Setting up a company in the USA: our support for international contractors

Setting up a business in the USA means entering a market with very different legal, tax and administrative rules to those in force in France. Every step counts, from possible statutes (LLC, Corporation, Subsidiary, etc.) to federal and state regulations, visa requirements, obtaining a tax number and opening a bank account.

At Expand CPA, we help individuals and corporations set up a business in the United States, regardless of which state you’re targeting. We help you to understand your obligations, choose the legal structure best suited to your project (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp), manage tax compliance, and understand the advantages linked to your residency, your sector of activity or your investment plan.

Our turnkey service enables you to set up your U.S. company quickly and securely, with expert follow-up on tax, social security, banking and administrative aspects.

SERVICES

Our key services

Analysis of the project, the business sector and choice of the most appropriate legal form (LLC, C-Corp, etc.);

Incorporation of the company and registration with the relevant authorities ;

Preparation and filing of documents to be provided: articles of association, forms, information on associates ;

Payment of incorporation fees and compliance with deadlines imposed by the U.S. administration;

Obtain the EIN number, essential for identifying the entity to the IRS;

Assistance in opening a business bank account in the United States.

Follow-up of federal and state tax obligations: declarations, payments, reporting ;

Bookkeeping and preparation of financial statements ;

Annual renewal of the company's registration with the relevant state authorities ;

Updating of information in the event of changes in legal structure or capital ownership.

Understanding the main types of companies in the United States

Would you like to develop a business in the USA and set up an American company? Whether you’re planning to set up an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp or any other legal form, Expand CPA can support you at every stage of the creation process, from strategic analysis to the day-to-day management of your entity.

The United States offers several types of company, depending on your project, tax situation and development ambitions. Choosing the right legal structure is an essential step in setting up a business.

The most common forms include :

The LLC (Limited Liability Company) combines management flexibility with legal protection for partners. Widely used, it is attractive for its tax transparency and simplified operation
The Corporation (or C-Corp) is a more formal structure, suited to large-scale projects. It facilitates fund-raising, with shares, shareholders and governance. It is subject to taxation at the corporate level, distinct from that of the partners
Sole proprietorships and partnerships are suitable for simpler structures. These forms offer little protection for personal assets, but are easier to manage

Our areas of specialization

Representation with US authorities:

We represent our non-resident clients in dealings with the US authorities, a step which is often essential for certain procedures such as company registration or obtaining an EIN number.

Tax consulting and business structuring:

Our experts can help you structure your business in the best possible way, taking into account the specific features of US tax law and the objectives specific to your project.

Capitalization consulting and investor integration:

We support founders in issuing shares, bringing new investors on board and financial planning for their company.

Analysis of international tax implications:

We help entrepreneurs understand the impact of U.S. taxation on their global situation, particularly through tax treaties between the U.S. and their country of residence.

Why use Expand CPA to set up your company in the USA?

When you call on our accounting firm specializing in the United States, you benefit from :

Personalized support throughout the start-up process
Precise advice on the legal form best suited to your business
Full handling of tax and administrative formalities, in both English and French
Direct access to local contacts (CPA accountants, registered agents, banking partners, etc.)
Recognized expertise to facilitate your tax formalities, manage your accounting and ensure your company’s compliance over the long term

Frequently asked questions

Which visa is required to set up a business in the United States?

To set up a business in the USA as a foreign entrepreneur, it is essential to have a suitable work visa. The most common is the E2 investor visa, accessible under certain visa conditions, including substantial investment in a US company and origin in a country that has signed a treaty with the USA. This entrepreneur visa does not automatically entitle you to permanent residency, but does allow you to actively manage your company.

Other visa requirements may apply, depending on your status, your role in the company and the structure you have chosen.

How long does it take to set up a company in the USA?

The time it takes to set up a company in the United States varies according to the state of registration, the legal form chosen and the responsiveness of local authorities. On average, it takes between 3 and 4 months to complete the entire set-up process, from preparing the articles of association to obtaining the EIN number, including the registration period and opening a bank account. Thanks to our support, we optimize the speed of creation and monitor each stage to guarantee a controlled registration time.

How can I ensure legal compliance for my company in the United States?

Setting up a business in the USA requires compliance with a number of administrative, legal and tax regulations. Legal compliance means complying with U.S. regulations, particularly in terms of labor law, immigration laws, tax obligations, filing official documents and bookkeeping.

Each state has its own specificities. At Expand CPA, we work with our clients to ensure they are compliant from the outset, and then to meet their annual obligations, so as to secure their business for the long term.

What documents are required to obtain a bank account in the United States?

Opening a bank account is an essential step in starting up a business in the USA. To open a bank account with a U.S. bank, you'll need to provide a set of necessary documents, including: the manager's passport, the company's articles of incorporation, proof of address, and the EIN number. Requirements may vary depending on the bank you choose. Expand CPA can help you put together a complete file and choose an American bank suited to your business and status.

Would you like to optimise your tax situation?

Expand CPA supports you in France and the United States to effectively manage your accounting and tax obligations. Take advantage of personalised advice to secure your activities and develop your business internationally. Contact us to schedule a meeting or ask questions about our services.

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