StartGlobal vs USFormation

Looking for an USFormation alternative?

USFormation offers affordable LLC formation at $399 with many included services. However, they only serve Delaware and Wyoming, and Year 2+ costs can be significant.

All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents

Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries

At a glance

StartGlobal vs USFormation

What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)

What's included StartGlobal USFormation
LLC formation All 50 states All 50 states
Registered agent Included Yr1 incl, $99/yr
business tax number (no SSN) Yes, no SSN Yes, no SSN
US bank account setup Included Yes (support)
Operating agreement Included Included
Bookkeeping Included (managed) Not offered
Federal tax filing Included Add-on ($199/yr)
Annual report & compliance Included Add-on ($199/yr)
Built for non-residents Built for it Built for it
Money-back guarantee 100% money-back โ€”
The real first-year cost

The cost to run an LLC, not just to start one.

Every founder needs formation, a registered agent, a business tax number, an operating agreement, ongoing compliance, bookkeeping and a federal tax return. Here is the full first-year cost on identical scope.

All in one place

StartGlobal

$399 to form

then $149/month fully managed, or a la carte from $99/year • one platform • everything included

  • LLC formation + state filing fee
  • Registered agent
  • business tax number
  • US business bank account setup
  • Operating agreement
  • Annual report & compliance
  • Bookkeeping
  • Federal tax filing

USFormation

$2,998/yr

2 separate services to manage

  • Formation, registered agent, business tax number & OA (state fee included) $399
  • Federal tax filing (single-member) $199
  • Bookkeeping, via 3rd party (est.) $2,400

USFormation only handles part of it.

To actually run your LLC you would stitch together 2 separate services: USFormation for formation, a separate bookkeeper, and a separate tax preparer. That is 2 logins, 2 bills, and 2 support teams to chase when something breaks. StartGlobal is all of it in one platform, one login, one bill, one team, for a one-time $399 to form, then a flat $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year).

First-year cost for a single-member, foreign-owned LLC in Wyoming, ~1,000 transactions / ~$100k revenue, with state fees included on both sides so the comparison is like for like. Where USFormation does not offer bookkeeping or tax filing, we use third-party benchmarks (bookkeeping $2,400/yr, federal tax filing $800/yr) so the scope matches. Competitor pricing as of 2026-06 and may change.

The difference

Why founders switch to StartGlobal

Real concerns reported by USFormation users, and how we fix them.

The problem

Only Two States Available

USFormation only forms LLCs in Delaware and Wyoming. If you want New Mexico (zero annual fees), Florida, Texas, or any other state, they cannot help you.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal forms LLCs in all 50 states. We help you choose the best state for your situation based on fees, privacy, and tax requirements.

The problem

Significant Year 2+ Costs

After Year 1, costs rise: Wyoming renewal is ~$363/yr (state fee + registered agent + tax filing), and Delaware is ~$613/yr (franchise tax alone is $315). These ongoing costs can exceed the initial savings.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal forms your LLC for a one-time $399, with all state and government fees included. Ongoing costs are one predictable plan at $149/month managed or a la carte from $99/year, and you can choose a lower-cost state to minimize annual expenses.

The problem

Mixed Customer Service Reports

“Very impolite service. Email responses were unprofessional.”

While most reviews are positive (44 on Trustpilot), some customers report rude service, email non-responsiveness, and being forced into express service upgrades.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal provides consistent, professional support. Our team responds within 24 hours and never pressures you into unnecessary upgrades.

The problem

Forced Express Upgrades

Some customers report being told their formation requires express processing at additional cost, even when standard processing would work.

With StartGlobal

StartGlobal never pressures you into paid upgrades. Your $399 one-time formation includes everything needed at standard processing times.

LLC Formation

Everything you need to launch, in one package.

Registered Agent

Included

Every US LLC is legally required to have a registered agent: the official point of contact that receives legal documents, lawsuits, and state notices on your behalf. We act as your registered agent in your formation state and forward anything that arrives straight to you.

  • Required to form and keep your LLC in good standing
  • Receives legal documents and state notices for you
  • We forward everything to you right away

State Filing

Included

We set up your company in the state you choose and track everything through to approval. Your state fees are included in the price, with no separate charges to figure out later.

  • File in any of the 50 states
  • State filing fees included, no surprise charges
  • We track your filing through to approval

Business Tax Number

Included

Before you can open a bank account, get paid, or file taxes, you need a business tax number. We take care of the entire application for you, even if you don't have a U.S. social security number.

  • We handle the entire application for you
  • No U.S. SSN needed
  • Gets you ready to bank, get paid, and stay compliant

U.S. Business Bank Account

Included

Open a U.S. business bank account from anywhere in the world, with no U.S. travel required. We connect you with trusted banking partners like Mercury and Lili and guide you through the application.

  • Apply from anywhere, no U.S. trip needed
  • Partners like Mercury and Lili
  • Guided setup from start to finish
$399 one-time
All state and government fees included

One payment, no surprise charges at checkout.

Get started

Ongoing Compliance

Pay only for what you need.

Registered Agent

Pay as you go

Your registered agent service continues year after year, keeping a verified U.S. address on file and forwarding every legal document and state notice so you stay in good standing.

  • Verified U.S. address maintained
  • Legal mail scanned and forwarded
  • Renewed automatically each year

State Annual Report

Pay as you go

Most states require an annual or biennial report to keep your LLC active. We prepare and file it on time, every year, so you never fall out of good standing or get hit with late penalties.

  • Annual or biennial report prepared and filed
  • Deadline tracking, no late penalties
  • Keeps your LLC in good standing

Bookkeeping

Pay as you go

We keep your books organized and aligned with U.S. standards every month, so your finances are always accurate and ready for tax time, investors, or a loan.

  • Monthly bookkeeping
  • Transactions categorized and reconciled
  • Reports ready for tax season

Federal Tax Filing

Pay as you go

We handle your annual federal tax filing for single-member and multi-member LLCs, including the forms non-resident owners need, filed accurately and on time with the IRS.

  • Returns for single and multi-member LLCs
  • Non-resident owner filings handled
  • Accurate, on-time filing with the IRS
From $99 / year

Starts with registered agent. Add annual report, bookkeeping, and federal tax filing as you need them.

Get started

Loved by founders in 150+ countries

Real customers, on camera, talking about their U.S. business journey

FAQ

USFormation vs StartGlobal, answered

How does StartGlobal compare to USFormation?+

USFormation forms for $399 plus state fees, while StartGlobal forms for a one-time $399 with all state fees included, and both offer similar services. However, USFormation only offers Delaware or Wyoming, Year 2 costs are $363-$613, and some customers report service issues. StartGlobal offers all 50 states with consistent support.

USFormation looks cheaper. Why choose StartGlobal?+

USFormation and StartGlobal both form for $399, but USFormation adds state fees on top while StartGlobal includes them, and their state limitation means you may pay more in ongoing costs. Delaware franchise tax alone is $315/yr. StartGlobal lets you choose a low-cost state like Wyoming or New Mexico, and offers all 50 states if your needs change.

Both include Mercury accounts. What is the difference?+

USFormation partners with Mercury and offers a $500 bonus. StartGlobal also provides bank account setup with established banking partners. The key difference is state choice: StartGlobal lets you choose from all 50 states, not just two.

What if I want a state other than Delaware or Wyoming?+

USFormation cannot help you. If you want New Mexico (zero annual filing fee), Florida, Texas, or any other state, StartGlobal is your choice. We form LLCs in all 50 states.

How do Year 2 costs compare?+

USFormation Year 2 (Wyoming): ~$363. USFormation Year 2 (Delaware): ~$613. StartGlobal Year 2: registered agent renewal only (varies by state). Over 3 years, StartGlobal can be more affordable depending on state choice.

Still weighing up providers?

We put the main providers for non-resident founders side by side, with what each one actually includes and what the first year really costs.

Compare the best services for non-residents →

Ready to start your U.S. business?

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