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10 Comments

How was your experience using Stripe Atlas?

Looking for experiences of those who have incorporated via Stripe Atlas whether C corp or LLC.

Non-domestic especially interested as that is my situation.

All the best, thanks!

  1. 2

    Hi CJ - I am the founder of StartGlobal http://startglobal.co/ something similar to Atlas, we do all the typical formation, EIN, bank accounts + phone number and a mailing address. In case you need help with legal setup, we also provide that in-platfrom, so you pretty much don't have to go anywhere to manage anything. We also provide CPA next year for your tax filings. We also don't have delay for the EIN as mentioned in some comments, our whole process is 10-15 business days.

  2. 2

    In my experience, good. I incorporated AlterEstate (https://alterestate.com) as a C Corp. I’m based in the Dominican Republic, it also took me a couple of months for the same reason @alex_b_h mentioned, the COVID delayed my EIN but so far so good. Just a couple of things to keep in mind when you incorporate with Stripe Atlas.

    • Once you get incorporated, you are on your own.
    • Mercury is definitely the best option for banking, don’t even try using SVB.
    • If you have an active account with active subscription (like me) there’s no way to move the subscriptions to your active account to the new stripe atlas account, even though they are under the same email.
    1. 1

      Hey, sounds like you got your EIN already but if you didn't / know someone who is waiting check out this link here for real-time EIN updates from the IRS! https://www.startpack.io/how-long-will-it-take-to-get-an-ein

  3. 2

    That's a very good question! I'm on the fence as well and would be happy to read insightful feedbacks. I'm currently based in the States but will be moving back to France in a few months. And the French system for incorporating a company is too much of an hassle (I already went through this with my first French startup).

    1. 1

      Hey Vincent! Check out this blog post I wrote recently https://www.startpack.io/blog/how-to-set-up-a-us-llc-and-us-bank-account-as-a-non-us-resident-remotely-from-anywhere-2021-update

      In the blog post I cover:

      LLC Formation
      Best State to form an LLC In
      Registered Agent
      US Address
      US Phone Number
      US Banking
      Getting an EIN
      Stripe vs PayPal
      US Tax Filing Requirements
      LLC Annual Reports

      You can also schedule some time to chat with me here if you have any questions about setting up a US LLC! https://www.startpack.io/contact

  4. 2

    Good, incorporated Portabella (https://portabella.io) as C Corp. Took a couple of days to get the bank account with Mercury setup.

    I will say that it took a few months longer than usual because of COVID to get my EIN, but that should be back to normal now.

    I'm based in Germany and have never been to the US, for reference.

    1. 3

      What were the reasons for incorporating in USA and not in Germany?

      1. 1

        very curious as well /cc @alex_b_h

  5. 1

    Hey happy to chime in here for a "non-domestic" = "non-US resident" perspective!

    I wrote a blog post here (https://www.startpack.io/blog/how-to-set-up-a-us-llc-and-us-bank-account-as-a-non-us-resident-remotely-from-anywhere-2021-update) to provide a 2021 update with help for anyone who wants to learn more about launching a US LLC company and/or is ready to launch their US LLC company but doesn't know how to.

    In the blog post I cover:

    • LLC Formation
    • Best State to form an LLC In
    • Registered Agent
    • US Address
    • US Phone Number
    • US Banking
    • Getting an EIN
    • Stripe vs PayPal
    • US Tax Filing Requirements
    • LLC Annual Reports

    TL;DR there are a few options:

    1. Stripe Atlas [not possible for non-US residents]
      -- Unfortunately, Stripe Atlas does not serve non-US residents when it comes to forming US LLCs. They only support US residents.

    2. File on your own with the state
      -- You are able to form an LLC by filing directly with the state online!

    To do so you will need to do a few things first:

    • Pick a registered agent. You can do this via a google search and a registered agent is required in each state for an LLC. They charge yearly fees (depending on the state from $25 to up to $200 dollars I've seen)
    • Pick a LLC name. Search in your state registry if the name is taken too! It also must end with "LLC" or "L.L.C" (LLC is usually the most popular)
    • File your LLC online. You can do this directly through the state as well (google to find their link!) Each state has different filing fees which can range from $50 to $500+. It can take several days if not a week+for the state to get back to you. The state will send you your formation documents which will include your operating agreement as well.

    If you'd like to file on your own in Wyoming or Delaware:

    • Wyoming: There is a $100 filing fee with the state and you can do it online
    • Delaware: There is a $90 filing fee with the state and you can do it online
    1. Startpack
      If you're looking for a "one-stop-shop" long-term solution that helps you not only form your LLC but also help you with getting a registered agent, US address, EIN, Phone Number, IRS tax filings and more + serves as a long-term partner, check out StartPack (https://startpack.io).

    StartPack is a One-Stop-Shop for US and international founders to form an LLC in the USA. StartPack handles everything you need to grow and maintain your business from anywhere in the world:

    🏢 LLC Incorporation
    🕵️‍♂️ Registered Agent
    📑 EIN
    🏦 US Bank Account
    💳 Access to US Payments
    💌 US Address with a Lease
    📞 US Phone Number with a Utility Bill
    💰 IRS Tax Filings + Free Tax Consultation
    🧾 Accounting/Bookkeeping
    💻 Website
    💸 $50,000+ in Startup Perks
    🤑 Help setting up an Amazon Seller, PayPal or Shopify Account
    🔮 And more...

    If you have any questions feel free to comment below or schedule some time to chat with me here! https://www.startpack.io/contact

  6. 1

    "They incorporate your company and throw you to the wolves."

    This comment above highlights a sentiment many founders have felt and it highlights an important point: the incentives aren't fully aligned for "one-time fee" companies who help you form as after you've paid and your company is formed, there isn't a major reason why they "have to" provide stellar support or help (aka you end up in a situation where you are "thrown to the wolves" or given a checklist of things to do/figure out on your own, such as taxes, renewing your registered agent, annual reports etc).

    For folks who are looking for a long-term partner with a mix of value X ongoing support where the incentives are aligned X cost, check out StartPack and feel free to personally email me at [email protected] or live chat us online if you have any questions! https://www.startpack.io/top-stripe-atlas-alternative

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