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US LLC (Delaware) · via Stripe Atlas·🌐Founder profile

Incorporating a Delaware LLC for Japanese SaaS Founders

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$500.00

Japanese SaaS founders can utilize Stripe Atlas to form a Delaware LLC for US market entry. This structure requires careful coordination with Japanese tax reporting obligations.

The process involves state registration, obtaining an EIN, and establishing a US business bank account. Founders must account for both Delaware franchise taxes and Japanese National Tax Agency compliance.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$750.00
$31.25/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupStripe Atlas setup
    $500.00
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $250.00
Total$750.00
§ 02Tax residency · Japanese SaaS Founders

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

Delaware LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for US federal tax purposes, provided the entity is not engaged in a trade or business in the US (ETBUS).

Home-country rule

National Tax Agency treats worldwide income; foreign subsidiaries reportable under CFC rules (Anti-Tax Haven Rules, Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation).

Editorial verdict

Japanese founders must ensure compliance with the Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation to avoid double taxation and CFC rule penalties.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Form 5472 and 5471 reporting requirements
  • 02Japanese CFC (Anti-Tax Haven) rule compliance
  • 03Potential US ETBUS status triggering federal tax
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
21–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01FilingStripe Atlas submits formation docs
d0–d16
02Tax ID / EINIRS EIN issuance
d14–d34
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d27–d45
§ 04Head-to-head

US LLC (Delaware) vs Estonia OÜ (e-Residency)

US LLC (Delaware)
LLC
Estonia OÜ (e-Residency)
Entity
LLC
Setup cost
$140.00
$205.20
Annual
$300.00
$129.60
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
Franchise tax $300/yr; federal only on US-source income
20% only on distributed profit; 0% on retained earnings
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

The NTA generally treats a Delaware LLC as a foreign corporation for tax purposes. Under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation, Japanese residents must report worldwide income, and the LLC may be subject to CFC rules if not properly structured.
Next step

Start filing with Stripe Atlas

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.