Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there?

Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by mickeyp on Sunday June 17, 2012 @11:26AM (#4123109)

Sounds very complicated compared to the UK. You can set up a company (limited liability), here, over the internet, for about £15. If you're in Europe that's usually the preferred approach for a lot of small businesses; indeed, it is the most tax efficient way of operating for businesses that're in the UK as it shelters your person from creditors and liabilities compared with a simple sole trader arrangement. A lot of accountants will do a monthly package deal to manage your company's books and the accounts for you if it is simple, which it invariably is for most IT shops.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by diego on Sunday June 17, 2012 @11:39AM (#4123131)

It's not that different in the US. OP explained the case in which you're setting up a company for VC investment. It is only slightly more complicated than an LLC. In fact the time consumed by the whole process of setting up a company is negligible compared with the time spent fundraising.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by syedkarim on Monday June 18, 2012 @07:45AM (#4125942)

Actually, OP is not interested in setting up a US company for fundraising purposes--the purpose of the US-entity is to easily process credit card payments.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by l0gicpath on Sunday June 17, 2012 @12:01PM (#4123175)

Could you elaborate more on how is it possible to register a company in UK online? I was under the impression that I'd have to be present there in UK to do so.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by citricsquid on Sunday June 17, 2012 @12:14PM (#4123196)

https://www.theformationscompany.com/

£5. Enter some forms and that's it. They offer a registered office package; they'll be in the UK for you. I registered a company through them (although I used a more expensive package, including stuff like registered office) and saw no indications I had to be UK based (although I am)

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by mickeyp on Sunday June 17, 2012 @03:08PM (#4123564)

That is not the official Companies House website, by the way, but an affiliate that resells that service with "additional options." I cannot comment on how good it is.

This is the real deal: http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by kolinko on Sunday June 17, 2012 @02:31PM (#4123491)

Registering a company in UK is indeed a breeze, but try to open up a bank account for it if you're not a resident.

I'm from Poland, and every single bank in UK asks me not only about my company office's address, but also the founder/director address. Living outside of UK (although still in EU), I found no way around this yet.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by pawelwentpawel on Sunday June 17, 2012 @02:50PM (#4123534)

I'm about to go self-employed soon so I went to my bank (lloyds) a week ago to ask about opening a business account. Apparently there is not much of an issue. The difference is that I had my personal account at their bank for the past 3 years.

Which part of UK are you located in?

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by mickeyp on Sunday June 17, 2012 @03:09PM (#4123567)

Of course you have to supply an address for the director. Give them your Polish address. It's there for anti-money laundering and such.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by forcer on Sunday June 17, 2012 @02:45PM (#4123520)

Yes. I agree. Business banking in the UK is screwed. Most banks offer much worse services to small businesses than they offer to consumers.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by mickeyp on Sunday June 17, 2012 @03:10PM (#4123569)

I get a excellent service from Cater Allen, whom I business bank with (but no other affiliation than that.) Instant, direct access to a human in the UK with no phone queues or phone menus. Nice and simple. The only downside is the slightly rubbish internet banking, but I can live with that.

I get free postage paid envelopes so I can mail stuff to them as well. It's good.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by Prizzle on Tuesday June 26, 2012 @06:38AM (#4161112)

You realise that obtaining a Business banking account isn't a requirement - You may use your personal bank account and this applies for LTD, Partnerships or sole traders..

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by X-Istence on Sunday June 17, 2012 @01:20PM (#4123330)

I paid $50 to set up my new business (C-Corp) in Colorado, and got my EIN from the IRS.

If you want to get incorporated in Delaware and you don't have a statutory agent there it is going to cost more money to get someone to forward the mail for you, also you need to be aware of any rules or regulations for that state for opening the business.

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Re:Ask HN: How to setup a company in U.S. without being there? by Maro on Sunday June 17, 2012 @02:30PM (#4123488)

We were doing this as part of a fundraising process, so I'm not sure how it would go without that. I presume it'd be cheaper although I'd still want a lawyer involved. But, if there's no fundraising, then based on my experiences I wouldn't create a US Co. anyway.

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