Frequently Asked Questions
Business Registration & Tax
1. Eligibility & Requirements
Q: Do I need to be a US citizen or green card holder to register a company?
A: No. The US allows foreign individuals and entities to incorporate businesses.
Q: Is there a minimum registered capital requirement?
A: Most states do not set a minimum. We advise determining capital based on operational needs, and our consultants offer industry-specific guidance.
2. Registration Process & Timeline
Q: How long does incorporation typically take?
A: Standard registrations take 4–6 weeks. Timelines may extend for industries requiring special licenses.
Q: What are the key steps to register?
A: Steps include: entity selection
→ name reservation
→ document preparation
→ state filing
→ EIN application
→ bank account setup.
A dedicated advisor guides you throughout.
3. State Selection
Q: Which state should I choose for registration?
A: Common options include Delaware, Nevada, California, and New York. We recommend the optimal state based on your tax strategy, business model, and growth plans.
Q: Can my company operate in other states?
A: Yes. Through "foreign qualification," a company registered in one state can legally operate nationwide. We handle all multi-state filings.
4. Documents & Materials
Q: What documents are needed?
A: Requirements vary by entity type and state, but generally include:
● Proposed company name (provide 2–3 options)
● Business purpose description
● Business address
● Owner/officer details and ID copies
● Management structure information
Q: What documents will I receive after registration?
A: You will receive the Certificate of Formation, Bylaws/Operating Agreement, EIN confirmation, and company seal—all provided with bilingual annotations.
5. Ongoing Compliance
Q: What annual requirements apply after registration?
A: These typically include annual reports, franchise tax payments, and financial filings. Our compliance team sends reminders and handles all renewals.
Q: How can I open a US business bank account?
A: We partner with international banks to assist with remote or in-person account opening.
Q: What if company details change after registration?
A: We manage all amendment filings—name, address, ownership, etc.—ensuring continuous compliance.
6. Basic Tax Obligations
Q: Do foreign-owned US companies need to file taxes?
A: Yes. All active entities must file federal and state returns, regardless of profitability. We help establish compliant reporting procedures.
Q: What taxes apply to US companies?
A: These may include federal income tax, state tax, payroll tax, and sales tax.
Liability varies by structure, location, and activities—our advisors provide detailed explanations.
7. Filing & Compliance
Q: Do I need to file taxes if my company has no US income?
A: Yes. Inactive companies must usually file federal and state returns, or risk penalties and administrative dissolution.
Q: Is sales tax required?
A: It depends. Sales of tangible goods or certain services may trigger sales tax obligations. We offer specific guidance based on your operations.
8. Tax Optimization
Q: How can I lawfully reduce US tax liability?
A: We design tailored strategies—selecting optimal entity types, applying tax credits, and structuring multi-state activities—to minimize your burden.
Q: Does the US-China tax treaty help avoid double taxation?
A: Yes. The treaty provides relief mechanisms. We help you apply these provisions effectively in cross-border tax planning.
9. Special Situations
Q: What happens if I miss a filing deadline?
A: Penalties and interest may apply. We assist with late submissions and help negotiate penalty abatement where possible.
Q: How are tax audits handled?
A: We offer full audit support—preparing documents, advising on response strategy, and representing you before tax authorities.