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Ask: Which US state is best for starting a LLC?

6 points by markokocic ↗ HN
Which US state is the best one for starting LLC for a non citizen, not resident?

The most popular choices are DE, NV and WY.

Are there any hidden things to be careful about? Is there a good online summary with explanation in ordinary non-lawyer terms?

6 comments

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jrs235
I don't believe those states are popular for forming LLC's. They are popular for incorporating (forming a corporation) in. While some don't realize it, there is a significant difference between the two types of entities.
markokocic
FWIU with LLC one can avoid double taxation, at least in DE. Thatn option is not available for non-residents when forming Inc.

What other good options are there?

damoncali
Make sure you look into what it will cost you to run an LLC incorporated in another state in the state you're actually doing business in. It can be a problem in some cases.

For example, say you live in Texas. You incorporate in Delaware. Texas will charge you $750 for the privilege last I checked - and you will wind up paying (and filing paperwork for) franchise taxes in both states.

markokocic
As I said, I'm not a US resident, don't live in USA, and don't plan to.

I just want to be able to sell Android games and have paid for website service.

ohashi
I am not a lawyer or accountant, but what I recall from my accountant telling me, it's probably easiest to do it in whatever state you live in for an LLC.