Service · US residents only
An S-Corp is a tax election, not a separate company type. By US law, every S-Corp shareholder must be a US citizen or resident alien. If you are a non-US founder, you cannot own an S-Corp — an LLC or C-Corp is your route, and we will tell you that before you pay anything.
Find my best setup See pricingAll shareholders must be US persons (citizens or resident aliens), the company may have only one class of stock, and shareholders must be individuals — not companies or non-resident aliens.
Eligible owners use the S election for pass-through taxation: business income flows to the owners' personal returns instead of being taxed at the company level first. Whether it saves you money depends on your numbers — that is a CPA question, and we say so.
If any owner is not a US person, the S election is not available — full stop. Choose an LLC (bootstrapped) or a C-Corp (raising investment). Our guided flow will never recommend an S-Corp to a non-US founder.
We form the corporation (or LLC) that will carry the election — Professional filed within 7 business days, Premium within 72 hours.
The S election (IRS Form 2553) prepared for all shareholders to sign and filed with the IRS.
Your federal EIN from the IRS as part of the formation.
A US-registered agent in your formation state, included for a full year.
A real US business address with mail forwarding for the first year.
Bylaws or Operating Agreement, banking resolution, and a Mercury/Wise introduction pack.
$199 + state fee
Filed within 7 business days · Average delivery 14 days · Full service-fee refund if not filed within 30 days
$399 + state fee
Filed within 72 hours · Average delivery 10 days · Full service-fee refund if not filed within 21 days
We are not a law firm or a CPA and do not provide legal or tax advice. S-Corp payroll and reasonable-salary rules are real obligations — get a CPA before you elect.
No. US law requires every S-Corp shareholder to be a US citizen or resident alien. A non-resident shareholder ends the election. Non-US founders should choose an LLC or C-Corp — both are open to you.
No. It is a tax election (Form 2553) made by an eligible corporation or LLC. We form the underlying company and prepare the election filing.
Generally within 2 months and 15 days of the start of the tax year it should take effect, or any time in the preceding tax year. Late-election relief exists in some cases — ask us and we will flag if you need a CPA or attorney.
Professional is $199 + state fee ($249 total in New Mexico). Premium is $399 + state fee ($449 in New Mexico). Year 2+: $99/year Renewal Care + $99/year compliance filing + state fees at cost.
Answer 7 quick questions. We recommend the right structure — and we will never sell you a structure you are not eligible for.
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