Short answer: in the USA LLC vs UK Ltd choice, pick a USA LLC if most of your clients or marketplaces are American, you want your name off public records, and you want low yearly costs. Choose a UK Ltd if your clients are mainly in the UK or Europe, you want a company number the same week, and you are comfortable with public accounts and UK Corporation Tax.
USA LLC vs UK Ltd: side-by-side comparison
| USA LLC (Wyoming) | UK Private Limited | |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee to register | $100 | £100 |
| Our service fee | From $140 | From £150 |
| Time to register | 1–3 business days | 24–48 hours |
| Tax ID | EIN from the IRS, about 4–6 weeks | Company number at once, UTR by post |
| Owner names public? | No | Yes |
| Yearly state or registry fee | Annual report from $60 | Confirmation statement £50 |
| Yearly tax filing | Form 5472 + pro-forma 1120 | Accounts + Corporation Tax return |
| Tax on profits | Usually none in the US for a foreign owner with no US trade or business | 19%–25% UK Corporation Tax |
| Identity check | Through the bank and the IRS | Companies House ID verification |
| Best for | US clients, Amazon, Shopify, US marketplaces | UK and EU clients, agencies, consultants |
Tax: the biggest difference
USA LLC. A single-member LLC owned by a foreign person is “disregarded” for US tax. If it has no US trade or business, it usually owes no US federal income tax. It must still file Form 5472 with a pro-forma 1120 every year — see Form 5472 explained.
UK Ltd. A UK company pays UK Corporation Tax on its profits: 19% on profits up to £50,000 and 25% above £250,000, with marginal relief in between. It files annual accounts and a Company Tax Return. Most owners use a UK accountant.
In both cases you may also owe tax at home on what you earn. This is general information, not tax advice.
Privacy
A Wyoming LLC does not list its members in the public filing. A UK company’s directors and shareholders with significant control appear on the public Companies House register, along with yearly accounts.
Client trust and platforms
- American clients and US marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, Shopify payouts) are used to US LLCs and EINs.
- UK and European clients often prefer invoices from a UK company, with VAT handled correctly when it applies.
Banking
In both countries, banks and fintechs look closely at where the owner lives. For founders in Bangladesh or Pakistan, the choice of country matters less than the provider’s own rules. Read Business bank accounts for non-resident LLCs before deciding.
Our view: if you sell to Americans and want the lowest yearly running cost, Wyoming is hard to beat. If your retainers are with UK companies, a UK Ltd usually fits better — and you can add a US LLC later.
Want us to set this up for you?
USA LLC from $140 or UK Ltd from £150, plus government fees. Pay 50% now, 50% when your documents arrive.
Quick decision guide
- Selling on Amazon, Walmart or Shopify US → USA LLC. See our e-commerce packages.
- Freelancer with mostly US clients → USA LLC.
- Agency or consultant with UK or EU retainers → UK Ltd.
- Want the lowest yearly cost and privacy → USA LLC.
- Want a company number this week → UK Ltd.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both?
Yes. Some agencies run a UK Ltd for European clients and a US LLC for American ones. Start with the one your biggest clients prefer.
Which is cheaper to run each year?
Usually the USA LLC: about $60 for the Wyoming annual report, a registered agent renewal and the yearly tax filing. A UK Ltd adds £50 for the confirmation statement plus accountant fees.
Which is easier for Stripe?
Neither guarantees approval. Stripe supports both US and UK businesses, then reviews the owner. See PayPal or Stripe blocked?
