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.

Illustration: how much a US LLC really costs
Budget & fees

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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Illustration: Form 5472, the 25,000 dollar trap
IRS compliance

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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Illustration: opening a bank account for an LLC
Banking & payments

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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Illustration: US LLC or a company in your country
Choosing a structure

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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Illustration: Stripe for non-residents
Online payments

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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Illustration: tax benefits of a US LLC
Taxation

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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Illustration: which state to choose for a non-resident LLC
Non-residents

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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Illustration: LLC vs Corporation, how to choose
Choosing a structure

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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The articles on this blog are for general information and rely on cited public sources. They do not constitute personalized tax, legal or accounting advice: every situation depends on your tax residency, the country where your business is managed, and the applicable treaties. We validate each case with our specialized partners.

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