The Kicker Blog
Formation, taxes, bookkeeping, and compliance — explained clearly for founders building real businesses from anywhere in the world.
How Non-US Founders Can Open a US Business Bank Account
You do not need a US address, a Social Security Number, or to fly to America. Here is the step-by-step process to open a Mercury or Relay account with your EIN and formation documents — from anywhere in the world.
BOI Filing Deadlines Explained: What Every LLC Owner Must Know Before It Is Too Late
The Corporate Transparency Act requires most LLCs to file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN. Miss it and the penalties are $500 per day. We break down who must file, what information is required, and exactly how to submit it.
Bookkeeping Basics for E-Commerce Sellers: What to Track From Day One
Shopify and Amazon deposit lump sums. Stripe fees hit your account randomly. Platform refunds arrive weeks later. Here is how to set up a clean bookkeeping system that separates revenue, fees, COGS, and taxes — even if you have never opened a spreadsheet.
The Non-US Founder's Guide to US Federal Tax Obligations
Owning a US LLC as a foreign national triggers specific IRS filing requirements, even if you never set foot in America. We cover Form 5472, the 1040-NR versus 1120 choice, withholding rules, and the deadlines you cannot afford to miss.
Wyoming vs Delaware vs Nevada: Which State Is Actually Best for Your LLC?
Three states dominate the conversation for non-residents: Wyoming for privacy and low cost, Delaware for investor expectations, Nevada for charging order protection. This head-to-head breaks down annual fees, privacy laws, and when each choice makes sense.
How to Build Business Credit as a New LLC (Starting From Zero)
Your LLC starts with no credit history. Without it, vendors demand personal guarantees and banks offer worse rates. This guide covers the exact sequence — DUNS number, net-30 accounts, business credit cards, and how to graduate to a business line of credit within 18 months.
Annual Report Filing: What It Is, When It Is Due, and What Happens If You Miss It
Every state that requires annual reports will administratively dissolve your LLC if you do not file. Fees, deadlines, and required information differ by state. This is the complete 50-state calendar with exactly what each state wants.
Cash vs Accrual Accounting: Which Should Your LLC Use?
Most small LLCs default to cash-basis accounting without understanding the trade-offs. If you carry inventory, have deferred revenue, or plan to raise money, accrual may be required. We walk through IRS rules, the practical differences, and how to switch methods if needed.
The Freelancer's Roadmap to Going from Sole Proprietor to LLC Owner
Freelancing under your own name works until it does not. One lawsuit, one difficult client, or one audit changes everything. Here is when to make the jump, how to transfer existing contracts, and what changes (and what does not) in how you invoice and pay taxes.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes the Kicker Blog?
Articles are written by Kicker's in-house specialists — our formation team, tax advisors, bookkeepers, and compliance experts — and reviewed before publication. We do not publish AI-generated content without expert review.
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We publish two to three articles per week, focused on practical guidance for founders. Subscribe to the newsletter to get new posts delivered every Tuesday morning.
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You may quote up to 150 words with attribution and a link back to the original article. Full republication requires written permission — email blog@kicker.com.
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We do not accept paid or sponsored articles. All content reflects Kicker's independent view. If you have a topic suggestion, email blog@kicker.com and the team reviews it.
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