Practical guide — pricing, what's included, alternatives, when worth it for non-US founders.
- Stripe Atlas charges a one-time $500 fee to incorporate a Delaware C-Corp, file the IRS forms for an EIN, generate founder stock paperwork, and open a US bank account — usually within seven business days.
- The package is built for non-US founders who want US payment rails, US investors, and a clean cap table without flying to Delaware or hiring a lawyer for the boilerplate.
- Annual costs after year one are roughly $300 Delaware franchise tax minimum plus a $100 registered agent fee plus optional $500/year if you keep Atlas's ongoing compliance package.
- Alternatives like Firstbase ($399), Clerky ($499 for the YC-style stack), and doola ($297) compete on price and scope; pure DIY runs about $200 if you handle the paperwork yourself.
- Atlas is worth it when you need a US entity for fundraising, Stripe payments in unsupported countries, or US contracts — not for every solo founder who just wants a side business.
The hook: a Delaware C-Corp used to cost $5,000 and a lawyer
For most of the 2010s, incorporating a Delaware C-Corp from outside the US was painful. You hired a US lawyer for two to five thousand dollars, waited three to six weeks for the IRS to fax back an EIN, and spent another month convincing a US bank to open an account for a foreign-owned entity. Total: around ten thousand dollars and three months — and you still needed someone to draft founder stock agreements and 83(b) elections without cap-table-haunting errors.
Stripe Atlas collapsed that stack into a $500 product in 2016 and has spent a decade absorbing the rest of the friction. In 2026 it is the default path for international founders in Y Combinator, Techstars, and most early-stage US accelerators, with more than 75,000 companies incorporated to date. Pay $500, fill out a long form, and a week later you have a Delaware C-Corp, an EIN, a US bank account, and the legal paperwork to issue stock to co-founders without an expensive mistake.
Context for 2026: what Atlas actually does now
Atlas in 2026 is meaningfully different from launch. Stripe raised the price from $0 to a flat non-refundable $500 in 2022, added Mercury and Stripe Treasury as banking options alongside First Citizens (which absorbed Silicon Valley Bank in 2023), and shipped a redesigned dashboard. The package includes automatic SS-4 filing for the EIN, prefilled founder stock purchase agreements, an 83(b) generator with the certified-mail letter, and a year of Delaware registered agent service.
Today Stripe is explicit that Atlas is optimized for venture-track startups — founders who will raise from US investors on standard YC SAFEs or priced rounds. If you are a freelancer who wants a US LLC for tax reasons or a small e-commerce seller who wants Stripe in an unsupported country, Atlas works but overshoots — Firstbase and doola serve that market more cheaply.
What Stripe Atlas is
Stripe Atlas is a packaged incorporation service operated by Stripe in partnership with Orrick (the law firm behind the templates) and a Delaware registered agent. Pay $500 once and Stripe files your Certificate of Incorporation, requests an EIN, generates founder paperwork, helps open a US bank account, and gives you one year of registered agent service.
Atlas does not do everything. It does not file your federal tax return, handle state-level licenses, deal with payroll, or give legal advice — you get templates, not a lawyer on call. What you get is the boilerplate stack that ninety percent of early-stage Delaware C-Corps need, generated correctly the first time, plus the bank account that is usually the hardest part for foreign founders.
The $500 setup fee and what it includes
The flat $500 covers six deliverables: Delaware filing of the Certificate of Incorporation (10M shares at $0.00001 par value, YC-standard); the EIN application via SS-4; legal templates (bylaws, founder stock agreements, IP assignment, indemnification, organizational consents) prefilled for e-signature; a US bank account at Mercury or partner bank opened remotely; one year of Delaware registered agent service; and Stripe's perks marketplace (AWS, Notion, HubSpot credits).
What is not included matters more. The $500 does not cover the Delaware franchise tax (~$300/year, due every March), federal income tax filings, state taxes if you have nexus outside Delaware, or registered agent service after year one if you cancel Atlas's annual plan.
Why Delaware C-Corp specifically
Delaware C-Corp is the default startup structure in the US for reasons that have little to do with Delaware and almost everything to do with US venture capital. The Court of Chancery is a specialized business court with centuries of corporate case law, so investors and lawyers know Delaware law better than any other state's. Almost every standard US investment document — YC SAFE, NVCA preferred stock series, Carta defaults — assumes a Delaware C-Corp under the hood.
The C-Corp part matters because S-Corps cannot have non-US shareholders, and LLCs route profits and losses to personal tax returns — fine for consulting, a nightmare for a startup with foreign founders, stock options, and venture investors. C-Corps are taxed separately from shareholders, letting you reinvest profits, issue options, and stack preferred on top of common the way every US fundraise expects. The downside is double taxation on dividends, but venture-track startups almost never pay dividends — they exit at capital gains rates anyway.
The EIN and why it takes the longest
An EIN is the IRS's tax ID for your company, required before you can open a bank account, file taxes, or accept Stripe payments under the new entity. US founders with an SSN apply online in ten minutes. Non-US founders without an SSN file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, and the IRS takes anywhere from a week to four months depending on how busy the international applications team is. Atlas batches SS-4s on your behalf and removes the most common cause of delay — rejections for incorrect formatting or missing responsible-party identification. In 2026 typical Atlas EIN turnaround is two to ten business days. You cannot open the bank account or charge customers until the EIN lands, so this is usually the gating step in your timeline.
The US bank account
Opening the bank account used to be the hardest part — almost every US bank required the controlling officer to physically appear at a branch, a non-starter if you live in Lagos, Bangalore, or Buenos Aires. Atlas integrates with Mercury and Stripe Treasury, both of which run KYC remotely and open accounts within one to three business days of EIN issuance.
Mercury is the default — a fintech (Choice Financial Group is the FDIC-insured bank underneath) with checking and savings, virtual and physical debit cards, USD wires, ACH, and a respectable API. Stripe Treasury is available if you want banking inside your Stripe dashboard. First Citizens is offered for founders who want a brand-name bank. Mercury rejects some industries (gambling, adult content, certain crypto); those get routed to First Citizens or Treasury instead.
Operating agreements, bylaws, and founder stock
The legal paperwork is what separates Atlas from cheaper competitors. A Delaware C-Corp needs bylaws, founder stock purchase agreements, an IP assignment, board indemnification, and the organizational consent that establishes the initial board and officers. Atlas generates all of these from Orrick-drafted templates with your details prefilled in a guided e-signature flow.
Defaults are YC-compatible: 10M authorized shares, 8M issued to founders at $0.00001 per share (a 60/40 split has founder A buying 4.8M for $48 and founder B buying 3.2M for $32), four-year vesting with a one-year cliff, no anti-dilution. You can edit before signing, but most founders accept the defaults because they are exactly what investors expect in due diligence.
Tax implications: 83(b), state filings, and the franchise tax
The most important post-incorporation step is the 83(b) election. When you buy founder stock subject to vesting, the IRS treats unvested shares as ordinary income at fair market value as they vest unless you file an 83(b) within 30 days of purchase. The 83(b) tells the IRS to tax all the stock as if it vested today (when it is worth pennies), so future appreciation is taxed as long-term capital gains instead of ordinary income. Missing the 30-day window is irreversible and potentially six figures of avoidable tax at exit. Atlas generates the form and cover letter; mail it via certified mail with return receipt within 30 days of signing your stock purchase agreement.
The Delaware franchise tax runs $225–$300 minimum every March regardless of revenue. The tax can be calculated two ways — authorized shares or assumed par value capital — and the default 10M-share corporation produces around $300 under authorized shares but the minimum under assumed par value. Atlas's dashboard shows both so you can pick the cheaper one.
If your company has nexus in another state (employees, office, significant sales), you owe state-level taxes there too. California is the common case: any C-Corp doing business there — including having a California-resident founder — owes the $800/year minimum franchise tax and must qualify as a foreign corporation. Atlas does not flag this, and founders regularly end up with retroactive penalties.
Annual costs after year one
The $500 is one-time, but a Delaware C-Corp has ongoing costs. Franchise tax plus annual report runs $225–$400/year depending on share calculation method. A registered agent runs $50–$150/year on your own; Atlas's $500/year compliance plan bundles agent + reminders.
| Cost | Amount | Frequency | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware franchise tax + annual report | $225–$400 | Yearly (March) | Yes |
| Registered agent service | $50–$150 | Yearly | Yes |
| Federal income tax filing (Form 1120) | $0 DIY, $400–$1,500 with CPA | Yearly | Yes |
| Atlas annual compliance plan (optional) | $500 | Yearly | No |
| State qualification (if non-DE nexus) | $50–$800 | Yearly | If applicable |
| Bookkeeping software | $0–$300 | Yearly | Recommended |
A pre-revenue startup with no employees and no California nexus spends $700–$900 in year two doing taxes themselves, or $1,500–$2,000 with a CPA. A revenue-generating company with payroll and multi-state nexus budgets $5,000–$10,000 per year in compliance overhead.
Alternatives: Firstbase, Clerky, doola, and DIY
Atlas is no longer the only game in town, and the right answer depends on what kind of company you are building. The competitors split into three buckets: cheaper packages aimed at solo entrepreneurs and e-commerce sellers, premium packages aimed at venture-track startups, and pure DIY for founders who want to keep the cost as close to zero as possible.
Stripe Atlas — when it wins
- You will raise from US investors on standard SAFE/preferred terms.
- You want clean Orrick-drafted founder paperwork with no DIY mistakes.
- You need a US bank account opened remotely without flying to the US.
- You value Stripe's perks (AWS credits, etc.) and dashboard.
Stripe Atlas — when it loses
- You are a solo founder running a small e-commerce or freelance business.
- You want an LLC for tax simplicity rather than a C-Corp.
- You are budget-constrained and willing to do paperwork yourself.
- You need ongoing legal advice, not just templates.
Firstbase ($399) offers a similar package with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax filing as paid add-ons. The legal templates are competent but less battle-tested than Orrick's. Most popular Atlas alternative for non-venture-track founders who still want a real US C-Corp or LLC.
Clerky ($499) is the favorite of YC partners and venture lawyers because Clerky was built by ex-WilmerHale lawyers specifically for the YC document stack. Less hand-holding than Atlas (no bank account integration, no perks) but the paperwork is what big-firm lawyers prefer to review. Best if you already have a lawyer.
doola ($297) is the cheapest packaged option. Targets solo founders who want a US LLC or C-Corp for tax or banking reasons rather than fundraising. Thinner templates and less seamless banking, but right for a $5K/month e-commerce store with no venture plans.
Pure DIY (~$200) means filing the Delaware Certificate of Incorporation yourself ($89), paying a registered agent ($50–$100), drafting bylaws and stock paperwork from free Cooley GO or Orrick templates, and applying for the EIN on Form SS-4. The catch: most non-US founders make at least one EIN error that adds weeks, and one mistake on founder stock paperwork can cost more than the Atlas fee at exit. DIY only if you have done it before or have a lawyer reviewing the output.
When Atlas is worth the $500
Atlas pays for itself when: you plan to raise from US investors within 12 months, you live outside the US and need a US bank account opened remotely, you have co-founders and want clean stock paperwork without legal back-and-forth, you are joining an accelerator that expects a Delaware C-Corp, or you need to invoice US clients on a US-domiciled entity.
The honest test is whether you need US infrastructure. Building a global SaaS, planning to take US venture capital, accessing Stripe in an unsupported country, or hiring US contractors? Atlas is the cheapest serious path to a US C-Corp and saves you a thousand dollars and three weeks versus assembling the stack yourself. Running a freelance business, small e-commerce store, or side project that may never raise? Atlas is overkill — a Wyoming LLC through Northwest Registered Agent or a doola package serves better at half the price.
Common mistakes
Mistake 1 — missing the 30-day 83(b) deadline. The most expensive paperwork error in startup history. Atlas reminds you but the responsibility is yours. Mail by certified mail with return receipt within 30 days of signing the stock purchase agreement and keep the receipt forever.
Mistake 2 — forgetting the Delaware franchise tax. Due every March 1; late fees stack quickly and the state revokes corporate good standing after a year, which kills your bank account. Calendar this for late February forever.
Mistake 3 — incorporating before you have co-founder agreement. Renegotiating splits after incorporation requires repurchasing and reissuing stock, which triggers tax events. Lock the equity split, vesting, and roles in writing before you click incorporate.
Mistake 4 — ignoring state-level qualification. If a founder lives in California, your C-Corp owes California's $800 minimum franchise tax and must register as a foreign corporation. Same for New York, Texas, and most other states once you have employees there.
Mistake 5 — picking the wrong share count or par value. Atlas defaults to 10M shares at $0.00001 par value. Founders who edit this without understanding franchise tax implications can accidentally owe $50,000+/year under the authorized shares method. Stick with the defaults unless a lawyer says otherwise.
Mistake 6 — using Atlas when you needed an LLC. If you never plan to take outside investment and want pass-through taxation, an LLC is simpler and cheaper. Atlas does C-Corps only. doola, Firstbase, or Northwest Registered Agent handle LLCs.
FAQ
Can I use Stripe Atlas if I don't live in the United States?
Yes — that is its primary use case. Atlas accepts applicants from almost every country except those on US sanctions lists. You do not need a US address, a Social Security Number, or to physically visit the US. Bank account, EIN, and corporate filings are all handled remotely. Stripe asks for a passport and proof of address from your home country during identity verification.
How long does Stripe Atlas take from start to finish?
Typically seven to fourteen business days end-to-end. Delaware filing takes one to two business days, the EIN takes two to ten, and the bank account opens within one to three days after the EIN arrives. The EIN is the slowest step and outside Stripe's control. Plan for two weeks of wall-clock time.
Is the $500 Stripe Atlas fee refundable?
No. The $500 became non-refundable in 2022. Make sure you actually want a Delaware C-Corp before you pay — for many solo founders an LLC or Wyoming corporation is a better fit, and Atlas handles neither.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I incorporate through Atlas but live abroad?
Your US C-Corp pays US federal corporate income tax (21% on net profits) regardless of where founders live. You personally only owe US tax if you receive US-source salary or dividends. Most early-stage Atlas founders pay zero personal US tax because the company is pre-profit. Talk to a cross-border tax accountant before your first profitable year — tax treaties matter.
Can I use Stripe Atlas to access Stripe in a country where Stripe doesn't operate?
Yes, this is one of the most common non-venture reasons to use Atlas. A US entity is a US business in Stripe's eyes and can accept payments globally through your US Stripe account regardless of where you live. You remain responsible for tax compliance in both the US and your home country.
What happens if I want to dissolve my Atlas C-Corp later?
Dissolution is your responsibility. File a Certificate of Dissolution with Delaware (~$200), close the EIN, file a final federal tax return, settle state qualification, and close the bank account. Skipping it is expensive — Delaware keeps charging franchise tax until you formally dissolve. Do it within a year of stopping operations.
Can I switch from Stripe Atlas to my own registered agent and lawyer later?
Yes. Atlas's annual $500 compliance plan is optional after year one. You can swap the registered agent for any Delaware-licensed agent and stop using Atlas's templates without affecting the corporation itself. Atlas is the on-ramp, not a permanent dependency.
The bottom line
Stripe Atlas is the cheapest serious way for a non-US founder to get a real Delaware C-Corp, EIN, and US bank account without flying to the US or paying lawyer rates for boilerplate. For venture-track founders, accelerator participants, and anyone needing US payment rails for a global business, the $500 pays for itself in saved time. For solo founders running e-commerce or freelance with no fundraising plans, doola or Firstbase are cheaper, and a Wyoming LLC may be the better entity altogether. Atlas is not magic — you still owe franchise tax every March, still file the 83(b) within 30 days, still owe federal income tax on profits — but it removes the friction that made US incorporation a months-long lawyer project. Pay the $500 if you actually need a US C-Corp. Skip it if you do not.
Key takeaways
- Atlas costs a flat $500 once and delivers a Delaware C-Corp, EIN, US bank account, and founder stock paperwork in about two weeks.
- Annual costs after year one run $700–$900 minimum (Delaware franchise tax, registered agent, federal tax filing) before any state nexus or CPA fees.
- File your 83(b) election within 30 days of signing your stock purchase agreement — the most expensive paperwork mistake a founder can make.
- Atlas is optimized for venture-track startups; Firstbase ($399), Clerky ($499), and doola ($297) serve adjacent niches more cheaply.
- If a co-founder lives in California, New York, or Texas, you also owe state-level qualification and minimum tax — Atlas does not flag this for you.
- Skip Atlas if you want an LLC, run a small freelance or e-commerce business, or have no plans to raise US venture capital.
Sell from your UniLink page once your US entity is live
Once your Atlas C-Corp and Stripe account are active, UniLink embeds Stripe products, subscriptions, and payment links inside a global link-in-bio page — one URL, full storefront, zero monthly cost.
Create your UniLink — free