The Optimal Taxs blog
Understanding the US LLC, taxation and international structuring
Clear, careful, sourced analysis — backed by recognized references (Forbes, Investopedia, NerdWallet, Entrepreneur…) — to help you decide with full knowledge of the facts. Never a promise: useful information, and the reminder that any decision depends on your own situation.
How much does a US LLC really cost?
Filing fees, registered agent, annual report, 5472/1120 accounting: the real cost line by line, with sourced ranges (IRS, NerdWallet, Forbes) — and why the state you choose changes almost everything.
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Form 5472: the $25,000 trap for non-resident LLCs
A foreign-owned LLC must file 5472 + 1120 every year since 2017. Who's concerned, which transactions to report, the deadline — and why missing it costs $25,000. IRS sources.
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LLC and bank account: the non-resident guide
What to prepare (EIN, documents, ID), traditional banks vs neobanks, and why no bank guarantees acceptance. Sourced guidance.
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US LLC or a company in your country?
Tax residency, permanent establishment, substance: the real criteria to decide — and why an LLC doesn't make you tax-exempt. OECD and IRS sources.
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Stripe for non-residents: the role of a US LLC
Why a US LLC + EIN + US bank account often opens Stripe access when your country isn't supported — and what Stripe checks. Official sources.
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The tax benefits of a US LLC (and their limits)
Pass-through taxation, no default double taxation, S-Corp/C-Corp options: what Forbes, Investopedia and the WSJ say — and what it really means for a non-resident.
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Forming an LLC as a non-US resident: which state to choose?
Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico… Why non-residents favor certain states, what Forbes Business Council highlights, and how to decide based on your project.
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LLC or Corporation: how to choose the right structure?
The LLC's tax flexibility vs the C-Corp's double taxation, the fundraising case: the NerdWallet and Entrepreneur comparison, applied to your situation.
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