You just formed a Delaware LLC. Maybe through doola, Firstbase, Stripe Atlas, or a local attorney. You have your Certificate of Formation, your Operating Agreement, and your registered agent. Now what?
One question that catches many founders off guard: do you need a US phone number?
The Legal Answer: No
Delaware does not legally require a phone number to form or maintain an LLC. The Division of Corporations doesn't ask for one during formation. Your Annual Report (due June 1 each year, $300 fee) doesn't require a phone number either.
So technically, you could operate a Delaware LLC with no phone number at all.
The Practical Answer: You Need One
Here's where theory meets reality. While Delaware itself doesn't care about your phone number, almost every service and institution you'll interact with does.
EIN Application (IRS)
You need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a bank account, file taxes, or hire contractors. The IRS Form SS-4 has a "telephone number" field. If you're a non-US resident applying by fax (which is common), the IRS may call this number to verify your identity.
You can technically leave it blank if you apply by mail, but the phone application requires calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line — and some agents ask for a callback number.
Bank Account Opening
Every US business bank — Mercury, Relay, Novo, traditional banks — requires a phone number during the application process. It's a standard Know Your Customer (KYC) field. Some banks call this number to verify your identity during onboarding.
For non-US residents, the bank needs to see a US-based point of contact. A non-US number raises friction in the application process.
Stripe and Payment Processor Setup
Stripe's onboarding flow asks for a business phone number. So does Square, PayPal Business, and every other major payment processor. This number goes into your Stripe account profile and may be displayed on customer bank statements.
If you're processing payments through your Delaware LLC, you need a working US number on file.
Business License Applications
Depending on your industry and location of business activity, you may need state or local business licenses. These applications uniformly require a contact phone number.
Annual Report and State Filings
While Delaware's annual report doesn't require a phone number, if you register to do business in other states (foreign qualification), those state filings typically do require one.
Vendor and Partner Communication
When you sign contracts, send invoices, or onboard with B2B SaaS tools, a US phone number on your company profile adds legitimacy. A +91 or +234 number on a Delaware LLC's contact information creates friction with US-based vendors and partners.
Your Options
You don't need an expensive business phone system. Here's what actually works for Delaware LLC founders:
Free US-only calling apps
If you have a US-based phone or a friend in the US, some well-known free services offer US numbers at no cost. The catch: you typically need to be in the US to set them up, and inactive numbers get reclaimed.
Cost: Free Limitation: Requires US presence to set up. Not an option for most international founders.
OpenPhone
A proper business VoIP system with apps, team features, and CRM integration. Solid product, but designed for teams that make and receive calls daily.
Cost: $15/month Best for: Companies with active phone communication needs.
IncNumber
Built for the "number on file" use case. You get a real US phone number. Incoming SMS is forwarded to your email. Incoming calls hear a professional greeting. No app required.
Cost: $7/month Best for: Non-US founders who need a US number to exist on forms, invoices, and registrations — but don't actually need to make or receive calls.
Get a US number for your Delaware LLC
$7/month for a real US phone number. SMS forwarded to email, no app needed, cancel anytime. Works for EIN, Stripe, bank apps, and all your registration forms.
Get your US number →How to Choose
Ask yourself one question: Will you actually talk on this phone number regularly?
If yes — you're taking sales calls, doing customer support, or making outbound calls — invest in OpenPhone or a similar business VoIP at $15/month.
If no — you need a number for your EIN application, bank account, Stripe profile, invoices, and website — then you need a number-on-file, not a phone system. That's a $7/month problem.
Most Delaware LLC founders, especially solo international founders, fall into the second category. You need the number to exist and to receive the occasional SMS. You don't need a full phone system.
A Note on Financial Service Verification
All affordable US number services, including IncNumber, are VoIP-based. Some financial institutions detect VoIP numbers and may not send verification codes to them. This is a known industry limitation that applies to all VoIP providers in this price range.
If you need a US number specifically for bank login 2FA or financial app verification, you may need a mobile carrier SIM (T-Mobile, Mint Mobile) in addition to your business number. These are two different problems with two different solutions.