US Bank Account

just start a corperation and set up an account that way,,,

good suggestion.

may sound stupid.. but I have no idea where to even start..
What fees etc involved in starting a corp? and how much paper work ?

As a foreigner, you would want to incorporate in either Nevada or Delaware. My favorite has always been Delaware, although I do business with Nevada corporations as well.

There's a lot to learn, and you should start reading. Be informed. Don't just read my post and incorporate in Delaware. There are many things to consider, and a good book will know to tell you about them (try "Incorporate Delaware" or "Incorporate Nevada" on Amazon).

Other than that, spend a week looking up guides, how-to's, and other information on Google. Start making yourself familiar with the different corporate structures available (C-Corporation, Limited Liability Corporation, S-Corporation, etc.). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. READ ABOUT THEM. Also do a thorough research regarding Tax issues that will be relevant to you. Owning a company is no joke, and you should take it very seriously.

Being outside of the US does not make it easy for you. Don't believe people who say you can't open a bank account with no SSN... That's total BS. You can easily do so, if you happen to visit the US any time soon If not, there are companies who can do it for you, but will charge alot. I like http://www.thedelawarecompany.com/ and have used them for 3 incorporations in the past. They're quick and relatively cheap. Be sure to get "Certificate of Incorporation/Formation with Apostille" as you will need it in the future FOR SURE, especially if you ever want to open bank accounts in your home country, etc.

"International Mail forwarding" and other crap like that is not needed. Don't take it, as they will sure try to stick it to you by making up excuses about important LEGAL documents you may receive. CRAP. They must forward those ANYWAY. What it means is simply forwarding any future mail from clients, etc. No need in the beginning, unless you really want it.

"Tax ID number (EIN) for non-U.S. Persons" at The Delaware Corporation is expensive. US Citizens get it for free, but one of your company officers must have a SSN. If you can, get a US partner (family member, etc.), or just pay the fee. Shop around, there might be better providers of incorporation services. Some really try to rip off international customers.

Other links to start with:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...Incorporate%22

https://www.corporate.com/howToInc.jsp

The best suggestion is get a good book.

Any more questions?

Also, keep in mind that as an individual, you can still open a US bank account. Many will tell you that you can't, but it's simply not true. These days I believe you actually have to be present (post 9/11...). If you can, just come to visit, and open a bank account. I know for SURE that Bank of America, for example, will open you a bank account with an international Passport only. Most other banks will do so too. You don't need to go through the hassle of incorporating just for that...

we incorporated in Nevada last year, whole set up including articles, bank account, atm cards etc cost us around 2k.
Took around 5 weeks end to end to complete and was pretty straight forward. Great tax breaks - but make sure you get a damned good accountant to guide you through.

We run 80 percent of our operations through Nevada now, legally and without a problem.
Plus its a good excuse to hop on a plane midwinter in europe and bust your balls at the craps tables in Vegas.

$2000? You so overpaid it's not even funny

Filing, initial officers list, and registered agent should cost no more than $500... And it costs them nothing to set up the bank account.

Well we have a great package, and really happy with the deal.
Plus we got shit loads of money --- so price aint a proble

oh yes and we got this neat little stamp that presses our logo onto letters - plus 3 free baseball caps.
What more could we ask for

As long as you're satisfied. Do you need anything else? I can also charge 300% over the real price if you want. I'm idealy situation in AZ - 4 hours away from Vegas by car. Let me know. LOL.