Definition
What is Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas is a US incorporation service from Stripe (the payment processor). It packages Delaware C-Corp formation + EIN + Mercury bank intro + Stripe payments + legal templates into a single $500 service. Popular with international founders, but limited on ongoing compliance.
What's included
What's included.
- Delaware C-Corp incorporation
- EIN registration
- Mercury bank account intro
- Stripe payments account
- Standard founder stock issuance
- Stock plan template (ESOP)
- First-year tax filing reminder
- Discounts on partner services
What's NOT included
What's missing.
- Ongoing tax filings (Form 1120, 5472) — pay extra to partners
- India-side compliance (FEMA, ODI, RBI reporting) — none
- Custom legal advice — generic templates only
- Transfer pricing for India-US structure — none
- ESOP plan customisation — basic template
- Advice on entity choice for your specific situation
Cost
Stripe Atlas cost.
- $500 one-time fee
- $100/year recurring (registered agent renewal)
- Add-on tax filings: $1,000-3,000/year
- Total Year 1 (with tax filings): $1,500-3,500