A US company can be an important part of building a long-term sales operation in the United States. Depending on your business model, it may support marketplace accounts, banking and payment arrangements, tax administration and relationships with US customers. You do not need to live in the US or be a US citizen to form a company. In many cases, the process can be managed remotely from Türkiye, subject to the requirements of the relevant providers and authorities.
US company structures
Three company structures you are likely to encounter are LLCs, C-Corps and S-Corps. Each has different tax, ownership and governance considerations:
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
A flexible and commonly used structure. An LLC can provide liability protection and is relatively straightforward to form and manage. Its tax treatment depends on the ownership structure and elections made. It is often considered by foreign entrepreneurs and e-commerce businesses, but the right choice depends on the specific business and tax situation.
C-Corporation (C-Corp)
Suited to large companies and businesses planning to raise investment. It requires a share structure and corporate governance, and comes with drawbacks such as double taxation (at both the company and shareholder level). It's not what most Turkish manufacturers need at the start.
S-Corporation (S-Corp)
A tax classification with eligibility and ownership restrictions. Non-US owners may face limitations, so eligibility should be assessed with a qualified tax professional.
In practice, an LLC is often the first structure considered by manufacturers expanding from Türkiye to the US, but the appropriate choice depends on the business and its tax circumstances.
Why an LLC?
Several features may make an LLC a practical starting point for Turkish manufacturers:
- Limited liability: An LLC may help separate personal assets from company liabilities, subject to applicable law.
- Foreign ownership: You do not generally need to live in the US or be a US citizen to form a foreign-owned LLC.
- Tax flexibility: An LLC may have different tax classification options depending on its ownership and elections.
- Lower administrative burden: An LLC generally has fewer formal governance requirements than a C-Corp.
- Marketplace compatibility: An LLC may provide a suitable business structure for seller accounts on platforms such as Amazon and Walmart, subject to each platform's requirements.
How does LLC formation work?
- Choosing a state: Select a state based on your business activities, tax considerations and operating needs. Your logistics and warehouse arrangements may also influence this decision.
- Formation: The LLC is created and registered with the relevant state authority.
- Obtaining an EIN (tax ID): The company applies for a US federal tax identification number, which may be needed for banking, tax and marketplace processes.
- Registered agent: A registered agent is appointed to receive official legal notices, as required by the state.
- Banking and payment setup: Banking and payment options are evaluated and arranged in the company's name, subject to provider approval.
What does our setup service cover?
We coordinate the company setup process so you do not have to manage every step on your own. Depending on the selected scope, our setup package may include:
- US LLC formation and state registration
- EIN (tax ID) application support
- Registered agent service
- US business address
- US bank account setup support
- Payment setup support (Stripe/PayPal)
- Guidance on required annual filings
- Support in evaluating state options
- Monthly bookkeeping coordination
What does it cost?
The cost of forming a US company varies depending on the state, the services required and the scope of the package. Formation is generally a one-time cost, while services such as registered agent support and certain annual filings may recur. Contact us for an assessment based on your needs.
Ready to form your company?
Contact us directly for the process and costs that fit you. Send us an email and we'll get back to you shortly.
Email us