Viewpoints from Kaizen

U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Guide In the United States, to facilitate tax collection, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that it is necessary to submit corresponding tax identification numbers when filing federal tax returns. If you plan to open a corporate bank account or a personal bank account in the United States, the tax identification number of the company’s responsible person or individual is also one of the required documents. Individual identification number includes Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).   As the ITIN application is more complicated than the process of SSN regarding the required materials and procedures. This article will focus on explaining the use of the ITIN, individuals who are eligible for ITIN, application methods, application timeframe, the change of legal name on ITIN, and the expiration and renewal of the ITIN.   Compare of the ITIN and SSN   Social Security […]

Guide to Starting a Corporation in New York Unless otherwise mentioned, the quotation of U.S. Corporation specifically refers that the Corporation registration is in accordance with New York State Business Corporation Law.   Introduction   In New York, corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) are the most prevalent business forms. Investors must consider each type of business form carefully because one business form may be an advantage to certain investors but not to others.   Due to the location advantage, New York is one of the most popular options for both domestic and foreign investors. Investors can choose to establish a corporation or an LLC subsidiary in New York. A corporation offers limited liability to its shareholder and has centralized governance structures. An LLC has the similar characteristics. While the corporation is the first choice for foreign investors, the LLC is an acceptable alternative. Whatever type of business is chosen, […]

Guide to Starting a Corporation in Delaware   Unless otherwise mentioned, the corporation mentioned in this article specifically refers to the C Corporation registered in accordance with Section 102 of General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.   Introduction   In Delaware, corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) are the most prevalent business forms. Investors must consider each type of business form carefully because one business form may be an advantage to certain investors but not to others.   Delaware is one of the most popular options for both domestic and foreign investors. Investors can choose to establish a corporation or an LLC subsidiary in Delaware. A corporation offers limited liability to its shareholder and has centralized governance structures. An LLC has the similar characteristics. While the corporation is the first choice for foreign investors, the LLC is an acceptable alternative. Whatever type of business is chosen, investors should […]

Guide to Starting an Incorporation in Canada British Columbia   Unless otherwise mentioned, the B.C. incorporation mentioned in this article specifically refers to a company incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, in accordance with Business Corporations Act.    Introduction   Many foreign investors would like to expand their business in Canada. However, starting a business for a foreigner is little complicated and restricted. Federal and many provinces/territories in Canada impose a resident Canadian requirement which provides that a certain number of directors of a company must be “Resident Canadians”. Options for foreigner to form a company are limited if they are not Canadian resident or cannot cooperate with Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.   Currently, British Columbia has the most flexible rules regarding non-resident business. According to the Business Corporations Act of Business Columbia, no Canadian resident is required to be appointed as a director. Therefore, non-Canadian residents can incorporate Canadian […]

Guide to Starting a Corporation in California   Unless otherwise mentioned, the corporation mentioned in this quotation specifically refers to a company limited by shares registered in California, USA, in accordance with California General Corporation Law.   Introduction   In California, corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) are the most prevalent business forms. Investors must consider each type of business form carefully because one business form may be an advantage to certain investors but not to others.   Due to the location advantage, California is one of the most popular options for both domestic and foreign investors. Investors can choose to establish a corporation or an LLC subsidiary in California. A corporation offers limited liability to its shareholder and has centralized governance structures. An LLC has the similar characteristics. While the corporation is the first choice for foreign investors, the LLC is an acceptable alternative. Whatever type of business is […]

United States Sales and Use Tax Guide   When it comes to United States sales and use tax, foreign investors are surprised by the differences between U.S. sales and use tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) in other countries. U.S. sales and use tax is similar to Valued Added Tax (VAT) as both are indirect taxes. However, U.S. sales and use tax are imposed on the sub-national level because U.S. does not have a national system for sales and use tax. Each state has its specific authority to impose the sales and use tax with subjection of U.S. constitutional restrictions. Some local jurisdictions (including cities and counties) may also impose sales and use tax for economic and social considerations.   This guide provides an overview of the key concepts of U.S. sales and use tax, including the definition as well as Nexus standards, registration, criteria for sales and use tax […]

Introduction to Corporate/LLC Income Tax in United States   According to 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, United States adopts combined worldwide taxation and new territorial-style tax system.   Worldwide taxation means income accruing in and outside of United States are subject to United State income tax. Under a worldwide tax system, secondary jurisdiction over foreign-source income exists. If the tax in the foreign country is lower than the tax rate in the residence country, residual tax will be imposed. If the tax rate in the foreign country is higher than the tax rate in the residence country, the corporate will pay the higher foreign tax rate and get a credit for foreign-source income in the future.   New territorial-style tax system means U.S. corporations that own 10% or more of a foreign corporation can take 100% dividend received deduction on dividends paid out of foreign-source earnings but cannot have […]

C Corporations vs. S Corporations   Many investors are interested in C Corporations and S Corporations. The following will discuss about the differences between them in terms of formation and taxation.   C Corporations vs. S Corporations: Formation   The C Corporation is the default corporation under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. A C Corporation can elect to be taxed as an S Corporation by filing Form 2553 with the IRS. Please note while most states follow the federal S Corporations election, some jurisdictions do not recognize the S Corporations (e.g. New York City) or require separate state elections (e.g. New York State, State of New Jersey).   To obtain S Corporation tax status for a certain year, you should complete the Form 2553 no more than 2 months and 15 days after the beginning of the tax year the election is to take effect, or at any time during […]

Differences Between Corporation and LLC   Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) are the most prevalent business forms when foreign investors considering investment in U.S. Both corporations and LLCs have a statutory right to exist perpetually. The shareholders of a corporation and the members of an LLC are not personally liable for the debts, obligations and liabilities of the entity.   However, corporations and LLCs have specific characteristics that must be considered carefully because they may be an advantage to certain investors but not to others.   Management   Corporations have mandatory centralized management. Control of the business and affairs of the corporation is vested in the corporation’s board of directors, and the shareholders are generally not involved in the day-to-day management of the affairs of the corporation. However, shareholders’ approval is required for certain significant transactions such as mergers.   On the other hand, an LLC has a flexible […]

Required Business Insurances in New York State   Insurance is an essential tool of risk management and helps employers reduce the financial burdens of possible losses. The following will introduce three basic insurances in New York State for businesses.   Business Liability Insurance   Business liability insurance is not mandatory in New York State, but it can protect your business from financial losses resulting from various claims, including bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, advertising injury and others caused by your business operation. And landlords may require you to maintain a certain level of liability coverage as a condition of your lease.   The premiums are typically based on the level of the coverage, the nature of the business, the number of employees, the location of operation, etc.   Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance   In New York State, employers are required to obtain and keep in effect workers’ compensation […]