As the world's largest economy, the U.S. has a mature market system, sound laws and regulations, and an attractive financing environment, making it an ideal destination for cross-border overseas business, branding, technology research and development, and capital operations. Whether you are engaged in e-commerce, technology, consulting or trade, setting up a company in the U.S. will provide you with a higher international reputation and more convenient financial services. In addition, in 2026, U.S. states will continue to optimize the business registration process, implement online and paperless offices, and provide tax incentives for specific industries, so the threshold of entrepreneurship and operational flexibility are both excellent.

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This article integrates the latest policies and practical experience, detailed disassembly of the entire process of registering a U.S. company, core information, cost details, key states to choose and avoid pitfalls, to help entrepreneurs efficiently and compliantly landing in the North American market.

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Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, microsoft:Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)

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First, the United States registered company core information list

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To register a U.S. company, you need to prepare complete information in advance, and the core information is as follows:

1,company identification: Subject to state of incorporation requirements, usually ending in "Corp.", "Inc.", "LLC", "Ltd.", etc. ", etc. The name must be unique and without duplication within the state selected, and a name check can be performed through the Secretary of State's website. It is recommended that 3-5 alternative names be prepared.

2,Shareholder and Director Information: Provide scanned copies of passports or ID cards, proof of address (e.g. utility bill), contact phone number and email address for shareholders (owners) and directors (managers). Non-U.S. residents or citizens can serve, no restrictions on nationality. It is necessary to specify the percentage of ownership of each shareholder.

3,Proof of registered address::necessarilyProvides U.S. home statephysical address(not a P.O. Box) for receiving government, legal, and tax correspondence. This address can be a business office, a home address (allowed in some states), or a paid use business address service (Compliance Registered Agent Service).

4,Company Business Scope: Describe the business in which the company is primarily engaged. The U.S. has fewer restrictions on the business scope of the company, and most of the industries can be registered (except for industries requiring special licenses, such as finance, medical, etc.). It is recommended to fill in the form with a clear and generalized description, without the need to over-exaggerate.

5. Registered capital: American companies practicingauthorized capitalization(for C-Corp, etc.), rather than on a contributory basis. At the time of incorporation, it is necessary to determine how many shares the corporation is authorized to issue and the par value of each share (Par Value, standing at $0.0001). The actual shares issued to shareholders can be substantially less than the authorized capital stock, no capitalization is required, and there are no minimums (the typical standard in Delaware is 1,500 shares, no par value).

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Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, microsoft:Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)

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Second, the United States company registered in the choice of guide (including no address program)

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Choosing which state to incorporate in is a primary strategic decision that directly impacts tax burden, privacy protection, and operational costs.

1,Delaware::Most Popular RegistryThe company has one of the most comprehensive and flexible corporate law systems in the United States. Has one of the most sophisticated and flexible corporate law systems (corporate law courts) in the nation, especially for companies with financing, IPO plans or complex structures. Many large corporations and start-ups are incorporated here, but the actual business can be conducted in other states or globally. Corporations that do not operate in the state are exempt from state income tax.

2,Wyoming::Privacy protection and tax benefits preferredDelaware is known as the "State of Delaware for Small Businesses". With no disclosure of shareholder and director information, exemption from state corporate and personal income taxes, and low annual maintenance costs, it has been dubbed the "Delaware for small businesses," and is particularly suited to privacy-conscious cross-border e-commerce and asset management firms.

3,California::Physical place of business selection. If a company has a physical office or employees in California, it must register and file taxes in California. California is a huge market, but taxes are high (with a minimum franchise tax) and regulations are strict.

4,New York State (New York)::Finance and Trade Center. Suitable for companies with actual business in New York and good brand reputation. However, registration and maintenance costs are high and taxes are complicated.

5,Texas::Low cost and environmentally friendlyNo personal income tax. No personal income tax, friendly business environment and relatively low cost of living for technology and energy companies to set up their physical operational headquarters.

No physical address solution::
For offshore investors without a U.S. domiciled office, they must use theRegistered Agent Service.. A registered agent is a third-party organization with a legal address in the state that collects government and legal documents on your behalf and ensures that they are communicated to you in a timely manner. It is mandatory by law and the annual fee usually ranges from $100-$300. Do not use a false address as this may result in the company being revoked and losing legal protection.

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Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, microsoft:Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)

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Third, 2026 U.S. company registration full process (standard version)

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U.S. company registration is mainly completed online through the website of the Secretary of State of each state, the whole process is about 2-4 weeks, the specific steps are as follows:

1,Determination of corporate structure and state of incorporation: Choose the type of corporation (LLC or C-Corp is most common) and the state of incorporation; LLCs are simple to structure and penetrate the tax; C-Corp is easy to finance and list, but involves double taxation.

2,Company Name Checks and Reservations: Do a name search on the official website of the Secretary of State of the selected state and pay to hold it for a period of time (usually 60-90 days) after confirming availability.

3,Submission of articles of association: Complete and submit the "Articles of Organization" (for LLCs) or "Articles of Incorporation" (for C-Corps) online. This is the company's "birth certificate" and contains core information such as the company name, address, registered agent, authorized capital stock, and so on.

5,Appointment of Registered Agent: Provide information on contracted compliance registration agents.

6,Apply for a Federal Tax ID (EIN): Apply online for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is the company's "social security number" and is used for opening bank accounts, filing taxes, hiring employees, and so on.extremely important. Non-Americans may also apply.

7,Drafting of operating agreements / articles of incorporationThe LLC is required to have an "Operating Agreement" and the C-Corp is required to have "Bylaws". This internal document defines the rights of shareholders/members, distribution of profits, rules of management, etc. and is the key to avoiding future disputes.

8,Open a U.S. bank account: After obtaining the EIN and incorporation documents, the shareholders/directors are required to travel to the U.S. or through a remote video witness process at some banks to open a corporate account. This is the basis for conducting business transactions.

9,Apply for business licenses and permits: If the company has a physical place of business (Nexus) in the state of incorporation or in another state, it needs to apply for a local business license from the city/county in which it is located and apply for a specific business permit based on the industry.

10, for the annual report and payment of taxes and feesOnce registered, you are required to file an Annual Report with the state and pay a Franchise Tax each year to keep the company in "good standing".

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Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, microsoft:Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)

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Fourth, the United States registered company cost details (self-organized VS agency comparison)

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The cost of incorporating a U.S. company varies by state, type of company, and type of service.

(i) Self-organized costs (Delaware LLC as an example)

State Application Fee: Approximately $90 (submitted online).

Registered Agent Annual Fee: $100-300/year.

EIN application fee: Free of charge (via the official IRS website).

Bank account opening: Some banks have minimum deposit requirements or account management fees.

Hidden costs and risks: Unfamiliarity with the process can lead to documentation errors and dismissals; lack of understanding of state laws and tax requirements can lead to choosing the wrong structure or place of incorporation, resulting in high costs in the long run; and communication and time costs are high.

(ii) Agency fees (professional service organizations)

1,Basic Chargers Package Fee: Usually ranges from $500-$1500, inclusive:

State application fee.

Registered agent's first year service fee.

Provide a compliant registered address.

Prepare and submit articles of organization.

Apply for a federal EIN tax ID number.

Prepare the first draft of the operating agreement.

value-added service: Bank account opening assistance, annual report agency, bookkeeping and tax preparation services, interstate business registration, etc. on an as-needed basis.
dominance: Professional guidance in choosing the optimal state and structure, with information passed in one go and a worry-free process, avoiding legal risks and saving a lot of time and trial-and-error costs.

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Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, microsoft:Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)

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V. Preferences and Incentives to Watch for Entrepreneurship in the U.S. in 2026

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1. The U.S. federal and state governments offer a variety of tax credits and incentives to encourage specific industries and investments:

R&D Tax Credits: Technology companies in particular benefit from sizable federal and many state tax credits for R&D activities that directly reduce taxable income.

Investment credits: Some states offer tax credits for investments in equipment purchases that create jobs.

Opportunity Zone Fund: Capital gains tax can be deferred, reduced or even waived for investments in government-designated "opportunity zones".

State-Specific Offers::

Delaware, US state: Exempts corporations not doing business in the state from state sales tax and state corporate income tax.

Wyoming/Nevada: No state corporate income tax or personal income tax.

state of Texas: No personal income tax and incentive programs for emerging technology companies.

California/New York: Although taxes are high, there are huge subsidies and funding programs for specific industries such as clean energy and biotechnology.
take note of: The enjoyment of these benefits usually requires active application and fulfillment of strict conditions, and tax planning is recommended prior to registration.

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Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, microsoft:Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)

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Six, the United States registered company to avoid the pit guide + FAQs

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(i) Core pitfall avoidance points

1,The choice of company type is fundamental: LLCs and C-Corps are very different in terms of liability, tax, and financing, so be sure to choose carefully based on your long-term business goals.

2,Registered agent cannot be omitted: It is mandatory by law to choose reliable and responsive representation to avoid missing important legal documents.

3,EIN tax ID number must be applied for: Substantial business (e.g., contracting, account opening, hiring) cannot be conducted without an EIN.

4,Neglect of annual compliance: Forgetting to file an Annual Report and pay franchise taxes can result in the company being "dissolved" by the state and losing the protection of the legal entity.

5,Remote operating with a "connection" in mindEven if you are incorporated in Delaware, if you have employees, warehouses, or a large number of customers in California, you may be "affiliated" and need to register and pay taxes as an "out-of-state corporation" in California.

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(ii) Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to register a U.S. company?
A: From the submission of information to the receipt of the certificate of registration.State review usually takes 1-3 weeks(Expedited service can be shortened to 24-48 hours). Together with the preparation of documents, application for EIN, account opening, etc., the overall process is approximately3-6 weeksThe

Q2: Can a Chinese person/non-U.S. resident hold a U.S. company in 100%?
Answer:Absolutely.. There are no restrictions under U.S. law on the nationality and residence of shareholders.

Q3: In which state is it cheapest/best to register?
A: There is no absolute answer. The "best" depends on the business model, objectives, industry and tax planning.Purely holding, financing IPOs consider Delaware; privacy-heavy, tax-reduced consider Wyoming; with a physical place of operation must be incorporated in the state of operationThe

Q4: What are the fixed annual fees I need to pay after registration?
A: MainlyRegistered Agent Annual Fee($100-300) andState Franchise Tax/Annual Report Fee(ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars, with an $800 minimum tax in California). There are also possible accounting bookkeeping and tax filing fees.

Q5: Do U.S. companies need to file tax returns in the U.S.?
Answer:need. Corporations are required to file federal and state tax returns on time even if they are not profitable (zero return).LLC profits are taxed through to shareholders' individual global income returns; C-Corp is subject to corporate income tax at the corporate level.

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summarize: Incorporating a U.S. company in 2026 is an important step in entering the global marketplace, and the process, while online, involves complex legal, tax, and interstate business rules. Entrepreneurs need to focus onCompany type selection, domicile strategy, compliant address and agent, and post annual maintenanceIf you lack in-depth knowledge of the U.S. business environment, choosing a professional service organization with experience in both the U.S. and China is the optimal solution for efficient planning and full representation. If you lack in-depth knowledge of the U.S. business environment, choosing a professional service organization with experience in both the U.S. and China for preliminary planning and full representation is the optimal solution for efficiency, compliance and long-term cost control. If you would like to evaluate a suitable registration plan and design a cross-border tax structure, please feel free to contact Enterprise Caiying Group for one-on-one professional services.

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