Founder journey
A founder’s path through American formalities: picking between an LLC and a corporation, registering in the right state, getting an EIN, opening business banking, understanding licence requirements, and setting up bookkeeping and payroll before your first hire.
Start Here checklist
Work through these in order. Progress is saved in this browser — accounts and cross-device syncing are coming later.
Recommended reading order
Our editors sequenced these so each one assumes what the previous one taught you.
Step 01
Entity choice, state registration, EIN, banking, licences and taxes — the complete legal and practical sequence for launching a US business.
Step 02
An LLC is the default entity for most small American businesses. Here is what forming one actually involves, and what you must keep doing afterwards.
Step 03
Employment brings obligations that contracting does not. Getting classification and payroll right from the first hire avoids expensive corrections.
Step 04
American small business taxation is pay-as-you-go. Understanding quarterly estimates and deductible expenses prevents unpleasant April surprises.
Step 05
A bank account is the hinge of American administrative life. Most banks can open one for newcomers with the right documents.
Essential guides
Long-form, heavily reviewed pillar guides that cover the whole decision end to end.
Entity choice, state registration, EIN, banking, licences and taxes — the complete legal and practical sequence for launching a US business.
Learning paths
Multi-lesson journeys with objectives, an estimated completion time and a fixed order.
Entity choice, registration, tax obligations, and the practicalities of your first hire.
How federal, state, and payroll taxes fit together — and what actually lands in your account.
Banking, credit, budgeting, and savings structure for life in the American financial system.
Interactive tools
Calculators and comparison tools that turn this guidance into your own figures.
Generate an ordered launch checklist for a new American business, from entity choice through licensing and insurance.
Model the first twelve months of business costs: formation, software, insurance, payroll, and taxes.
Translate a gross salary into an estimated paycheck after federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and common deductions.
Downloads & checklists
Printable, versioned resources you can work through offline.
Entity choice, EIN, licences, banking, bookkeeping, and insurance — sequenced in the order you need them.
Offer letter outline, onboarding checklist, and payroll setup steps for a first American employee.
Offer letter outline, onboarding checklist, and payroll setup steps for a first American employee.
A spreadsheet built around American pay cycles, pre-tax deductions, and typical household categories.
Entity choice, EIN, licenses, bank account, bookkeeping, and insurance — sequenced in the order you need them.
State guides
Cost of living, housing, jobs, taxes and business climate on one comparable template.
The Yellowhammer State · capital Montgomery · 5.1 million residents. Alabama anchors its economy in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and healthcare. Employment is concentrated around…
The Last Frontier · capital Juneau · 733,000 residents. Alaska anchors its economy in energy, fishing, and tourism. Employment is concentrated around Anchorage and Fairbanks, while Juneau…
The Grand Canyon State · capital Phoenix · 7.4 million residents. Arizona anchors its economy in semiconductors, healthcare, and tourism. Employment is concentrated around Phoenix and Tuc…
The Natural State · capital Little Rock · 3.1 million residents. Arkansas anchors its economy in retail logistics, agriculture, and aerospace parts. Employment is concentrated around Litt…
The Golden State · capital Sacramento · 39 million residents. California anchors its economy in technology, entertainment, and agriculture. Employment is concentrated around Los Angeles a…
The Centennial State · capital Denver · 5.9 million residents. Colorado anchors its economy in aerospace, technology, and outdoor recreation. Employment is concentrated around Denver and…
Frequently asked questions
Often yes. Many banks accept an ITIN or passport plus visa documentation instead.
Read the full answerChecking is for daily spending and bill payment; savings earns interest and may limit withdrawals.
Read the full answerSometimes, but it raises immigration, payroll, and tax questions that most employers handle conservatively.
Read the full answerUsually not. Delaware suits venture-backed corporations; most small businesses are better served forming in their home state.
Read the full answerYes, ownership is generally open to non-residents, though tax treatment and banking requirements differ. Professional advice is worthwhile.
Read the full answerState filing fees typically range from around $50 to $500, plus registered agent and any local licence fees.
Read the full answerKeep going
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