LLC in the USA – Compare the Best States to Start Your Company
Forming a company in the United States remains one of the most effective ways for entrepreneurs worldwide to scale their business internationally. In 2025, two states dominate the discussion for non-US founders – Wyoming and Delaware. Both offer unique advantages, but they serve slightly different goals.
Start your company in the USA with Thompson&Stein – fast, secure, and fully supported by experts.
Why form an LLC in the USA?
For international entrepreneurs, forming an LLC in the United States offers a strategic gateway to the global economy. Whether you’re scaling a digital product, expanding your client base, or seeking investment, a US-based company unlocks new levels of trust and operational freedom.
Here’s why thousands of founders from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond choose to register an LLC in the USA:
- Access to the global market and US business credibility.
- Easier access to bank accounts, payment processors, and financial services.
- Prestige – a US company strengthens trust among international partners.
- Favorable legal and tax frameworks in certain states.
Most Popular States to Form an LLC in 2025
While all 50 states allow LLC formation, only a few offer the right balance of cost, privacy, speed, and legal protection that foreign founders look for. In 2025, two states clearly stand out – Wyoming and Delaware – but others like Nevada, Texas, Florida, and California may be worth considering for specific business models.
Wyoming - Lowest Cost, Full Privacy, Fast Setup
Wyoming continues to be the #1 choice for international entrepreneurs forming an LLC in the United States. With no state income tax, minimal annual fees, and strong privacy protections, it’s ideal for remote-first businesses, digital services, e-commerce, and global freelancers. For founders prioritizing cost-efficiency, anonymity, and speed, a Wyoming LLC delivers unmatched value.
Here’s why Wyoming remains the top state to form an LLC:
- Annual state fee is only 60 USD – this is the only required tax
- No state income tax – neither for individuals nor corporations
- Owner privacy – member names are not listed in public records
- Fast and simple registration process – formation in as little as 24 hours
- Crypto-friendly regulations – first U.S. state to recognize DAOs and digital assets.
With Thompson&Stein, international founders benefit from:
- Wyoming Registered Agent services starting at 150 USD/year
- All-inclusive formation packages covering documentation, compliance, and tax support
Wyoming is ideal for remote-first businesses, e-commerce sellers, digital services, and startups seeking global reach.
Choosing Wyoming with Thompson&Stein means privacy, cost-efficiency, and complete legal support in one place.
Choose Wyoming – no income tax, owner anonymity, and company registration in as little as 24 hours.
Delaware - prestige and strong legal system
Delaware remains the most prestigious jurisdiction for forming an LLC in the U.S., with more than 1.8 million active entities and over 60% of Fortune 500 companies choosing it as their legal base. It’s the preferred choice for startups, holding companies, and businesses seeking legal credibility and flexible ownership structures.
Here’s what makes Delaware a top-tier choice for forming a U.S. LLC:
- Delaware Court of Chancery – a dedicated business court with expertise in corporate law
- Global recognition – “Delaware LLC” is a a respected international brand
- Flexible structures – perfect for holding companies or multi-member LLCs
- Minimum annual franchise tax of 300 USD.
Thompson&Stein is a licensed Registered Agent in Delaware, with a local office in Wilmington, providing:
- Registered Agent services based in Wilmington, Delaware
- End-to-end legal support including formation, compliance, and ongoing representation
Choose Delaware if you value investor readiness, U.S. legal consistency, and long-term reputation.
Choose Delaware – prestigious jurisdiction, stable corporate law, and international market recognition.
Nevada - alternative for online businesses
Nevada is often chosen by digital-first companies and entrepreneurs in fintech or gaming. It offers no state income tax and strong privacy laws, making it a viable alternative for online operations. However, the higher cost compared to Wyoming and similar benefits make it less attractive for many foreign founders.
Key characteristics of forming an LLC in Nevada:
- No state income tax,
- Business-friendly regulations,
- Higher annual fees (350–500 USD).
Nevada can be suitable for regulated or digital businesses, but it’s not the top choice for low-cost international startups.
Texas - great for physical operations
Texas offers a massive internal market and one of the largest state economies in the U.S. It’s ideal for companies with physical operations or logistics needs. However, higher compliance requirements and franchise tax obligations make it less suited to international founders running remote businesses.
What to expect when forming an LLC in Texas:
- No personal income tax,
- Franchise tax applies to LLCs,
- Huge domestic market (30M+ people).
Texas is great if your business has a physical footprint in the U.S., but it’s less attractive for digital-first ventures.
Florida - big market, but with corporate tax
Florida combines a growing economy with strong sectors in tourism, real estate, and professional services. It’s attractive for certain industries, but the state corporate tax and lack of privacy protections make it a less ideal option for cost-sensitive, remote international companies.
Here’s what to consider when starting an LLC in Florida:
- Popular among tourism and service-sector companies,
- Corporate income tax of 5.5% applies to most LLCs,
- Large consumer market with high business activity
California - prestige, but very high costs
California is home to Silicon Valley and many of the world’s largest tech companies. While its market size and innovation ecosystem are unmatched, the cost of doing business is extremely high. Complex regulations and some of the nation’s highest taxes make it unsuitable for most international entrepreneurs.
What you need to know about forming an LLC in California:
- Largest US economy,
- Headquarters of global tech giants,
- Corporate tax: 8.84%, personal income tax: up to 13.3%,
- High administrative and compliance costs.
California should only be considered if you’re operating locally or need access to Silicon Valley’s ecosystem.
Start a company abroad – gain access to international markets, benefit from favorable taxes, and boost your credibility with business partners.
LLC Costs and Taxes by State
When forming an LLC in the U.S., it’s crucial to compare state taxes, filing fees, and privacy rules. Here’s a quick breakdown:
State | State Income Tax | Annual Fee / Franchise Tax | Owner Privacy |
Wyoming | None | 60USD (flat rate) | Yes |
Delaware | None | 300USD + | Partial |
Nevada | None | 350-500 USD | Yes |
Teksas | Franchise tax | 200-500 USD | No |
Florida | 5.5% corporate tax | 150-400 USD | No |
California | 8,84% corporate tax 13,3% personal tax | 500+ USD | No |
Which state is best in 2025?
Choosing the best state to form an LLC in the USA depends on your business goals, industry, and operating model. While all 50 states allow non-residents to register a company, only a few offer the right mix of low cost, legal protection, and ease of use for international founders.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- For low costs, fast setup, and full privacy – choose Wyoming LLC.
- For prestige and investor trust – choose Delaware LLC.
- Other states (Nevada, Texas, Florida, California) are niche choices, usually only beneficial for companies operating physically in those regions.
For entrepreneurs, Wyoming is the #1 choice in 2025, followed by Delaware.
How fast can you register a company in the USA?
One of the biggest advantages of U.S. LLCs is how quickly they can be formed, even from abroad. With the right legal partner, you don’t need to travel or be a U.S. citizen.
Estimated processing times by state:
- Wyoming – as fast as 8 hours.
- Delaware – usually 24–48 hours.
- Other states – 2–7 business days.
With Thompson&Stein, your LLC can be up and running within 1 business day, starting from just 150 USD/year for Registered Agent service.
Conclusion - Best state to form an LLC in USA 2025
For most international entrepreneurs, the decision comes down to:
- Wyoming LLC – low cost, privacy, speed.
- Delaware LLC – prestige, investor trust, strong corporate law.
No matter your choice, Thompson&Stein provides full-service support, including:
- Registered Agent services
- Formation and filing
- Compliance, accounting, and tax advisory
Contact us today and form your U.S. company with complete confidence.
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