News and Information for Global Entrepreneurs

Are Multi-Member LLCs Taxed Differently? A Guide for Foreign Founders

If you’re a foreign founder setting up a US LLC with a partner—or planning to add co-founders—you may be wondering: Are multi-member LLCs taxed differently from single-member LLCs? The answer is yes. Multi-member LLCs are taxed under a different default system, with additional filing requirements and more

U.S. Reporting Requirements for Foreign-Owned LLCs and Corporations

When a U.S. LLC or corporation is owned by foreign founders, several reporting rules may apply depending on the entity’s structure, tax classification, and the owners’ circumstances. The most common reporting obligations come from the IRS, FinCEN, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). FBAR Reporting A U.

Can Foreign Entrepreneurs Form a U.S. LLC Without Being a Citizen or Resident?

If you're an entrepreneur living outside the United States and thinking about expanding your business into the U.S. market, you've probably wondered: "Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to start an LLC?" The answer is simple: No, you

The IRS W-8BEN: What It Is and Why You Must Have Contractors Fill It Out The IRS W-8BEN: What It Is and Why You Must Have Contractors Fill It Out

If your business hires freelancers, consultants, virtual assistants, developers, designers, marketers, or other independent contractors from outside the United States, there's one tax document you absolutely need to understand: IRS Form W-8BEN. Many business owners discover this form only after they've already started working with international

Step by Step Instructions to Complete IRS Form W-8BEN: A Plain-Language Guide for Foreign Remote Workers Without a U.S. Tax ID

Why This Form Matters to You If you live outside the United States and provide services remotely to a U.S. company, you have almost certainly been asked to complete Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals). Many foreign contractors

Starting a US Company From Abroad: What Foreign Founders Need to Know About US Tax Obligations

Why So Many Founders Choose a US Company Imagine you live in Berlin, Lagos, Manila, or Manchester. You have built a software product, a consulting practice, or an online shop. Your customers are all over the world, and many of them are in the United States. You have never set

Crossing the Pond: The UK & EU Founder’s Simple Guide to US Business Structures

You have a brilliant business idea. You are based in the UK or the European Union. You are currently in the planning stage, looking across the Atlantic. The United States market is massive. But before you sell your first product or service in America, you must make a critical choice.

What is a US Disregarded Entity? A Guide for Foreign Founders of a US LLC

If you’re a foreign founder operating a US LLC, you’ve likely come across the term “disregarded entity.” It’s one of the most important concepts in US tax law—and understanding it is key to knowing how your LLC is taxed. This guide explains what a disregarded entity