Question 1

How much does it cost to incorporate with Stripe Atlas?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Atlas charges a one-time fee of $500 for company incorporation. This includes Delaware state filing fees (typically $90), your first year of registered agent services, EIN application, legal document preparation, and 83(b) election filing. After the first year, you pay $100 annually to maintain your registered agent. Delaware C-Corps also owe a minimum franchise tax of approximately $450 per year (due March 1), while LLCs pay $300 annually (due June 1).

Question 2

What's included when you incorporate with Stripe Atlas?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Atlas provides a comprehensive incorporation package including Delaware C-Corp or LLC formation, EIN (tax ID) application, essential legal documents (bylaws, operating agreements, stock issuance documents created with Cooley LLP), 83(b) election filing with USPS Certified Mail, and your first year of registered agent services. You also get immediate access to open a business bank account with Mercury or Brex, accept payments through Stripe, and start fundraising before your EIN arrives through their pre-EIN banking feature.

Question 3

How long does it take to incorporate through Stripe Atlas?

Accepted Answer

The application takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Delaware incorporation typically finishes within 1-2 business days. EIN processing time varies: founders with a US Social Security Number can receive their EIN in 2-4 business days, while those without an SSN should expect 10-20 business days. The total end-to-end process takes approximately 1-3 weeks depending on your situation. You can start accepting payments and banking immediately after incorporation, even before your EIN arrives.

Question 4

How does Stripe Atlas compare to Firstbase or Clerky?

Accepted Answer

Stripe Atlas ($500) excels for tech startups needing integrated payment processing and offers seamless Stripe ecosystem integration. Clerky focuses on high-growth startups raising venture capital with sophisticated legal documentation used by companies like Coinbase and Gusto. Firstbase offers more flexibility with incorporation in all 50 states (not just Delaware) and superior compliance automation. Atlas is limited to Delaware only but has helped over 100,000 companies incorporate across 140+ countries. Choose Atlas for payment integration, Clerky for complex equity needs, or Firstbase for state flexibility.

Question 5

What partner perks and credits come with Stripe Atlas?

Accepted Answer

Atlas companies receive over $100,000 in total partner benefits. This includes $2,500 in Stripe product credits for your first year, up to $5,000 in AWS Activate credits (amount varies based on funding status), up to $100,000 in Google Cloud credits, one year of free GitHub, $5,000 in DigitalOcean credits, and discounts on tools like Mercury, Notion, Slack, Linear (6 months free), Zendesk, Xero, and Carta. Additionally, Atlas waives Stripe payment processing fees on your first $100,000 in volume.

Question 6

Can international founders without US citizenship use Stripe Atlas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Stripe Atlas is designed for founders worldwide with no US citizenship or residency requirement. Non-US nationals can own 100% of shares in a US corporation or be sole members of an LLC. All board directors and officers can be non-US nationals and non-residents. Millions of US corporations are controlled by people outside the United States. Atlas handles the incorporation from anywhere in the world, though EIN processing takes longer (10-20 business days) without a Social Security Number. International founders can also file 83(b) elections through Atlas.

Question 7

What ongoing compliance is required after incorporating with Stripe Atlas?

Accepted Answer

Atlas handles incorporation but not ongoing compliance. Delaware C-Corps must file an annual report and pay franchise tax (minimum ~$450) by March 1 each year. LLCs pay $300 annual tax by June 1. Late filing incurs a $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest. You must maintain a registered agent ($100/year through Stripe after year one). Federal and state corporate income taxes apply based on where you operate. Atlas provides the Assumed Par Value Capital calculation method guidance to minimize Delaware taxes for companies with many authorized shares.

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