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

  1. Form the LLC (Wyoming/New Mexico are common for solo founders) and get the EIN.
  2. Open banking. Mercury (available for India) or Wise/Payoneer.
  3. Prepare Stripe if you bill via card; otherwise invoice + bank transfer.
  4. File Form 5472 annually.
  5. 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)

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.