Country guide
How Indian Freelancers & Agencies Bill US Clients with a US LLC (2026)
Quick answer
A US LLC lets Indian freelancers and agencies invoice US clients as a US company, receive USD (Mercury is available; Wise/Payoneer too), and accept cards via Stripe. The setup is straightforward; the part to get right is the India side. FEMA/RBI rules, GST on exported services, and how you report this, which a CA should confirm. (US side: HIGH. India side: NEEDS LOCAL EXPERT REVIEW.)
The typical workflow
- Form the LLC (Wyoming/New Mexico are common for solo founders) and get the EIN.
- Open banking. Mercury (available for India) or Wise/Payoneer.
- Prepare Stripe if you bill via card; otherwise invoice + bank transfer.
- File Form 5472 annually.
- Confirm with a CA: FEMA/LRS, GST on export of services (zero-rating/LUT), and Schedule FA disclosure.
What this means for you (India)
The US LLC gives you USD billing and credibility with US clients. It doesn't remove your Indian obligations. Get a CA to confirm FEMA, GST, and disclosure so the structure is clean from both sides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bill US clients in USD with a US LLC from India?
Yes, that's a common reason Indian freelancers form one. (US: HIGH.)
Do I owe US tax on this?
Often not if services are performed from India with no US presence, but it's fact-specific. Confirm with a CPA. NEEDS EXPERT REVIEW
What about GST?
Export-of-services treatment may apply. Ask your CA. (REVIEW.)
Sources used
- IRS ECI / Form 5472: irs.gov · RBI (FEMA/LRS) / GST portal (India block, reviewed by a CA)
Related
- US LLC for Founders in India: Formation, EIN and Banking (2026)The full country guide
- How Non-US Founders Get Paid by US Clients: The Practical GuideThe general guide on this topic
FEMA/GST/disclosure must be confirmed with an Indian CA; US tax depends on your facts. We don't guarantee banking, Stripe, or tax outcomes. See the India guide and get-paid guide.
Last updated: September 1, 2026.
Next step
Start your US LLC from India with Prolify, built for freelancers and agencies billing US clients.