Guide on How to Start a Business in the USA

Starting a business in the USA can be confusing for many foreign companies.

Type of entities, laws, and regulations, how to manage payroll for employees, are some of the doubts that trouble foreign SMEs that want to operate in the USA.

In the article, we will guide you to understand more about these aspects and how to effectively start a business in the USA.

• Introduction to the USA economy and business culture
• Types of entities in the USA
  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnerships
• Entity setup in the USA
• How a non-resident can start a business in the USA
• Start a business in the USA without a legal entity

Introduction to the USA economy and business culture

Economy

The United States is the world’s largest importer and the second-largest exporter that has free trade agreements with nations including Canada, Australia, South Korea, etc., and with a mixed economy supported by abundant natural resources, renowned companies, and global talents who were attracted from all over the world.

Business culture

American business culture is largely individualistic with freedom. Americans tend to communicate and address disputes directly and privately and speak in contexts. However, there are a lot of legal controls and regulations underpinning doing business in the USA. Therefore it can be difficult for foreign companies to penetrate the American market because of the scale of such a large country and the scale of its economy.

Business opportunities

Also, how businesses handle employees are influenced by diverse culture in American society. Meanwhile, with such a large-scale economy and diverse business culture, the American economy is full of business opportunities as well.

Challenges of doing business in the USA

However, the business landscape often changes in the USA by new technologies, trends, and policies. Examples of business opportunities presented by industry research include E-Commerce, AI technology, cybersecurity, and virtual consulting, etc.

Aligning with business opportunities are challenges facing businesses entering into the USA such as complexities in the taxing system, local regulations, high competition from multinational corporations, and multicultural environment.

Therefore, businesses entering into the USA market from time to time find themselves in need of professional help in setting up businesses and hiring employees in the States.

Types of entities in the USA

If you are interested in starting a business in the USA, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of the different types of legal entities available.

The business opportunities in the world’s largest economy are endless, and the country is one of the most attractive markets for entrepreneurship. The election of the right corporate structure is essential for the company’s future well-being and legal status.

The following structures are available for companies that want to start a business in the USA:

• Corporations (S, C, and Joint Ventures types)
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Sole proprietorship
• Partnerships (Limited and Unlimited)

Corporations 

A corporation is a common legal entity for larger companies registering a business in the USA requiring a more robust vehicle.

In the United States, there are both domestic and foreign corporations. Domestic corporations have been incorporated under the laws of the USA, while foreign corporations are incorporated under the laws of another country or state, and if they register with a certain state in the USA, they are authorized to conduct business operations in that state.

Taken from a functional point of view, there are two types of corporations that companies use to start a business in the USA – a business corporation and a not-for-profit corporation.

Types of corporations to start a business in the USA

Within the corporation type of entities, investors have different options to register a company or business in the United States. Depending on the entity’s intended activity they can be classified into business corporations and non-profit corporations.

• Business corporations: Formed for conducting business in a broad sense of the word, transactions are used to turn a profit. Under a business corporation, there are the C and S types of corporations
• Non-profit entities: self-explanatory

C-Corporations

This classification refers to any corporation in the United States that is taxed separately from the owners.

C Corps does not have any limits on the number of shareholders, both foreign and domestic. Anytime the profits or earnings of a C Corp are distributed to the shareholders, they are considered by U.S. income tax purposes as a dividend.

There are exceptions that exist for certain distributions that are made in exchange for stock instead simply as cash dividends. These exceptions include distributions for a shareholder’s complete termination of interest and distributions for the liquidation of the corporation at the end of its legal life.

S-Corporations

In order to be classified as an S Corp, three requirements must be met.

• It must be an eligible entity (LLC which has elected to be taxed like a corporation or a domestic corporation);
• Cannot have more than 100 shareholders;
• There must be only one class of stock;

Simply put, this model passes corporate deductions, credit, losses, and income through shareholders for federal tax purposes.

Generally, an S Corp is a corporation that operates under the laws of the state where the entity is organized. Income is taxed at the shareholder level, meaning that the money distributed to the shareholders was not previously taxed.

Certain corporate penalty taxes (e.g., personal holding company tax, accumulated earnings tax) do not apply to an S corporation.

Non-profit Corporation

This model is oriented towards companies incorporating a non-profit making organization attaining benevolent, education, or charitable objectives.

Non-profit Corps can generate surplus revenue, but the organization must retain them for expansion, self-preservation, or for the future. Unlike the other corporation models, they cannot be distributed to shareholders.

Corporation structure

A corporation can be owned by an individual person, and have just one officer and director, depending on state law. The owner(s) are known as shareholders.

Shareholders have the power to elect directors to represent them, setting the corporation’s policies. In turn, the directors are empowered to appoint offers to provide leadership, managing the company’s day-to-day operations.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are examples of such officers.

Legally, corporations are required to follow more formalities than other organizations. They must have an annual meeting of the directors and shareholders, and if the shareholders desire to take significant action, they must have board approval.

The shareholders and the corporation are legally separate. For example, this means that a shareholder could not take company funds for him/herself without entering a board resolution into the records of the company and thoroughly documenting the reason.

Features of a Corporation

• It is considered a legal entity separate from its directors, employees, and shareholders. In the eyes of the law, a corporation is considered a person, having the same rights and responsibilities as a citizen of the USA.
• A corporation can assume liabilities, make contracts, and sue and be sued.
• The relationship between the corporation and its directors and shareholders is clearly defined, with each having specific obligations and duties to each other.

Taxation

Corporate taxation is much more complex compared with a sole proprietorship, partnerships, or LLCs.

Taxation rules are dependent on the number, residency, and type of shareholders. A corporation could be taxed as if it were a partnership (an S corporation), and therefore not pay taxes itself, or it could be considered a taxable entity (a C corporation).

S corporations let shareholders treat profits as distributions and pay taxes on profits through their own personal tax returns.

C corporations are taxed twice, first at the corporate entity level, then at the personal level.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, but corporations must still face another level of corporate income tax levied by the state the corporation is registered in.

Therefore, the average income tax rate of a corporation in the United States is 25.7 percent.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) 

This type of organization is a combination of a corporation (which possesses the ability to limit personal liability), and a partnership (which assigns profits and losses to individuals).

It can be used as the structure for a wide range of business scopes and is especially common among professional practices such as law firms or investment consulting companies doing business in the U.S.

Features

LLCs can be as simple or as complex as the members require for their business setup in the USA. They can have no limited liability for any members, meaning every owner is fully legally liable.

They could also direct liability dis-equally at different members, meaning some members have limited liability and some are without. This is like the limited partnership model previously described.

Finally, an LLC could have the same limited liability as a corporation, meaning none of the members are legally responsible for profits and losses, and the obligations of the LLC.

One difference from corporations is that some states require LLCs to designate a future date at which the LLC will automatically dissolve.

In addition, some states require that if a member were to go bankrupt, die, or meets some other calamity, the members that remain must convene to vote to continue, or dissolve the partnership.

Taxation

• Limited Liability Companies are taxed in a way that is most similar to a Partnership. This means that the income is passed through, and the individuals themselves pay personal income tax on the percentage of the company that they receive profits from.
• It must be ensured that no more than two out of the four qualities that determine a corporation (continuity of life, the ability to transfer ownership interests, limited liability concerning assets, and centralization of management) are met.
• If more than two are, the LLC is then considered to be a corporation and would be taxed accordingly. At higher levels of net income, LLCs may be paying taxes at a lower rate than a corporation. For example, an income of $75,000 would corporately be taxed at 34%, while the personal income tax rate is 25% for the same amount.

Sole Proprietorship 

A sole proprietorship is the simplest type of business entity in the United States. It is commonly used by those who are interested in opening a small business.

Common examples of Sole Proprietorships include Nail Salons, auto-care shops, and restaurants.

Features

• A Sole Proprietorship is inexpensive to incorporate.
• A potential business owner needs only to register his or her own name, secure the necessary business licenses, and then they are in business. It can exist under the owners’ names or can conduct business under a fictitious name.
• The owner and the sole proprietorship are legally tied together, meaning that they are fully liable for all profit and loss. This also means that any debt the sole proprietorship holds is legally considered the owners’ debt.
• There are no formalities that must be observed except basic bookkeeping.
• Can hire employees.
• A Sole Proprietorship is dissolved on the death of the owner.

Taxation

Because the owner and the sole proprietorship are legally tied together, the profits and losses of the business are considered the owner’s personal income.

The proprietorship firm can be disregarded for tax purposes. Essentially, the sole proprietor pays their own personal income taxes, and that also takes care of the firm’s taxes.

The IRS calls this “pass-through” taxation. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, up to 20% of business income earned by the owner can usually be deducted as an additional deduction.

However, if the sole proprietor has an income of over $157,500 (if single) or $315,000 (if married filing jointly), they must have depreciable business property or have employees to receive this special deduction.

Partnerships

A partnership is a model for setting up a business in the USA in which two or more persons are involved. The individuals are responsible for the partnership, including for all profit or loss. The persons registering a partnership company make an agreement on how to share the profits and losses.

Because the liability of partners is joint and separate, any of the partners could be made to pay the partnership’s entire debt, regardless of the capital contributions made into the partnership or the allocation of profits and losses.

Compared to a sole proprietorship, the members of a partnership are required to file a return to the government detailing the information regarding what the profits and losses of the partnership were, and how they were chosen to be allocated to the partners.

Types of Partnerships

There are three main types of partnerships: Unlimited, limited, and joint venture.

Unlimited Partnership

This is the simplest type. All liability and management are shared equally between the partners unless otherwise specified. Basically, this structure assumes equal partnership, and therefore equal ownership.

Limited Partnership

This model is slightly more complicated. There are one or more general partners who manage the business, and they are also liable for the partnership’s debts.

There is also another type of partner. This type contributes capital and shares in the profits but does not run the business and is not liable for the debt and tax obligations of the partnership beyond their personal contribution. They are basically a silent partner: contributing money and sharing in profits but removed from daily operations.

Joint Venture

This version of a partnership is time-based. Sometimes, two or more individuals are interested in working together on a project for a period. This company formation structure is temporary and is dissolved upon completion. If the individuals would like to continue to work together afterward, they would then register under the general partnership model.

Features of partnerships

• Partnerships are inexpensive to form. Because there are several people involved, each partner has several and joint liabilities to the partnership.
• The risk and reward for everyone are lower than a sole proprietorship because there are multiple people who would be responsible for the partnership’s liabilities.
• The administration and structure of a partnership could be as complex or simple as the owners wish it to be.
• When certain requirements are met, such as the bankruptcy or death of one of the partners, or if the owners decide to end the partnership, the partnership would cease to exist.

Taxation

Partnerships operate under “pass-through” taxation. This means that it is the owners who are taxed, and not the partnership entity itself. Therefore, the tax rates on partnerships are the same as the individual’s tax rates, likely in the range of 25-28 percent. Partners must account for their own tax obligation. They must estimate the amount of tax owed quarterly and annually.

There are various deductions available that partnerships can take advantage of, including operating expenses, product and advertising, costs for startup, travel costs, entertainment, and meals.

Entity setup in the USA

Depending on the form of entity, incorporate means to form a corporation, and form an LLC means to form an LLC.

The steps to set up an entity in the USA include:

1. Choose what type of business entity to form: Corporation or LLC;
2. Select a state in which to form an entity;
3. Choose a company name;
4. Hire a registered agent service;
5. File documents with the appropriate state office;
6. Get a federal employer identification number;
7. Get a US mailing address;
8. Open a US bank account.

The documents required to file may include:

• Name reservation document;
• Articles of organization (LLC)  or article of incorporation (Corp);
• Operating Agreement (LLC);
• A non-disclosure agreement (Corp and LLC);
• By law (Corp);
• Shareholder’s agreement (stock-issuing Corp).

A registration fee is usually between $25 and $1,000 depending on the state.

How a non-resident can start a business in the USA

It is for sure that non-residents are allowed to start a business in the USA. However, there are conditions and limitations specific to non-resident compared with the process of those living in the USA when forming a business.

The following factors you may need to consider as a non-resident to start a business in the USA:

Company structure

There are two types of corporate entities non-resident can open in the US, either an LLC or a C corporation, as the S corporation is exclusive to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

Visa requirements

Actually, there is no need to get a visa to open a US business as a non-resident because you are not required to enter the USA physically.

Which state should be the business registered in?

In the USA, you can form a corporation or LLC in any state or territory. Some US states are more business-friendly or international-friendly than others, especially Delaware.

If you are planning to start a US branch with a physical office, you may want to choose the state where you will be opening the office. Note that if your office will be operating in, for example, Texas, then you may still choose to form the company in another state like Delaware, however, the state where you will open the office requires you to “re-register” that Delaware company in Texas.

This process is called “foreign qualification” which means you are qualifying the Delaware entity to open a physical business in Texas.

Start a business in the USA without a legal entity

In today’s competitive yet business-promoting environment, companies are looking to expand within their country of incorporation as well as globally. If you are starting a business in the USA, it requires that you must complete the following essential formalities:

• Deciding the nature of legal entity- LLC, Corporation, etc.
• Obtaining a Registered Agent
• Obtaining Federal Tax ID (EIN – Employer Identification Number)
• Getting a U.S. mailing address
• Opening a U.S. business bank account
• Obtaining a business license through the local government office depending on the applicable laws of the region where your business will run.

Foreign companies

If you are a foreign company, incorporated in another country and are looking to start a business in the USA, without incorporating in the USA, you have to choose other solutions like:

• Local PEO companies
• EOR companies
• Employee leasing companies
• Consulting companies who provide such services through other vendors.

NNRoad, Inc. is a global consulting company that provides business solutions to its global clients who are looking to hire employees from regions where they do not have a legal entity and where they do not want to incorporate either.

PEO/EOR solutions

PEO (Professional Employer Organization) companies help clients who do not have an entity in a region by hiring their employees on PEO’s payroll and thereby becoming their legal employer providing co-employment solutions.

There also exists Employer of Record (EOR) companies who hire client’s employees on their payroll, however, they do not offer co-employment solutions. Such EOR companies solely become the legal employer of the new hire. In any case, PEO/EOR companies manage payroll solutions for clients who do not want to incorporate them in the region and want to hire employees to work on their projects.

There is no restriction, per se, if the new hire should be a:

• permanent employee;
• temporary employee;
• independent contractor;
• exempt employee;
• non-exempt employee;
• local worker;
• expatriate worker.

Despite the aforementioned, all new employees who will be hired by such PEO/EOR companies shall undergo a status check as per the US laws, like if they can legally work in the U.S., to classify them as an independent contractor or exempt or non-exempt employee.

NNRoad, Inc. has a decade-long experience in providing payroll and HR functions, in-house, as well as partnering with vendors in the USA and abroad.

Why payroll in the USA is complicated?

A lot of variables decide the complexity and workload of calculating, processing, and payment of payroll. The USA comprises 50 states, each having its own payroll regulations, withholdings, and deductions.

Employers have to make double calculations for their part of the responsibility as well as timely and accurately calculating the deductions made on behalf of the employee.

Some of the factors to consider before choosing the right PEO/EOR company for payroll administration are as follows:

Can the company:

• Calculate payroll for multi-state employment?
• Accurately classify employee(s)?
• Fill in and complete proper forms as per the regulatory protocols?
• Keep track of the latest laws and regulations for state and federal deductions?
• Withhold the right amount for benefits and/or workers’ compensation coverage?
• Withhold other types of elected employee savings programs?
• Meet and pay dues as per the government’s proposed deadlines?
• Track reimbursements and credits back to employees?
• Calculate, Process, and Issue reimbursements/credits, bonuses, vacation pay, holiday pay, sick pay, additional wages, travel, etc.?
• Accurately know where in the payroll process deductions are calculated and the order in which they should be taken?

The workload of filling and keeping track of huge amounts of payroll-related paperwork takes a lot of time.

Outsourcing payroll functions could help you focus more on your business and leave the back-end work, including payroll and Human Resource (HR) functions to PEO/EOR companies. It is also a huge advantage for cash flow management as your deductions will be more consistent throughout the year.

Benefits of payroll administration

Payroll Administration is considered one of the core services of a PEO/EOR company as it is very important for the Client to calculate/pay government payroll taxes accurately and on time and to process/pay employee wages on time.

The basic processes involved in payroll administration are as follows:

• Calculating wages;
• Payment of wages;
• Payment of taxes:
  1. Applicable federal and state withholding income taxes;
  2. Unemployment insurance taxes;
• Social Security taxes.

Other required voluntary withholdings:

• Providing for workers’ compensation coverage for the employee;
• Providing for Unemployment Insurance coverage for the employee;
• Providing for medical and other benefits for the employee, as required by applicable law.

A company in good standing with zero payroll compliance issues is a sign of a successful company.

Since payroll takes an important place in running a successful business, it is essential that payroll is administered in compliance with the law. Employers have a higher rate of retaining high-performing employees when they receive their payroll accurately and on time. Retaining highly skilled employees for a long time can benefit a company’s performance and therefore its growth. 

We Can Help You to Start a Business in the USA

Starting a business in the USA requires effort and time to get it right.

We hope that this guide helped you to understand more about the requirements and type of entities to set up a business in the USA, but also some new ways to start business without legal entity in the country. For additional information, contact us to discuss more how to successfully expand to or start a business in the USA.