The United States is one of the most attractive countries in the world to start a business. With access to global markets, strong legal protections, and a trusted business reputation, it’s no wonder that entrepreneurs from around the world choose to register a U.S. LLC or Corporation—even if they don’t live in the country. However, ensuring business compliance with U.S. laws, including tax regulations, filing requirements, and industry-specific rules, is essential for maintaining a successful and legally sound business.

But what many international founders quickly realize is that starting a business is only the first step. Staying compliant with U.S. business compliance laws and tax regulations requires a firm understanding of rules that are often complex, poorly explained, and not designed with non-residents in mind.

At MyUSAService, we help non-U.S. residents overcome these challenges with tailored support for every stage of the journey. In this guide, we break down the top paperwork and business compliance barriers that international business owners face and explain how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

Obtaining an EIN Without a Social Security Number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for operating a business in the U.S. You need it to open a bank account, file taxes, and hire employees. But if you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident, obtaining an EIN can be unexpectedly complicated, especially when navigating U.S. business compliance requirements.

Why This is a Problem:

  • The IRS often expects the “responsible party” to have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

  • Non-residents must submit Form SS-4 manually via fax or mail, not online.

  • Processing times are unpredictable, and errors lead to costly delays.

How to Solve It:

MyUSAService helps non-U.S. residents apply for EINs without needing an SSN, ensuring the form is correctly filled and submitted directly to the IRS. This avoids rejection and accelerates processing.

Business Compliance and Opening a U.S. Business Bank Account

Once you form your LLC or Corporation, the next logical step is opening a U.S. business bank account. But most traditional banks require in-person visits and local documentation—posing a major barrier for entrepreneurs abroad, especially when trying to meet U.S. business compliance standards.

Common Challenges:

  • Most banks enforce strict KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.

  • You may be asked to physically visit a U.S. branch with proof of identity.

  • Even online-friendly banks may require a U.S. business address and EIN.

Smart Workarounds:

At MyUSAService, we partner with fintech-friendly banks that accept foreign owners and provide solutions to meet address and verification needs, ensuring compliance with U.S. business regulations. We also offer U.S. business addresses that satisfy banking standards, helping you avoid rejections and lost time while staying aligned with business compliance requirements.

Understanding IRS Filing Requirements for Foreign-Owned Entities

Many non-resident business owners mistakenly believe that if their business earns no U.S. income, they have no tax obligations. That’s a dangerous misconception. The IRS still requires business compliance paperwork from most foreign-owned U.S. entities, even if no tax is owed.

What You Need to Know:

  • Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120.

  • Partnerships and corporations have different forms, including Form 1065 and Form 1120/1120-S.

  • Failing to file can lead to $25,000+ penalties for each missed form.

How MyUSAService Helps:

We notify our clients of these hidden IRS requirements, help prepare the right forms and connect you with licensed U.S. tax professionals. That way, you’re always in business compliance—and penalty-free.

State-Level Business Compliance: Annual Reports & Franchise Tax

After your business is formed, the state you registered in will expect annual or biennial paperwork and fees. These vary dramatically depending on where your company is registered.

Potential Pitfalls:

  • Delaware corporations must file an annual report and pay franchise tax by March 1.

  • California LLCs owe an $800 minimum annual franchise tax, regardless of income.

  • Failure to file annual reports or pay taxes can result in dissolution or loss of good standing.

Smart Strategy:

MyUSAService tracks filing requirements by state, provides timely reminders, and can file your annual reports or pay franchise taxes on your behalf. This saves time, avoids penalties, and keeps your business compliant.

Maintaining a U.S. Registered Agent and Business Address

Every U.S. LLC or Corporation must have a registered agent—a person or service that can receive legal and government documents during business hours in the state of registration.

Why This is a Barrier:

  • International founders don’t have a physical U.S. address or presence.

  • Relying on friends or acquaintances is risky—missed legal mail can have serious legal consequences.

  • Failing to maintain a registered agent can result in state-imposed penalties or dissolution.

Our Solution:

MyUSAService offers professional registered agent services across all 50 states with secure digital mail forwarding. You’ll never miss an important notice—no matter where in the world you are.

BOI Reporting and Corporate Transparency Act Compliance

As of 2024, most U.S. entities—including those owned by non-U.S. residents—must comply with BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. This is a new federal regulation managed by FinCEN.

Compliance Barriers:

  • You must disclose the names, dates of birth, and addresses of anyone with ownership or control over the business.

  • Newly formed businesses must file within 90 days in 2024 (30 days in 2025).

  • Updates to ownership must be reported within 30 days of any changes.

Avoid the Penalties:

Failing to comply can result in $500-per-day civil penalties and even criminal charges. MyUSAService guides you through every step of the BOI filing and helps you stay updated as rules evolve.

Finding U.S.-Based Tax Professionals for International Business Compliance

Most accountants outside the U.S. aren’t familiar with the U.S. tax code. And many U.S. CPAs only work with clients who have an SSN and reside domestically. This creates a serious gap for non-resident founders who need tax and business compliance advice.

What Makes This Hard:

  • International clients often need help with IRS forms, state tax, and reporting obligations.

  • Time zones, document access, and unclear responsibilities lead to mistakes.

  • Without proper guidance, compliance is nearly impossible.

How We Bridge the Gap:

MyUSAService partners with licensed CPAs and enrolled agents who specialize in non-resident and foreign-owned business filings. We connect you with the right experts to file correctly, on time, and with peace of mind.

Conclusion

The U.S. may be one of the easiest countries to start a business—but it’s also one of the most complex when it comes to compliance and paperwork, especially for non-U.S. residents. From EIN applications and BOI filings to IRS forms, state franchise taxes, and Annual Compliance Requirements for U.S. Businesses, the risks of noncompliance are high—and often unexpected.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.

At MyUSAService, we specialize in helping international founders set up and run fully compliant U.S. companies. Our expert team handles the paperwork, monitors deadlines, and simplifies government reporting—so you can focus on growing your business, not fighting red tape.