Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States is often marketed as a simple, flexible, and low-cost way to launch a business. With online services and state filing portals making the process appear seamless, it's easy to assume that forming an LLC is as straightforward as filling out a form and paying a fee. However, many entrepreneurs—especially non-residents and first-time business owners—encounter a range of unexpected challenges. From bureaucratic red tape to banking hurdles, the road to establishing an LLC can be more complicated than it seems.