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US LLC From The Philippines: Formation, Tax and Banking (2026)
Founders in Manila, Cebu, Davao form US LLCs to sell to American customers, use US payment tools and work with US platforms. Here is how it works from the Philippines, what is different for Filipino residents, and what to check before you start.
Yes, residents of the Philippines can form and own a US LLC online with no SSN, US visa or US visit. You choose a state, file through a registered agent and get an EIN from the IRS. What differs by country is banking, payment access and home-country rules, which this page explains for the Philippines.
Why Filipino Founders Form a US LLC
- Stripe does not offer standard merchant accounts to Philippine businesses, so many founders use a US LLC for Stripe US
- Freelancers and agencies serving US clients
- Selling on Amazon US and other US marketplaces
Tax and Rules for Filipino Residents
| Point | What applies |
|---|---|
| Philippine tax | Resident citizens are generally taxed by the BIR on worldwide income |
| US filing | Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year for a foreign-owned single-member LLC |
| US income tax | Depends on whether the LLC has US-connected income |
| Tax treaty | The US and the Philippines have an income tax treaty; ask an adviser how it applies to you |
Our tax team, including M. Hassan, CPA, handles the US filings such as Form 5472. For home-country tax, speak with a local adviser.
Banking and Payments From The Philippines
The Philippines is on Mercury’s prohibited-countries list, so Mercury will not open accounts for founders who live there, and other providers review applications carefully. We tell you which options are realistic before you order. See our bank account guide and Stripe guide.
How to Form a US LLC From The Philippines
- Choose a state: Wyoming or New Mexico for most, Delaware for US investors
- We check the name and file with the state
- We get your EIN as a foreign applicant, without an SSN
- You receive your documents and apply for banking and payments
- Each year: the state filing and Form 5472
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to Mercury from the Philippines.
- Not reporting LLC income to the BIR.
- Skipping Form 5472 because the LLC had no income.
Need Stripe? Read our step-by-step guide: How to open a Stripe account in Philippines. It covers what Stripe checks, banking options for Philippines founders and the mistakes that get accounts closed.
What a US LLC From the Philippines Costs Each Year
Forming a US LLC from the Philippines is a one-time cost plus a few yearly filings. Our all-in packages start at $190 for New Mexico and $199 for Wyoming, and include the state fee, a registered agent, your EIN and a US mailing address for the first year. After that, plan for three things every year: the state filing (Wyoming’s annual report is $60 for most small LLCs, and New Mexico has none), your registered agent renewal, and Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 if the LLC is single-member and foreign-owned.
Most founders in the Philippines choose Wyoming or New Mexico because the yearly cost stays low. Delaware makes sense mainly if you plan to raise money from US investors.
Is a US LLC From the Philippines Right for You?
A US LLC from the Philippines is a strong tool when it solves a real problem, such as getting paid by US clients or selling on US platforms. Before you order, check these points:
- Stripe access. Stripe does not offer standard merchant accounts in the Philippines, and a US LLC with a US bank account is the usual route to Stripe US.
- Plan banking first. Mercury does not open accounts for founders living in the Philippines, so confirm which bank or fintech will accept you before you rely on the LLC for payments. We tell you honestly what is realistic before you order.
- Every year, even with no income. A foreign-owned single-member LLC files Form 5472; missing it can cost $25,000.
Not sure? Message us on WhatsApp with what you sell and where your customers are. We will tell you whether a US LLC from the Philippines is worth it before you pay anything.
US LLC From The Philippines: FAQs
Can a Filipino resident own a US LLC?
Yes. Anyone can own a US LLC, and you can form it online from the Philippines without an SSN or US visit.
Can I open a US bank account from the Philippines?
It is possible but harder than from many countries. Mercury does not accept founders living in the Philippines, and other providers decide case by case.
Can I use Stripe from the Philippines with a US LLC?
Stripe US accepts US-registered businesses. You need the LLC, its EIN, a US bank account and a US address, and Stripe decides.
How much does it cost to form a US LLC from the Philippines?
Our all-in packages start at $190 for New Mexico and $199 for Wyoming, with the state fee, registered agent, EIN and a US mailing address for the first year included.
How long does it take to form a US LLC from the Philippines?
Wyoming online filings are often approved the same day, and we then get your EIN, usually within 24 hours. You can do everything online from the Philippines.
Start Your US LLC From The Philippines
One all-in price with the state fee, registered agent and EIN included.
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