Question 1

What can I form with ClearFormation?

Accepted Answer

An LLC or a corporation in any US state. Those are the two state filings. You choose one at the start of the order. We prepare the formation document, include a registered agent for the first year, and file with the state after you review and pay.

Question 2

Should I form an LLC or a corporation?

Accepted Answer

Most small businesses start with an LLC: simpler paperwork, and profits pass through to the owners by default. Form a corporation if you want stock, a board, or a structure investors already know. A corporation is still one filing. C-Corp versus S-Corp is a tax choice on that corporation, not a second company.

Question 3

Is a C-Corp different from an S-Corp?

Accepted Answer

The state files one corporation either way. C-Corp is the default federal tax treatment: the company pays corporate tax, and shareholders pay tax again on dividends. An S-Corp is an IRS election (Form 2553) that can pass profits through to eligible US owners. Non-US owners generally cannot elect S-Corp. You do not order a separate S-Corp formation.

Question 4

Which state should I form in?

Accepted Answer

If you live and operate in one state, form there. Forming in Wyoming or Delaware and then doing business at home usually means a second registration, called a foreign qualification, plus fees in both states. Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico are common when the company is online, a holding company, or owned by someone outside the US. Delaware is the usual choice when you expect US venture capital.

Question 5

Can I form a US company if I don't live in the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You do not need to live in the United States, and you do not need a Social Security Number to form an LLC or a corporation. You still need a registered agent with a street address in the formation state, which is included for the first year. An EIN for banking is a separate IRS filing and is available without an SSN.

Question 6

How long does formation take?

Accepted Answer

Your part of the order is usually about 10 minutes: company type, name, state, people, then plan and payment. After that, the state sets the clock. Some states approve online filings in a few business days. Others take a couple of weeks. We submit after you pay and put the approved documents in your dashboard when the state returns them.

Question 7

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Our base price is $298 for the first year: $149 to prepare and file, plus $149 for one year of registered agent. The agent renews at $149 per year. The state charges its own filing fee on top of that, often $50–$300, and that fee is paid to the state. EIN filing is an optional $79 add-on. Annual report filing is an optional $79 per year, plus the state's report fee where one applies.

Question 8

What is included, and what do I add only if I need it?

Accepted Answer

Every formation includes the state filing and one year of registered agent. An LLC order also includes an operating agreement template in your dashboard. EIN filing ($79) and annual report filing ($79/year plus the state fee) are optional. You add them on the plan step before you pay. We do not draft custom bylaws or issue stock; those are steps you complete after a corporation is approved.

Question 9

Do I need a registered agent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every state requires an LLC or corporation to list a registered agent with a physical street address in that state, available during business hours. You can serve as your own agent if you have that address, but your home address then appears on the public filing. ClearFormation's agent is included for the first year and renews at $149 per year.

Question 10

Do I need an EIN before I can open a bank account?

Accepted Answer

A bank, Stripe, and most payroll setups ask for an EIN, which is the company's federal tax ID. A single-member LLC can use the owner's Social Security Number on a personal tax return, but that does not replace an EIN at the bank. Add EIN filing in the order for $79. US founders with an SSN often receive it quickly. Founders without an SSN apply by fax or mail, and the IRS often takes several weeks.

Question 11

What happens after I pay?

Accepted Answer

We prepare the Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, file them with the state, and track the filing. When the state approves, the stamped document is saved to your dashboard. From there you use it, plus an EIN if you ordered one, to open a bank account. LLCs complete the operating agreement. Corporations adopt bylaws, appoint directors, and issue founder stock. If the state requires an annual report later, you can have us file it or file it yourself.

Start Your US Company Today

A company is its own legal person.

Separate from you

Members own it

Shareholders own it

We file with the state and stay on as your registered agent.

We file with the state and stay on as your registered agent.

Formation flow

Choose your company type

Name, state, and people

Review your plan and pay

We file and deliver documents

Choose your company type

Name, state, and people

Review your plan and pay

We file and deliver documents

You can do business in your company's name.

Articles in the account

Already named on it

Able to act in its name

From the people who filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start your company now.