Americas Company formation jurisdiction
The following is a compilation of public information for 5 jurisdictions in the Americas region (neutral comparison, not ranked by merit). Click to view each option's thresholds, costs, timelines, and procedures.
In the Americas, this site currently covers 5 major jurisdictions: the United States (Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, Florida). The US is one of the most important business incorporation destinations globally, with Delaware being the most prominent: Delaware has the world's most mature commercial court system (Court of Chancery), 95% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated there, and it has clear regulations for C-Corp/LLC structures for entrepreneurs. Wyoming is known for zero corporate income tax and strong LLC privacy protection; Nevada and Florida also offer relatively simple incorporation processes and favorable tax regimes (no state income tax). Note: US companies with foreign-source income must still comply with federal tax reporting (including FBAR, FATCA, etc.); evaluation by a US tax advisor is recommended before incorporation to ensure compliance with CFC and global minimum tax rules.
- 🇺🇸 United States, Delaware AmericasDelaware is renowned for its mature corporate law and specialize…
- 🇺🇸 United States, Wyoming (LLC) AmericasWyoming is known for its LLCs with low formation and maintenance…
- 🇺🇸 United States, Nevada (LLC) AmericasNevada does not impose state corporate or personal income tax, b…
- 🇺🇸 United States, Florida (LLC) AmericasFlorida does not impose personal income tax, and LLCs are genera…
- 🇵🇦 Panama AmericasPanama adopts territorial taxation, generally not taxing foreign…
Americas Company formation FAQs
What is the difference between a Delaware LLC and a C-Corp?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is generally treated as a pass-through entity for tax purposes, with profits and losses flowing directly to members' personal tax returns, offering high flexibility; a C-Corp is taxed at the corporate level (federal rate 21%), suitable for financing and stock option structures (e.g., Silicon Valley startups). The choice depends on the investment structure, tax planning, and business purpose; evaluation by a US tax attorney is recommended.
Does a US company have to pay tax on foreign-source income?
A US C-Corp is generally required to report worldwide income (including foreign-source income) for US federal tax purposes (tax rate 21%), but mechanisms such as foreign tax credits (FTC) may be available. LLC pass-through taxation flows through to the tax resident status of its members. The US also has CFC rules such as GILTI (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income); consultation with a US tax advisor is recommended before structuring.