Do I Need a US Company? Test
You do not need a US company to sell into the US. We write that as an agency that sets up US companies: eight questions to see whether you actually need one — and the answer is often “not yet”.
Stage
Where are you right now?
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How it's calculated
The test scores three options — sole trader, Turkish limited company and US LLC — across stage, volume, channel, tax and incentive expectations, payment blockers, brand plans, administrative capacity and physical presence in the US.
One principle drives the weights: a US LLC is not a solution, it is the solution to specific problems. A genuine payment blocker, a US trademark or Brand Registry need, or a warehouse and team in the US all raise its score. Absent those, it doesn't rise — because there is no reason for it to.
Export VAT refunds and state incentives attach to the Turkish entity. If those matter, the test favours the Turkish company; a US LLC does not replace them, it sits alongside.
The result ranks the options with a cost class. If the LLC doesn't win, the tool says so plainly and does not try to sell you one — that is a deliberate design choice.
What people most often forget
- An LLC is not a one-off cost. State fees, a registered agent, accounting and annual filings continue whether or not you sell.
- Forgetting to file doesn't make the company go away. Dormant entities come back as penalties and lost standing; answer “who will maintain this” before you file.
- Tax exposure depends on circumstances. Forming a US entity does not zero your tax nor remove your Turkish obligations. Trust your accountant here, not forum wisdom.
- Selling on Amazon does not require a US entity. You can open a seller account on your Turkish company; most content presenting an LLC as mandatory is selling a service.
- Sequence matters. Prove the product sells, then grow the structure. The reverse order commits you to monthly costs before a single sale.
Scope, sources and freshness
This is decision support, not legal, financial or tax advice, and must not be used as such. Entity choice depends on your personal tax position, ownership structure, volume and target markets, and the rules change. Review the outcome with your accountant, and a US one where relevant. Your answers stay in the browser.
Sources last reviewed: 16 August 2026
Frequently asked
Do I need a US company to sell on Amazon?
No. You can open a seller account and sell into the US on your Turkish entity. A US company solves specific problems — payments, trademarks, local operations — and is unnecessary without them.
What does a US LLC cost annually?
It varies by state and provider: state fees, registered agent, accounting and filings. Decide on that recurring total, not the setup fee.
Can I export online as a sole trader?
At small volumes and on some channels, yes. Once export invoicing, VAT refunds and incentives matter, a limited company fits better. Confirm with your accountant.
Company first, or sales first?
Start with the simplest structure that works and prove the product sells. You can always scale the structure; committing to monthly obligations before any revenue is harder to undo.
If your product is ready, let's talk about the rest.
A free 30-minute call about your market, your product and the first 90 days. No pitch — just a clear roadmap.