a single platform.
If you’re a foreign founder and setting up a U.S. entity isn’t practical, Slash also offers the Global USD account for international businesses. This allows you to access a U.S. bank account and routing number, send and receive payments, and operate in USD without forming an LLC or obtaining an EIN.
The standard in finance
Slash goes above with better controls, better rewards, and better support for your business.
Step 6: Handling post-registration requirements
To keep your company in good standing and operating smoothly, you’ll need to stay on top of a few ongoing requirements:
Updating corporate bylaws
If you’ve formed a corporation, bylaws define how your company is governed. They cover areas like director and shareholder responsibilities, voting procedures, and how decisions are made.
In the long term, you should keep your bylaws updated as your company evolves. This includes documenting major decisions, maintaining records of board and shareholder meetings, and making amendments when your structure or ownership changes. Even if you’re a small or single-owner corporation, maintaining these records helps preserve liability protection and ensures compliance if you bring on investors later.
BOI reporting
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting is a federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act. Most LLCs and corporations must report information about their beneficial owners to FinCEN.
After your initial filing, you are responsible for keeping this information up to date. Any changes to ownership, control, or key company details must be reported within the required timeframe. Failing to update your BOI report can result in penalties, so it’s important to treat this as an ongoing compliance obligation rather than a one-time task.
Accounting and tax filing
Setting up a reliable accounting system early will make everything else easier, from tax filing to financial planning. This includes tracking income and expenses, categorizing transactions, and maintaining clean records.
Over time, you’ll need to stay consistent with bookkeeping, reconcile accounts regularly, and prepare for annual tax filings. Many businesses use accounting software or work with an accountant to stay organized. As your company grows, accurate financial records also become essential for budgeting, raising capital, and making informed decisions.
Start Your Company the Right Way with Slash
It’s best to operate with structure from the start. Document major decisions, stay on top of registered agent responsibilities, and file annual reports where required. Building these habits early makes it easier to stay organized, maintain compliance, and scale efficiently. Beyond formation and compliance, choosing the right financial infrastructure early can save your business significant time and complexity as it grows.
Slash is a business banking platform designed for both U.S. companies and international founders. For registered businesses with an EIN, Slash provides corporate cards, treasury, payments, and accounting tools in a single platform. For founders without a U.S. entity, the Slash Global USD account offers access to U.S. banking and payment rails without requiring LLC formation or an EIN.
Here’s what you get with Slash:
- Unlimited virtual cards: Issue cards for team members, vendors, and subscriptions with customizable spend controls and up to 2% cashback.
- High-yield treasury: Earn up to 3.83% annualized yield on idle funds through money market funds from BlackRock and Morgan Stanley.
- Streamlined integrations: Connect your financial records directly to QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage Intacct. Sync your Slash account with other third-party tools using Yodlee and Plaid integrations, as well as merchant services features for ecommerce marketplaces.
- Global payments: Send wires to 180+ countries with support for ACH, RTP, and FedNow, and move funds via USD-backed stablecoins for faster, lower-cost transfers
- Enterprise-grade compliance: SOC 2 Type II and PCI DSS certified infrastructure across all accounts
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling across multiple entities, Slash provides the financial infrastructure to support your next stage of growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in the U.S. to start a U.S. business?
No, you do not need to be a U.S. resident or citizen to form a U.S. business. Foreign founders can register an LLC or corporation, obtain an EIN, and operate remotely, although additional steps may be required depending on your situation.
How to Form an LLC in the U.S. as a Non-Resident in 2026
How long does it take to register a business in the U.S.?
In most states, business registration can be completed in a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on processing times and whether you choose expedited filing. Obtaining an EIN can be immediate for U.S. applicants, while non-U.S. applicants may need additional processing time.
What is the easiest business structure to start with?
While a sole proprietorship is the simplest to set up, forming an LLC is generally the most flexible option due to its pass-through taxation and limited liability protection. However, the right structure depends on your goals, especially if you plan to raise venture capital or scale quickly.
How to Start a Business in the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners
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