Definition
Stripe Atlas is a service from Stripe that incorporates a US company for you online: a Delaware C corporation, a Delaware LLC, or a US subsidiary of an existing company. It handles the state filing, gets the company's tax ID (EIN), issues founder stock and files the 83(b) election for C corps, so founders anywhere can have a US company without a lawyer or a trip to the US.
Indie makers mostly use it for one reason: a US entity makes payments, US banking, app stores and future fundraising or acquisition simpler, especially for founders in countries where Stripe isn't available.
How much Stripe Atlas costs (verified November 2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Atlas setup fee | $500 one time, including state filing fees and the first year of registered agent service |
| Registered agent after year one | $100/year, billed by Atlas, cancellable |
| Stripe credits | $2,500 in Stripe product credits in the first year, plus partner discounts |
| Delaware C corp: annual franchise tax | From $175 (authorized shares method) or $400 minimum (assumed par value method), due March 1, plus a $50 annual report fee |
| Delaware LLC: annual tax | $400, due June 1 |
Delaware taxes are paid to the state, not to Stripe, and are the founder's responsibility. Late payment of the corporate franchise tax carries a $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest. Sources: Stripe Atlas, Delaware Division of Corporations (corporations), Delaware Division of Corporations (LLCs).
Federal and state income tax filings, bookkeeping and any foreign-owned-company reporting are also yours to handle; budget for an accountant who works with non-US founders if you live abroad.
What's included
- Incorporation in Delaware, typically within about one business day according to Stripe.
- EIN (US company tax ID) application.
- Founder equity issuance and, for C corps, filing of the 83(b) election.
- Legal templates (bylaws, IP assignment, SAFEs for fundraising).
- Optional US business bank account through Stripe's banking partners, opened separately.
C corp or LLC?
- C corporation: the standard if you might raise venture money, issue stock options or sell to a buyer that expects a corporation. It pays corporate income tax, and founders pay tax again on dividends.
- LLC: simpler and usually preferred by bootstrapped businesses that will never raise. Profits pass through to the owners. For non-US owners the tax treatment depends on your home country, so get advice before choosing.
Stripe itself describes the C corp as the one often used by startups and the LLC as the one often used by small businesses.
When indie makers skip it
- You live in the US and can form an LLC in your home state directly, often cheaper and without Delaware's annual tax.
- Stripe or Paddle already works in your country and you have no plans to raise money: a local company or sole proprietorship may be simpler, and you avoid filing in two countries.
- You sell through a merchant of record (Paddle, Lemon Squeezy, app stores), which handles global sales tax and pays out to entities in many countries.
Alternatives that offer similar US formation packages include Clerky, Firstbase and doola; compare total yearly cost, not just the setup fee.
Stripe Atlas in practice: how indie makers use it
Atlas is infrastructure rather than a growth story, so few makers talk about it publicly. Relevant history and examples of how makers in the directory incorporated:
Patrick McKenzie· former maker
Joined Stripe in 2016 as an early member of the Stripe Atlas team and spent six years there, after years selling his own software (Bingo Card Creator, Appointment Reminder). He is now listed as a former maker. (source: kalzumeus.com)
Quit his engineering job in December 2016 to work on Listen Notes full time and incorporated Listen Notes, Inc. in 2017. (source: listennotes.com)
Built GrowSurf from 2017 but only incorporated the company in June 2019, once the product was real: incorporation can wait until you have customers. (sources: growsurf.com, failory.com)
Ran Tarsnap for years before incorporating Tarsnap Backup Inc. in British Columbia in 2011: a local Canadian company rather than a Delaware one. (source: tarsnap.com)
Free calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much does Stripe Atlas cost?
$500 one time, which includes state filing fees and the first year of registered agent service, then $100 a year for the registered agent. Delaware's annual taxes are separate: from $175 or $400 plus a $50 report fee for a C corp, and $400 for an LLC.
Is Stripe Atlas worth it?
It is a fast, low-cost way for non-US founders to get a Delaware company, an EIN and Stripe access, especially if you might raise money. If you live in the US or can use Stripe or a merchant of record locally, a simpler local company may cost less.
Can Stripe Atlas form an LLC?
Yes. Atlas forms Delaware C corporations, Delaware LLCs and US subsidiaries of existing companies.
Does Stripe Atlas pay my Delaware franchise tax?
No. Delaware's franchise tax, annual report fee or LLC tax are paid by the company to the state each year, separately from Atlas fees.
Do I need a US company to use Stripe?
No, if Stripe supports your country you can open an account with a local business. Atlas is mainly useful where Stripe isn't available or when you want a US entity for banking, investors or acquirers.
Related terms
Keep reading
Maker examples are paraphrased from the cited sources and from each maker's IndieMakerList profile; revenue is self-reported unless marked verified. Spotted an error? Tell us.