As an Australian running an online business from Sydney, I always thought my local ABN and Australian company setup were enough. But when I started selling internationally—especially to the US—I realized I needed more. That’s when I decided to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States.
This is my story—why I chose to go this route, how I picked the state and bank, and what benefits I’ve seen since making the leap.
The Turning Point: Why I Needed a US LLC
My e-commerce store sold eco-friendly lifestyle products. At first, most of my customers were from Australia and New Zealand. But as my online presence grew, I began getting consistent traffic from the United States. And that’s when the problems started:
- I couldn’t access Stripe US or PayPal US features
- My brand didn’t look fully “legit” to American customers
- I had no way to open a US business bank account
- Scaling into Amazon FBA US was nearly impossible
After a lot of research and connecting with other international founders, I discovered that forming a US LLC was the best path forward. It would give me a legal entity in the US and unlock access to tools and platforms I couldn’t use as just an Australian business.
Why I Chose Wyoming for My LLC
Choosing the right state for my LLC was a big decision. I compared Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico, but eventually went with Wyoming for three reasons:
- No state income tax
- Low annual fees – only $60 per year
- Strong privacy protection for non-resident owners
Setting up the LLC cost around $150, and I used a registered agent in Wyoming for $49/year.
The whole process was online and took less than 48 hours.
Applying for an EIN from Australia
Next, I needed an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS to open a bank account and use Stripe. Since I didn’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), I filled out Form SS-4 and faxed it directly to the IRS.
It took about 3 weeks to get the EIN by email (using an EIN service provider), though some people wait longer.
I could have done it myself for free, but I chose a reliable service that charged $75 to speed things up and handle communication with the IRS.
Opening a US Bank Account as an Australian
The big win for me was opening a Mercury Bank account. This fintech solution is built for startups and accepts non-US residents with US LLCs. I uploaded:
- My LLC Articles of Organization
- EIN letter
- Australian passport
- Proof of address in Sydney
Within 2 days, I had a live US bank account with routing and account numbers—no US visit required.
Taxes: What I Pay (and What I Don’t)
As an Australian with a Single-Member LLC, the IRS considers my company a “disregarded entity.” That means:
- I don’t pay US federal income tax unless I have effectively connected income in the US
- I file Form 5472 and a pro forma 1120 once a year
- I pay $60/year to the state of Wyoming for my annual report
I still report my income to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and pay my regular Aussie taxes.
To stay compliant, I hired a US tax accountant who works with international founders. He charges around $300/year for annual filings.
What I Gained by Starting a US LLC
Creating a US LLC has completely changed my business. Here’s what I now enjoy:
- Full access to Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments
- Ability to register on Amazon.com and eBay US
- Greater trust from American customers
- A clear separation between personal and business finances
- Plans to apply for US business credit cards next year
Even better, I now work with US-based suppliers and partners more easily since I have a US business identity.
Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?
Yes—without hesitation.
As an Aussie entrepreneur, starting a US LLC gave me global credibility, better tools, and growth potential I never had before. It’s affordable, fully legal, and easier than most people think.
If you’re living outside the US and want to scale your business globally, forming an LLC in the States might be the smartest step you can take.