How to Form Your LLC in the US

Step 1: Decide on Your Name, DBA (Optional), and Domain

Your business name sets the tone for your brand. Start by brainstorming a few ideas, then check if the domain name is available — ideally a .com. If you plan to operate under a different name than your legal LLC name, you can register a DBA (Doing Business As) later.

Your business name isn't complete without its domain. The domain is what people type to find you online — it's your digital storefront. Try to get a .com version of your name if you can. It's still the most trusted and professional-looking extension.

Pro Tip: Choose a name that's easy to spell, pronounce, and scale across future products or services. Avoid overly niche words if you plan to grow or pivot later.

Pro Tip: Domains are like real estate — once they're gone, they're gone. If you find a good one that fits your name, grab it early. You can always build the website later.

Step 2: Secure a Matching Domain Name

.com is the most recognized and trusted domain extension. It builds credibility and trust with your audience.

If .com is unavailable, consider .io, .co, or .ai as alternatives — especially for tech or creative startups.

Step 3: Create Your First Business Email with Cloudflare + Email Routing

Now that you've secured your domain, it's time to point it to Cloudflare and set up your first business email. Don't worry — Cloudflare is completely free for basic use and makes DNS management super simple. Cloudflare provides free DNS hosting, security, and email routing in one place.

Cloudflare is free and gives you professional DNS management, DDoS protection, and email routing in one place. You can receive emails at your business domain without paying for email hosting. It's perfect for getting started quickly and scales with you as your business grows.

Can I send emails from my custom address? Mostly no. It's one-way forwarding, so you'll receive forwarded emails but can't send from your custom address yet. That's perfect for the immediate wins, like signing up for sites or social profiles with a pro-looking email. We'll hook up a full mailbox in the next steps so you can reply right from your business domain.

Step 4: Register on Freelance Stack for Your Stripe Atlas Discount

Before jumping into LLC formation, join Freelance Stack. It's a founder club full of startup deals to help you save cash. For just 45 EUR a year, you get a 50% discount (that's $250 off) on Stripe Atlas, plus tons of other tool perks worth hundreds of dollars.

Freelance Stack also gives discounts on other startup tools like Notion, Deel, and Framer. Signing up early can save you both money and time. Especially, the 1 year Bolt.new PRO plan deal is crazy.

Step 5: Form Your LLC Through Stripe Atlas — Save $250

Stripe Atlas forms your LLC, assigns your registered agent, opens your US bank account, and activates your Stripe account — all in one application. For founders outside the US, this removes the guesswork entirely. No hunting for services that accept foreign applicants.

Step 6: Open a Mercury Bank Account — Fast Lane Verification

Every U.S. LLC needs a bank account, but don't worry — you don't have to wait for an ITIN or deal with long lines at traditional banks. Your LLC needs a real US bank account — Mercury is the one most founders we know actually use. Built for startups, Mercury has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and works great for international founders.

Using our Mercury referral link speeds up your application, so you can start banking for your LLC faster.

Step 7: Rent a Virtual Business Address — 20% Discount

The IRS will mail your EIN letter. State agencies will mail compliance notices. If you're outside the US, you need a virtual address that actually receives, scans, and forwards that mail — not just a name on a website. Here's what to check when choosing a provider.

Step 8: Start Building Website — 1 Year Free Bolt.new PRO

Don't miss a year of free Bolt.new PRO plan. Use your Freelance Stack discount code.

Freelance Stack also gives discounts on other startup tools like Notion, Deel, and Framer. Signing up early can save you both money and time.

Step 9: Maintain LLC Compliance

Keep your LLC in good standing by meeting ongoing state requirements and filing obligations.

Step 10: Receive Your EIN Letter

After forming your LLC via Stripe Atlas, expect your EIN letter as a physical mail piece to the address you listed in the application — often a virtual one like UseStable. It typically arrives in a few weeks; keep an eye on your mail or inbox. Once received, it unlocks your ability to set up your US bank account and manage taxes.

Step 11: Managing LLC Taxes

How to calculate and pay your annual taxes and Delaware franchise fees.

Step 12: Gathering Website Analytics

Learn how to complete your Google Analytics setup with step-by-step instructions for websites, apps, and e-commerce tracking.

Step 13: Advertise Your Business

Launch your first advertising campaigns to attract clients and grow revenue. Google Ads credits available via partner program — coming soon.