Stripe Atlas helps entrepreneurs launch a startup in a reliable, safe, and fast manner, from anywhere in the world. Specifically, Stripe Atlas helps founders:

• Form a C Corporation in Delaware
• Obtain a U.S. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Acquire a Delaware registered agent service
• Issue stock to founders of a C Corporation
• Join the Stripe Atlas Community, a global community of entrepreneurs and experts
• Create a U.S. Stripe account to accept payments from around the world
• Open a U.S. business bank account
• Access preferred pricing with our trusted partners, including legal and tax experts, accounting experts, and technology platforms like Amazon Web Services, DigitalOcean, Carta, Bench, Xero, Gusto, and Product Hunt
• Download free legal templates for common post-company formation legal needs

Stripe Atlas process

You can start your U.S. company using Stripe Atlas in three steps:

1. Create a Stripe account
2. Complete the Stripe Atlas online application (usually takes about 20 minutes)
3. Receive, review, and sign your company’s legal documents via email (you can expect to receive these documents, or requests for clarification about your business, within a day or two of submitting your application)

After your company is created, you can then proceed (when you are ready) to issue stock in your company, activate your U.S. Stripe payments account, apply for a business bank account, join the Stripe Atlas Community, and access our partner benefits.

Stripe Atlas pricing

Stripe Atlas has a one-time fee of $500 that covers all of the services above.

Ongoing costs of running a business

It is important to keep in mind that running a business in the U.S. comes with significant recurring obligations, which include:

• Paying U.S. state and federal taxes each calendar year your company is active
• Maintaining a Delaware registered agent (available to Stripe Atlas users at a cost of $100 per year; your first year is included in the Stripe Atlas one-time fee)
• Filing annual reports with the State of Delaware (required for C Corporations)
• Ongoing registration, reporting, and/or tax-paying requirements of the locations in which your business operates
• Maintaining a business bank account (fees differ by bank)

Next steps

Now that you’re familiar with Stripe Atlas, you may want to read more about:

• Company types
• Stripe Atlas application
• Issuing stock to your founders
• Next steps after forming your company
• Guides to starting an internet business