Setting up a US company from Australia is a common step for founders who sell to US customers, use US payment platforms, or want to raise money from US investors. You do not need a visa or a US visit to do it, and you can manage the whole process online.
Why Australian founders form a US company
Most Australian founders form a US LLC or C-Corporation for one of these reasons.
- US clients and platforms often prefer to pay a US entity, and some marketplaces require one before they will list you.
- Stripe and other US payment rails are easier to set up with a US company, and some features are US-only.
- US investors, especially venture funds, usually expect a Delaware C-Corporation before they will write a check.
- A US bank account through Mercury, Wise Business, or Relay gives you US dollar invoicing and lower fees on US transactions.
None of this requires you to move to the US, hold a US visa, or hire US staff. You run the company from Australia and it exists as a US legal entity on paper.
Choosing a state: Wyoming or Delaware
Most solo founders and small teams pick Wyoming. It has low state fees, no state income tax on the LLC itself, and a fast filing process. If you are not raising venture money, Wyoming is usually the simpler and cheaper choice.
Delaware is the standard for founders who plan to raise from US venture capital. Investors are familiar with Delaware corporate law and most standard investment paperwork assumes a Delaware C-Corporation. If you expect to raise a priced round or take part in an accelerator, form in Delaware from the start rather than converting later.
| Factor | Wyoming LLC | Delaware C-Corp |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Freelancers, agencies, e-commerce, SaaS without VC plans | Startups raising venture capital |
| Setup speed | 1 to 3 business days | Usually 1 to 2 weeks |
| Ongoing complexity | Lower | Higher, includes corporate formalities |
| Investor familiarity | Lower for priced rounds | High |
If you are unsure which fits your plan, this is a good question to raise on a free consultation before you file anything.
Forming without an SSN
You do not need a US Social Security Number to form a company or to get an EIN, which is the US tax ID your company needs for banking and tax filings. The IRS issues EINs to non-resident owners without an SSN, but processing without one usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Expedited processing can bring this down to a matter of days, and PowerLaunch offers this as an add-on for $295 on the Launch and Run plans, included in Scale.
Formation itself is quick. In Wyoming, Kentucky, or Colorado, expect 1 to 3 business days. In most other states, plan for 1 to 2 weeks. Check the state's site if you need an exact current processing time, since these can shift.
Opening a US bank account
Once you have your EIN, you can apply for a US business bank account. PowerLaunch introduces founders to Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay after EIN issuance. All three work with foreign-owned, foreign-resident companies and are used to Australian applicants.
The bank makes the final approval decision, not PowerLaunch. Have your formation documents, EIN letter, and a clear description of your business ready, since this speeds up review.
Annual US filings you cannot skip
Owning a US company as a non-resident comes with yearly federal obligations, separate from anything you owe in Australia.
- Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120: required for a foreign-owned single-member LLC, due by 15 April each year. This is an information return, not necessarily a tax bill, but the penalty for missing it is high and it applies even if the company had no activity.
- State annual report: most states require a yearly filing to keep the company in good standing, along with a state fee.
- BOI reporting: under the current 2026 interim FinCEN rule, US-formed companies are exempt from beneficial ownership reporting. Rules like this can change, so it is worth confirming your status each year.
Missing the 5472 deadline is one of the most common and costly mistakes non-resident founders make, so build it into your calendar from day one.
Your Australian tax obligations still apply
Forming a US company does not remove your Australian tax and reporting responsibilities. Depending on how the company is structured and how much control you have over it, Australian rules on foreign company income, controlled foreign entities, and personal tax residency may apply to you. These rules are specific to your situation and can depend on factors like where the business is managed and where you personally live.
This guide does not cover Australian tax law, and you should not rely on general information for this. Speak with an Australian accountant or tax adviser who has experience with foreign company structures before you file your first Australian return that includes this entity. Getting this wrong at home can create bigger problems than any US filing.
Steps to get started with PowerLaunch
- Book a free 20-minute consultation at powerlaunch.solutions/book to talk through Wyoming versus Delaware and confirm your plan.
- Choose a plan and complete checkout at powerlaunch.solutions/signup.
- PowerLaunch files your formation, gets your EIN, and sets up your registered agent, virtual address, and operating agreement or bylaws.
- Once your EIN arrives, PowerLaunch introduces you to Mercury, Wise Business, or Relay for banking.
- If you choose Run or Scale, PowerLaunch handles your annual state report and Form 5472 with the pro forma 1120, and gives you access to a licensed tax professional consultation.
| Plan | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $295/yr | Formation only, DIY bookkeeping and taxes |
| Run | $1,995/yr | Ongoing bookkeeping, tax filings, financial reports |
| Scale | $2,995/yr or $329/mo | Dedicated bookkeeper, expedited EIN, priority support |
All plans are billed in US dollars, plus the state filing fee at cost. If a formation error is PowerLaunch's fault, it is corrected at no charge and that part of the fee is refunded. State fees are never refundable.
What to do next
If you are ready to form your US company, go to powerlaunch.solutions/signup and choose the plan that fits your stage. If you still have questions about Wyoming versus Delaware, EIN timing, or how this fits with your Australian tax setup, book a free 20-minute consultation at powerlaunch.solutions/book before you file.
