Starting a U.S. business from Canada involves more than choosing a name and filing an LLC. SetRight helps eligible Canada-based owners organize the U.S. formation, EIN, accounting and tax steps together. Remote service is available after we confirm that the engagement fits your situation.
Start with the ownership and operating plan
Tell us what the business will do, where it will operate, who will own it and whether an entity already exists. Those facts guide the questions to resolve before choosing a state or structure. SetRight can coordinate formation and registered agent steps within the agreed scope; legal questions about ownership, contracts or regulated activities may require an attorney.
Separate the entity from its tax treatment
An LLC is created under state law. Its federal tax classification depends on ownership and any valid elections. A filing package alone does not decide the full U.S. tax picture. Review the IRS explanation of LLC classifications and our LLC and S-corporation guide before assuming a particular election fits.
Prepare the EIN application correctly
We review the entity information, responsible party, required authorization and appropriate application method against current IRS instructions. Being based in Canada does not, by itself, establish eligibility for the online EIN application. Processing depends on the application and IRS procedures. See the IRS Form SS-4 instructions and our EIN and tax setup checklist.
Plan for the first year of operations
Keep owner contributions, withdrawals, income and expenses organized from the beginning. Review which U.S. returns and information reports apply to the ownership and transactions. Some foreign-owned U.S. entities have additional reporting obligations; the IRS Form 5472 instructions explain relevant definitions and filing conditions. SetRight can discuss accounting and bookkeeping, business tax preparation and ongoing planning as part of a separate, confirmed scope.
Keep the U.S. and Canadian obligations coordinated
Our scope here is U.S. formation and U.S. tax matters. Coordinate Canadian obligations with your Canadian adviser. SetRight accountants, affiliated CPAs and Enrolled Agents contribute when relevant to the engagement. We confirm services, responsibilities and fees before work begins.
What to share in the first conversation
Start with a brief business description, your location and whether the company is already formed. Keep tax identifiers, identity documents and banking information out of the public inquiry form; SetRight will explain the secure document process after reviewing the request.