What is Stripe Atlas? How it works, who it’s for, and costs

Stripe Atlas lets founders around the world form a Delaware LLC or C corporation online. Learn how Atlas works, what its $500 formation fee includes, how long it takes to get an EIN, and how it compares to other ways to start a US company.

Forming a US company normally means dealing with state filings, getting an EIN, appointing a registered agent, and working your way through a number of legal documents before you're official and can start operating.

Stripe Atlas packages most of that process into one online service.

For a one-time fee, you can form a Delaware LLC or C corp, get an EIN, and file the documents you need to start running your company.

But Atlas isn't the only way to form a US company, and Delaware isn't always the right choice for every business owner.

In this guide we'll explain how Stripe Atlas works, what the fee covers, its ongoing costs, and how it compares to business formation alternatives, like Whop.

What is Stripe Atlas?

Stripe Atlas is an online company formation service that lets you form a US company through Stripe. It supports Delaware LLCs and C corporations, including applications from overseas.

You sign up and complete the application online, and Stripe handles the formation paperwork and state filing, applies for your Employer Identification Number (EIN), and provides your first year of registered agent services.

Here's what the initial $500 fee for Stripe Atlas covers:

According to the Atlas landing page, incorporating your company with Stripe Atlas includes over $200K in offers from partners like AWS, Google, and Xero.

After the first year, Stripe charges you $100 per year to continue its registered agent service.

For eligible C corps, Atlas also includes fundraising tools at no additional cost, including board consents and YC-standard post-money SAFE agreements.

Is Stripe Atlas only for US founders?

No, you don't need to live in the US to form your company with Atlas.

The Atlas landing page says founders can apply online from "almost anywhere in the world", and its terms specifically account for both US and foreign founders and parent companies.

According to Stripe's 2025 Atlas year in review, Atlas companies were founded by people across 169 countries in 2025, up from 158 in 2024.

However, Stripe always forms the resulting business in Delaware, regardless of where its founders live.

That's because Delaware has become a popular state choice for many US companies – especially C corps – due to both investor familiarity and established corporate laws.

Atlas is an option for international founders who want a US entity to accept payments, open a US business bank account, or raise funding.

It also means you don't need a US Social Security number to get an EIN – Stripe applies to the IRS for the EIN after your company is formed.

According to Stripe's "How to incorporate your company" documentation, founders with a US Social Security number, address, and phone number typically get their EIN within 1-3 business days of incorporation. Without an SSN, it takes 5-35 business days.

How does Stripe Atlas work?

Registering your company with Stripe Atlas takes up to seven steps, depending on whether you're forming an LLC or C corp. Either way, it starts with one online application.

You'll choose which type of company you want to form, provide details about your business and its founders, and sign your formation documents.

Atlas then files your company in Delaware and applies for its EIN with the IRS.

Stripe also issues founder equity (and files 83(b) elections for C corps), and gives you the tools to open a business bank account, accept payments, and (for C corporations) raise money once your company is formed.

As of October 2026, founders can also start an Atlas incorporation through an AI agent. Stripe product lead, Jeff Weinstein, announced on X that founders can incorporate their company via their favorite agent using the Stripe MCP.

Here's a closer look at the process.

1. Choose an LLC or C corporation

The first decision you'll make when forming your company with Stripe Atlas is choosing between a Delaware LLC vs a C corporation.

Atlas supports both, but the structure you choose determines which formation documents and ownership tools you'll receive.

Forming an LLC is generally better suited to smaller, self-funded businesses that want flexible management and pass-through taxation by default. Stripe issues membership units to LLC owners. For example, if you and a business partner agree to a 60/40 ownership split, Atlas prepares documents reflecting that split, allocating 60% of the units to one founder and 40% to the other.

A C corporation is typically better for startups planning to raise venture capital, issue shares to founders and employees, or bring on outside investors. For C corps, Atlas includes founder stock issuance, 83(b) election filing, and fundraising tools.

What is an 83(b) election?

An 83(b) election lets founders pay tax on shares when granted, rather than as they vest. Because shares in a new company are often worth very little, this can reduce future taxes and start the capital gains holding period earlier. The election must be filed within 30 days of receiving the shares, and Stripe Atlas can file it on behalf of eligible C corp founders.

2. Enter your company and founder details

Next, you'll complete the Atlas application with your proposed company name, a short business description (which Stripe uses to confirm you aren't operating in a restricted category), a business website (or social media account), your company address, and your US phone number.

If you don't have a company address or US phone number, Atlas allows you to use your home address or obtain a virtual address or phone number through one of its partners. Your address is included in your EIN application and incorporation documents, while your phone number is only used for the EIN application.

You'll also provide each founder's legal name, email address, home address, and SSN or ITIN (if applicable), along with their ownership percentages. The founder who submits the Atlas application will also need to give their date of birth.

Stripe will check whether your chosen company name is available in Delaware.

C corporations will need to set aside an equity pool for future team members (employees and advisors), and appoint a board of directors to make major company decisions (like issuing shares or raising funds). They'll also need to name a president and secretary – one person can hold both roles.

LLCs will elect one or more managers responsible for major decisions, but they won't need to appoint a president or secretary, or establish any employee equity.

3. Stripe forms your company in Delaware

Once you submit your application, Atlas prepares your incorporation documents and applies your e-signature in the required legal sequence. Stripe notes that while this is handled automatically, some documents may be signed after the submission date or the date your company is incorporated.

The paperwork is then filed with the State of Delaware. According to Stripe, incorporation typically takes 1-2 business days, and you'll receive an email confirming your company has been formed.

Atlas provides your company's registered agent, who receives official legal notices and government correspondence on your behalf.

Do I need a registered agent?

Yes, Delaware requires every LLC and C corp to have one. Stripe Atlas covers registered agent services for the first year as part of your formation fee, with a $100 renewal fee for each year after. Stripe says its registered agent address shouldn't be used as your general business mailing address.

4. Founder equity is issued (and your 83(b) election is filed)

Atlas also handles founder equity, which is particularly valuable when forming C corps.

For LLCs, membership units are still automatically issued to founders based on the ownership percentages submitted on the application. But because LLC units issued through Atlas don't vest over time, LLC founders don't need to file an 83(b) election.

C corporation founder shares are issued by Atlas immediately after incorporation.

By default, shares follow a four-year vesting schedule with a one-year cliff, meaning 25% vest after the first year and the remainder vest monthly. You can also customize the vesting schedule, cliff, and start date during your application.

Atlas automatically files an 83(b) election with the IRS for C corp founders. This is handled for US and international founders, including those without a US Social Security number or ITIN.

What is vesting?

Vesting means founders earn ownership of their shares over time instead of all at once. If a founder leaves before their shares fully vest, they keep only the vested portion. This protects co-founders and investors if someone leaves early. The cliff is the initial period before any shares vest. Under Atlas's default vesting schedule, a founder who leaves within the first year leaves with nothing. One who leaves after two years keeps 50%.

5. Get your EIN

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax ID, used to identify your business for tax purposes. It's also required for activities like hiring employees and opening certain business bank accounts.

Once your company is incorporated, Stripe Atlas applies for it by submitting Form SS-4. You'll also complete Form 8821, which lets Atlas call the IRS on your behalf.

Your EIN isn't necessarily issued when your company is formed. While incorporation typically takes 1-2 business days, EIN processing can take longer, particularly for founders without a US Social Security number, US company address, or a US company phone number.

Stripe emails you when your EIN is available.

In an Indie Hackers post from January 2025, co-founder of Orbiter, Justin Hunter, said that he was "blown away by how easy Stripe Atlas made things," comparing it to having used LegalZoom as well as manually filing previous LLCs through the State of Texas.

Surprisingly, we received our employer identification number from the IRS the next day.

6. Open a bank account and start taking payments (even before your EIN arrives)

You don't need to wait for your EIN to come through before you can start setting up Stripe Treasury and accepting payments.

After incorporation, founders can check whether the company qualifies for Treasury, which lets businesses hold, send, and spend funds, manage supported fiat and stablecoin balances, and issue cards. Note that Treasury is the only business account you can apply for from inside Atlas, and eligibility isn’t guaranteed.

If Stripe Treasury isn't available, you’ll need to apply directly to a third-party bank or financial provider, such as Mercury. Stripe can help you retrieve your formation documents, but questions about eligibility, fees, or application status go to the provider.

According to Stripe's support page on getting a US bank account, providers typically ask for:

• Your company formation documents
• Your EIN
• Personal ID (a passport is sufficient) and ownership percentages for each beneficial owner
• A physical business address and a mailing address
• A detailed description of your business activities

Requirements vary by provider, business structure, and where founders are based, so check each provider’s eligibility criteria before applying. 

You can also activate Stripe Payments from your incorporation confirmation email or Atlas Dashboard. 

Stripe will automatically fill in details from your formation application, though you’ll need to provide a US phone number to complete it (Atlas partners can provide one if you don’t have one). You can then start accepting US card payments through options like Payment Links and Invoicing.

We immediately opened our business banking account and had our Stripe account set up to accept payment literally two days after going through the Atlas submission process.

– Justin Hunter, co-founder of Orbiter

Before your EIN arrives, you can transfer up to $100,000 in Stripe payouts to your bank account after the initial payout waiting period. Payment methods beyond US card payments become available once your EIN is issued.

As of November 2026, Stripe also offers eligible Atlas founders a $500 reward (paid in USD or USD-backed stablecoins) for opening a Stripe Treasury account within 7 calendar days of incorporation.

According to Stripe's Treasury reward offer terms, the reward is deposited within 30 days of meeting the requirements, and the account must stay open and in good standing until it’s paid.

7. Raise money with SAFEs (C corps only)

If you formed a C corporation, Stripe Atlas also gives you access to fundraising tools.

You can create Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs), which let investors provide funding now in exchange for the right to receive shares in a future financing round.

Atlas uses Y Combinator's standard post-money SAFE templates, with options for a valuation cap or discount.

To raise funds, you'll need to first generate a board consent document authorizing the fundraising round.

Once your board has signed it, you can send SAFEs to investors for electronic signature through DocuSign.

Companies can track each SAFE's status in the Atlas Dashboard.

If the company is using Stripe Treasury, Stripe automatically emails investors the bank transfer details. SAFEs can be funded via ACH or wire transfer.

If the company is using an external bank account, founders will need to provide those details themselves and manually mark the SAFE as funded once payment arrives.

How much does Stripe Atlas cost?

Stripe Atlas costs $500 in the first year, and $100 per year thereafter. Your first year includes filing fees, your EIN application, and appointing a registered agent – but you're still responsible for other ongoing costs, outlined in the table below.

Once their Atlas application has been approved, founders can access 50+ partner offers from the Perks tab of their Dashboard, including discounts and credits on tools for accounting and tax filing (according to Stripe's support page on Atlas perks partners).

Stripe Atlas LLC vs C corporation

While Stripe Atlas supports both Delaware LLCs and C corporations, the right structure depends on how you plan to run, fund, and grow your business.

Here's how to determine which makes sense for your company.

When an LLC makes more sense

An LLC is generally a better fit for smaller businesses, independent operators, and self-funded companies that don't plan to raise venture capital.

You get more flexibility in how your business is managed and how profits are distributed among owners, as well as default pass-through taxation – meaning business profits are generally reported on the owners' personal tax returns rather than taxed separately at the company level.

When a C corporation makes more sense

A C corporation is generally better for startups planning to raise venture capital, bring on outside investors, or offer employees stock-based compensation.

C corp ownership is divided into shares, making it easier to issue equity, establish employee stock option plans, and accommodate new investors. 

Venture capital firms also typically prefer C corporations because of their standardized share structure and governance, and Delaware specifically for its well-established corporate law and specialized business court.

However, C corps come with greater administrative complexity and corporate-level taxation, with potential additional taxes when profits are distributed as dividends.

Which is better for overseas founders?

Both Stripe Atlas LLCs and C corporations are available to non-US founders, but choosing between them requires some additional consideration.

The pass-through taxation that comes with operating an LLC can become more complicated when its owners live overseas.

For example, a foreign-owned, single-member LLC may need to file additional IRS forms even when it owes no US federal income tax. Multi-member LLCs may also face withholding requirements on US-source business profits allocated to foreign partners.

What IRS forms does a foreign-owned single-member LLC file?

Each year, the LLC must file Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120, even if it owes no US income tax. Form 5472 reports transactions between the LLC and its foreign owner, such as money put in or taken out. Form 1120 serves only as a cover, with just basic details like the company's name and address.

According to the IRS, failing to file Form 5472 on time carries a $25,000 penalty.

Your home country's tax treatment matters, too

Some countries treat US LLCs as separate taxable companies rather than pass-through entities, potentially creating double-taxation issues or making it harder to claim foreign tax credits. 

Essentially, an LLC that looks tax-efficient under US rules could be considerably less attractive once your home country's rules are taken into account.

A C corporation, on the other hand, keeps the company's income and taxes separate from its shareholders, which can make the ownership structure more straightforward for international founders raising US venture capital. 

However, corporate taxes and potential withholding taxes on dividends can add costs.

The right choice depends on where you live, where your business operates, how you plan to take profits, and whether you intend to raise investment. 

Read our guide to forming an LLC from overseas.

What to consider before forming a company with Stripe Atlas

Stripe Atlas makes forming a Delaware LLC or C corp pretty straightforward, removing a lot of the admin and complexity for business owners – but it may fall short for the needs of some companies.

You can only form a company in Delaware

One of Stripe Atlas's biggest limitations is that it only supports company formation in Delaware.

While Delaware is popular with venture-backed startups, it isn't necessarily the best choice for smaller businesses or founders operating primarily in another state.

For example, if you form a Delaware LLC but operate your business in California, you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in California. That means paying Delaware's annual LLC tax while also meeting California's registration, tax, and reporting requirements.

These additional costs can make Delaware formation less practical for businesses that don't need its corporate advantages.

If you'd rather form your company in the state where you operate, you'll need to use another formation service, such as Whop, which supports LLC and C corporation formation in any US state.

$500 isn't your total ongoing cost

$500 gets your company formed, appoints your registered agent for the first year, and files the necessary documents; it's not reflective of what it costs to keep your company running.

After the first year, registered agent services cost $100 annually. Delaware LLCs also owe a $400 annual state tax, up from $300 after Delaware passed House Bill 400 in 2026, while C corporations must file an annual report and pay franchise taxes based on their capital structure.

Depending on your business, you may also need to budget for federal and state tax filings, bookkeeping, accounting services, business licenses, and registration in other states where you operate.

Atlas doesn't replace a lawyer or accountant

Stripe Atlas provides standardized formation documents and handles several important filings, but it isn't a law firm or accounting service.

Its documents are designed for common startup structures and may not suit businesses with more complicated ownership arrangements, significant intellectual property, or unusual tax requirements.

Stripe also doesn't handle your ongoing business tax returns or provide individualized legal and tax advice.

This is particularly important for international founders, who may have reporting obligations in both the US and their country of residence.

If your business has more complex legal, ownership, or cross-border tax requirements, you'll likely still need to budget for professional advice alongside Atlas.

Other ways to start a US company

Atlas and Whop aren’t the only options to form an LLC or C corp. Depending on where you’re based and what you need, these are worth considering (prices as of November 2026):

• File and handle yourself: If you’re a US founder forming in your home state, you can file directly with your state and pay only its filing fee, plus a registered agent if you don’t want to act as your own (Northwest Registered Agent charges $125/year). This is the cheapest route, but you'll handle the EIN application and paperwork yourself.
• doola: Built for founders forming from anywhere in the world. The Starter plan costs $297 a year plus state fees and covers LLC or C corp formation, an EIN, and a US business address, while the Tax and Compliance plan ($1,999 a year plus state fees) adds federal and state tax filing.
• Firstbase: Forms companies in Delaware or Wyoming for a one-time fee (currently $99 plus state fees, usually $399), with registered agent service sold separately at $299 a year. It also offers an $899 annual tax filing package for non-US-owned single-member LLCs that covers Form 5472.
• Clerky: Focused on Delaware C corps for high-growth startups, with incorporation from $427, or $819 for a lifetime package that includes Delaware's expedited filing fee, first-year registered agent service, and ongoing fundraising and hiring documents. Clerky doesn’t form LLCs.

Stripe Atlas vs Whop company formation

Stripe Atlas and Whop cover the essentials of formation. Both charge $500 upfront and $100 annually after that, both support LLCs and C corps, and both handle your EIN application and registered agent services.

The main differences come down to where you can incorporate, and what's available after formation.

What would it cost to form and run an LLC in Delaware vs California, with Stripe Atlas vs Whop?

To really weigh the two providers, let's use the example of a founder wanting to set up and run an LLC in either Delaware or California over 3 years, taking into account formation costs, ongoing annual fees, annual state tax, and what changes for founders based outside the US.

Figures exclude tax filings, accounting, the fees for registering a Delaware LLC in California, and California’s income-based LLC fee. Non-US founder extras for Atlas are a US phone number, which Stripe requires to activate Stripe Payments, from Atlas partner Quo ($15/month, billed annually). Optional costs not included: a virtual business address (e.g. Atlas partner LegalZoom Virtual Mail from $39/month) and Whop's $250 expedited EIN.

The table above shows the provider fees at $700, $500 for year one plus a $100 renewal in each of the next two years.

If you form and operate in Delaware, the cost is the same whichever provider you use. The difference shows up when your business operates somewhere else.

Because Atlas only forms in Delaware, a California-based founder would pay Delaware's $400 annual LLC tax on top of California's $800, which adds up to $1,200 more over 3 years than forming directly in California with Whop.

Where Stripe Atlas wins

Stripe Atlas is built around the venture-backed startup path, and that's where it shines.

• Founder equity is handled for you: Atlas issues C corp founder shares immediately after incorporation, supports customizable vesting schedules, and automatically files 83(b) elections.
• Fundraising tools are included: C corps can generate board consents, send Y Combinator-standard post-money SAFEs, and track agreements through to funding, at no additional cost.
• It's integrated with Stripe's financial tools: Eligible companies can accept US card payments and apply for Stripe Treasury before receiving their EIN. Atlas also includes $2,500 in Stripe fee credits and access to more than 50 partner offers.

If you're a founder planning to raise VC, Atlas gives you a straightforward way to form a Delaware C corporation and prepare for outside investment.

Where Whop wins

Whop offers more flexibility for founders who don't need to follow the traditional venture-backed startup path.

• Form in any US state: Whop supports LLC and C corporation formation across all 50 states and Washington, DC. Forming in the state where you operate can help you avoid additional foreign registration requirements, state fees, and ongoing compliance obligations.
• Same-day formation in Wyoming: Whop supports same-day Wyoming company registration, making it an option for founders who want to get incorporated quickly.
• No US address or phone number required: International founders can use Whop's registered agent address as their company mailing address during formation.
• Programmatic company formation: Developers and platforms can form companies through Whop's API or CLI, as well as through the hosted portal.

Which should you choose?

Stripe Atlas makes sense if you're building a venture-backed startup, want to form in Delaware, and want straightforward 83(b) filing and fundraising tools.

It's particularly useful for businesses planning to raise outside investment.

Choose Whop if you want more flexibility over where and how you incorporate.

You can form an LLC or C corporation in any US state, use a registered agent address if you're based overseas, and manage company formation through the dashboard, API, or CLI. 

It's a simpler process for independent businesses, self-funded founders, and platforms that want to offer company formation programmatically.

Both providers cover the essentials for the same upfront price, so the better choice depends on your business structure, location, and plans for growing your company.

Check out our full guide to Whop vs Stripe, covering company formation as well as a head-to-head comparison of payments, payouts, tax, and more.

How to form a company with Whop

You can form an LLC or C corporation in any US state through Whop, including if you're based overseas.

The application is completed online, and Whop handles your state filing, formation documents, EIN application, and registered agent service.

Here's how to get started from the registration portal:

Choose your company type

Choose whether you're forming an LLC or C corporation, enter your proposed business name, and provide your website or social media profile if you have one.

Enter your business and ownership details

Enter each founder's legal name, email, phone number, date of birth, and home address. You can add multiple co-founders.

For an LLC, specify each founder's percentage of ownership.

For a C corporation, assign founders to the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director roles, then enter the number of authorized shares and their par value (the minimum stated value per share).

One founder can hold multiple roles, including all four.

Choose your state and company address

Select which US state you want to incorporate in. You can use Whop's registered agent address as your company mailing address or provide your own address in the state where you're forming your company.

Whop also applies for your EIN. If you don't have a US Social Security number, standard processing can take up to eight weeks.

You can pay an additional $250 to receive your EIN documents earlier.

Review your documents and pay the formation fee

Whop prepares your formation paperwork, including your certificate of formation and operating agreement for an LLC. 

If you're a non-US founder, you'll also need to sign IRS Form SS-4.

Review the documents, complete the $500 formation payment, and Whop submits your company for registration.

Form an LLC or C corp in any US state with Whop

Stripe Atlas is a solid choice for founders building a traditional venture-backed startup, but Delaware isn't the right choice for every company.

With Whop, you can form LLCs and C corps in any state, whether you're a US citizen or a founder from overseas.

For $500, Whop handles your state filing, formation documents, EIN application, and first year of registered agent services.

You can complete the application online, use your registered agent's address if you don't have a US business address, and manage payments and payouts through Whop once you're up and running.

Stripe Atlas FAQs

Can I use Stripe Atlas without using Stripe Payments?

Yes, Stripe Payments is optional. After your company is incorporated, you can choose to activate it from your Atlas Dashboard, but forming your company doesn't depend on it. Stripe also notes that approval for Stripe Payments isn't guaranteed.

Do I need an SSN to use Stripe Atlas?

No, you don't need an SSN to use Atlas. Stripe applies for your company's EIN either way, but without an SSN it takes 5-35 business days after incorporation.

Can non-US residents use Stripe Atlas?

Yes, non-US residents can form a company through Stripe Atlas. The Atlas landing page says founders can apply from “almost anywhere in the world.” Your company is still formed in Delaware regardless of where you live.

Does Stripe Atlas give you an EIN?

Yes, Atlas applies for your EIN with the IRS after your company is incorporated and emails you when it's available. It typically takes 1-3 business days if you have a US SSN, address, and phone number, and 5-35 business days if you don’t.

Does Stripe Atlas open a bank account for you?

Not directly. Stripe isn't a bank, but after incorporating (if eligible), you can apply for Stripe Treasury directly from the business banking section of the Atlas Dashboard. Treasury gives businesses access to checking accounts provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association, Member FDIC, so you can store, spend, and send money from one place. If Treasury isn't available, you can apply to a third-party financial provider instead.

Does Stripe Atlas include a registered agent?

Yes, Stripe Atlas includes your first year of registered agent services in the $500 formation fee, then renews the service each year for $100.

Does Stripe Atlas file taxes for you?

No. Atlas doesn't file your ongoing tax returns or your Delaware franchise tax or annual LLC tax. You can file these yourself or work with one of Stripe's tax partners or a tax advisor of your choice.

Is Stripe Atlas only for Delaware companies?

Yes, Stripe Atlas only forms LLCs and C corporations in the state of Delaware. Depending on your business structure and goals, this might not always be the best choice.