Tax
When to engage a US CPA for your Delaware LLC (and how to choose)
Most non-resident-owned Delaware LLCs benefit from a US CPA from day one. Here is when to engage, what to look for, and typical fees.
Why day-90 is the right time
By Day 90, your LLC is formed, you have your EIN, your bank account is open, and you likely have first transactions. This is the right time to engage a CPA: early enough to set up bookkeeping correctly, late enough to have something to discuss.
Many founders wait until tax season to engage a CPA. This works but rushes the relationship. Engaging early gives you time to ask questions before stakes are high.
What to look for in a CPA
Non-resident-LLC experience is non-negotiable. Form 5472 has specific rules that general CPAs sometimes miss. Ask: how many foreign-owned single-member LLCs do you currently serve? Below 10 means relatively inexperienced; 50 plus means specialized.
Communication availability matters. Some CPAs work April-only; others are responsive year-round. For non-resident founders in different time zones, year-round availability and email/WhatsApp responsiveness beat large-firm prestige.
Typical fee structures
Annual flat fee: $500-$1,200 for single-member LLC with moderate complexity. Includes Form 5472, pro forma 1120, basic bookkeeping review, and one consultation.
Hourly: $150-$300/hour for additional consultations or complex situations. Multi-state nexus, sales tax compliance, or M&A advisory typically triggers hourly billing.
Form your Delaware LLC with Delewarellc
$297 + Delaware state fee, one-time. 8-10 day turnaround. Multilingual founder-led support.
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