Incorporating in the United States can be clear and fast when you follow a proven path. This guide walks you through the exact Stripe Atlas workflow: application, legal documents, electronic signatures, Delaware formation, IRS tax ID number timing, and what actions to take while you wait.
How do you incorporate in the United States with Stripe Atlas?
Starting is straightforward and designed to minimize friction. You provide essentials about your company and founding team, then review and sign the documents that Stripe Atlas prepares for you.
Where do you apply and what do you submit?
- Go to stripe.com/atlas and complete the application.
- Provide your company name and a brief description of what it does.
- Enter basic details about yourself and other founders.
- Expect the form to take about 10 minutes to complete.
- The sign-up link is also available in your Plasie resources.
How are your details reviewed and turned into legal documents?
- Stripe Atlas reviews your submission to ensure everything looks good.
- They may contact you for edits or updates if needed.
- They generate the legal documents required to incorporate your US business with the state of Delaware and the US government IRS.
- You receive the documents by email for your review.
How do you sign and file to form the company?
- Read and electronically sign the documents.
- All founders must review and sign.
- Once fully signed, Stripe Atlas submits the documents to the state of Delaware to form your company.
- You will be notified by email as soon as the company is formed.
What are the formation and tax timelines in Delaware and the IRS?
Timing matters for planning. Delaware confirms formation quickly, while the IRS processing time for your tax ID is longer.
When is your company officially formed in Delaware?
- After Stripe Atlas submits the fully signed documents, Delaware reviews them.
- Delaware confirms formation in one business day.
- Stripe Atlas notifies you by email once Delaware confirms your company is created.
How long does the IRS tax ID take and what arrives next?
- After formation, Stripe Atlas applies for your tax ID number with the IRS.
- The IRS is the US government entity that handles collecting taxes.
- Processing time can take one to two months.
- Stripe Atlas will email you when your tax ID arrives.
What can you do after formation and before your tax ID?
There are key tasks you can complete right after formation, and others that begin once your tax ID is issued.
When can you open a US bank account and use Stripe payments?
- After your tax ID arrives, you can open a US bank account.
- You can start using Stripe payments to charge your customers’ revenue.
Why issue stock to founders soon after incorporation?
- After your US company is formed, use the stock issuance tool to issue stock to founders.
- This is important to do soon after incorporation.
- Next, you’ll move on to the process of issuing equity to founders.
Have a question about any step or timeline? Share it in the comments so we can help clarify your next move.
