Tips and Recommendations

DUNS Number

A DUNS number, or Data Universal Numbering System number, is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It's used for various purposes, including establishing a business credit file, performing risk assessments, and tracking business credit activity.

You can get one for free; however, note that it is the fastest way to expose information about your LLC. Once you have a DUNS number, your data becomes widely accessible. Many marketing firms and affiliates of D&B obtain your data, including spam callers and spam mailers.

Google Play

Based on my experience in December 2024, things may have changed, so you should check Google's current guidelines. If you plan to start a US LLC solely to open a Google Play Developer account, don't. Your account will not be verified unless you have someone who resides in the US providing ID proof. Google's policy states that the ID for verification must be a government-issued ID from the same country as the developer account and payment profile. This means someone in your organization who lives in the same country and has a government-issued ID must complete the verification. In this case, you need to provide the identity of a company representative, employee, or agent living in the US to verify the Google Play Developer account. This may seem like a minor hurdle but could have tax consequences.

More Tips

• In most cases for foreign founders, your passport is the only accepted proof of identity.
• To set up a Delaware LLC, you don't need any proof of identity—neither for state filing nor to obtain an EIN. It was surprising to learn that you can form an LLC in the US without any form of ID. However, the issue is that you won't be able to progress beyond formation because to get a bank account or file USPS Form 1583, you'd eventually need some form of identification, often a foreign passport.
• You need a US phone number to apply for AWS startup credits.
• If your registered agent is compromised or sells your info, your privacy arrangements become meaningless.

Recommendations

None at the moment!

---

Best of luck on your entrepreneurial path!

---

Disclaimer: All content here is for general informational purposes only and not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before taking any action. Use at your own risk; the author assumes no liability.