UK company or US LLC: which one fits you
Side by side
| UK limited company | US LLC (one foreign owner) | |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Up to 48 hours | A few days, but the tax number (EIN) can take several weeks |
| Government fees | £100 to register, £50 a year | Depends on the state: about $60 a year in Wyoming, $300 in Delaware |
| Tax on profit | 19% to 25% | Usually no US federal income tax if there is no US business activity; you are taxed where you live |
| Yearly filings | Accounts, corporation tax return, confirmation statement | Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 |
| Penalty for missing them | From £150, rising with the delay | $25,000 for a missed Form 5472 |
| Public record | Yes. Anyone can check the company on Companies House | Limited, depending on the state |
| Stripe and Wise | Supported country | Supported country |
When the UK company is the better fit
- Your clients are in the UK, Europe or the Gulf and want a supplier they can verify on a public register.
- You want pounds, euros and dollars in one business account.
- You want the company running this week.
- You prefer one clear set of yearly accounts that banks and partners accept.
When the US LLC is the better fit
- Most of your clients are in the United States, or you sell on US marketplaces.
- Lower company tax matters more to you than speed, and your accountant confirms you have no US business activity.
- You are sure the yearly US filing will never be missed.
The mistake to avoid
Choosing only by the tax rate. A cheap LLC with a missed Form 5472 costs more than years of UK corporation tax. Whatever you choose, make sure someone is responsible for the yearly filings.
What Tachkeel does
We form and manage both. The packages on this site are for UK companies and include the accounting and yearly filings. On the first call we tell you plainly which structure fits your clients and income.
We form your UK company, apply for your payment account and handle the accounting. Packages from $1,890.
Talk to us on WhatsAppSee packages and pricesCommon questions
Is a US LLC tax-free for a Lebanese owner?
Often there is no US federal income tax when the LLC has one foreign owner and no US business activity, but this depends on your facts. The yearly Form 5472 is still required.
Which is faster to open?
The UK company: up to 48 hours. A US LLC forms in days, but the tax number needed for banking can take several weeks.
Can both open Stripe?
Both countries are supported by Stripe. Approval is always Stripe's decision.
Can I have both?
Yes. Some businesses use a UK company for Europe and the Gulf and a US LLC for American clients.
More guides
Sources: Corporation Tax rates and allowances (GOV.UK) · Companies House fees (GOV.UK) · IRS: About Form 5472 · Stripe: countries where Stripe is available