Firstbase.io: Launch and grow a US business from abroad.

Firstbase.io: A complete solution for non-resident business owners in the United States

Starting a business in the United States as a non-resident can seem challenging, especially with navigating legal requirements, managing compliance, and understanding tax obligations. Firstbase.io has stepped up to make this process accessible, easy, and streamlined for international entrepreneurs looking to establish US-based businesses.

This article dives into the services offered by Firstbase.io, the potential tax liabilities associated with non-resident business ownership, and a comparison of the conventional process of setting up a US business versus using Firstbase.io.

Overview of Firstbase.io and its core services

Firstbase.io offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to simplify the process of setting up, growing, and managing a US-based business. For non-US residents, these services cover everything from business formation and compliance to mail management and financial accounting. Here’s a breakdown of the primary services:

1. Firstbase Start – launch, grow, and manage your company

Firstbase Start is an all-inclusive business formation service that helps international founders launch a US business. Through Firstbase Start, users can incorporate their companies in Delaware or Wyoming, both of which offer favourable business environments and are known for their supportive legal frameworks for corporations. The key services offered under Firstbase Start include:

Entity formation: Incorporate your company in the US quickly and efficiently.

Tax ID and banking setup: Firstbase assists with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and provides guidance on opening a US business bank account.

Document management: All critical documents are organised and easily accessible through the Firstbase platform, making it simple to manage your company’s paperwork remotely.

With Firstbase Start, founders can focus more on growing their business rather than getting bogged down with paperwork and legal intricacies.

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2. Firstbase Agent – all-in-one compliance for your company

Once a business is formed, compliance becomes an ongoing concern. Firstbase Agent is designed to help business owners stay compliant with US regulatory requirements, which is particularly beneficial for non-residents unfamiliar with US law. This service includes:

Registered agent services: Firstbase provides a registered agent to receive legal and government documents on behalf of your business. The registered agent ensures your business remains compliant by forwarding critical documents and alerting you to any action required.

Annual report filing: Non-residents are often unaware of US filing requirements. Firstbase Agent assists with annual report filings, a necessary compliance step for maintaining good standing with state authorities.

Legal compliance support: Firstbase Agent provides access to legal support, ensuring your business adheres to federal, state, and local laws.

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3. Firstbase Mailroom – Get a business address and mailbox

A physical business address is essential for credibility, even in the digital age. For non-US residents, Firstbase Mailroom provides a US-based business address and digital mailbox. This address can be used on business documents, websites, and marketing materials, offering your business a professional appearance and privacy. The features include:

Mail handling and scanning: All received mail is scanned and uploaded to your Firstbase account, allowing you to access and manage your mail from anywhere.

Secure storage: Important physical documents are securely stored, while packages can be forwarded to international addresses upon request.

4. Firstbase Loop – 1-click access to growth tools

Firstbase Loop gives business owners instant access to a range of software tools that support growth, productivity, and marketing. Some of the key tools include:

CRM and marketing tools: Access customer relationship management and marketing automation tools, which help generate leads and nurture customer relationships.

Productivity software: A selection of productivity tools is available to streamline workflows and improve team collaboration.

Discounts and benefits: Firstbase Loop includes exclusive deals and discounts on popular SaaS tools, helping businesses save on essential software.

Loop’s “one-click access” feature makes it easy to start using these tools without needing extensive setup, helping non-residents accelerate growth.

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5. Firstbase Accounting – integrated accounting, tax-ready financials

Firstbase Accounting integrates accounting and bookkeeping into the Firstbase platform, ensuring businesses are ready for tax season. This service is ideal for non-residents who might find the US tax system complex and challenging to navigate. Key offerings include:

Bookkeeping services: Regular bookkeeping services keep your financial records organised and up-to-date.

Tax preparation support: Firstbase Accounting provides assistance with tax filings, helping non-residents understand and fulfill their US tax obligations.

Financial reporting: Generate detailed financial reports, making it easier to understand your company’s financial health and make informed business decisions.

Potential tax liabilities for non-resident business owners

While establishing a US-based business offers access to the US market, non-resident owners should be aware of possible tax obligations. Here are the primary tax liabilities to consider:

1. Federal income tax

Non-residents may be subject to US federal income tax if the business is classified as a “US trade or business”. Income generated within the US can be taxed based on existing tax treaties between the US and the owner’s home country.

2. State taxes

Depending on the state where the business is incorporated or where it conducts business, state income tax might apply. Delaware, for example, does not impose a corporate tax on revenue earned outside its state borders, but the state still has franchise tax obligations.

3. Sales tax

If your business sells products to US customers, you may be required to collect and remit sales tax depending on the state where the transactions occur.

4. Self-employment tax

For LLC owners, profits can be subject to self-employment tax. This tax, however, may not apply to non-residents if the LLC is classified as a pass-through entity and they do not have a “permanent establishment” in the US.

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Comparison: Traditional US Business Setup vs using Firstbase.io

Feature	Traditional US Business Setup	Firstbase.io
Time and complexity	Can take weeks, involves several third parties	Streamlined, often completed in days
Registered agent	Need to find and hire separately	Included in Firstbase Agent
Mail management	Requires establishing a physical address and mail forwarding	Digital mailroom and US business address through Mailroom
Compliance support	Must navigate legal and tax compliance on your own	Full compliance support with Firstbase Agent
Access to tools	Must identify, subscribe to, and configure business tools	One-click access to growth tools through Firstbase Loop
Accounting services	Typically involves hiring an accountant	Integrated accounting and tax support with Firstbase Accounting

Firstbase.io provides an end-to-end solution for non-resident entrepreneurs looking to start and manage a US business with ease. By bundling incorporation, compliance, mail handling, growth tools, and accounting services, Firstbase.io simplifies the complexities of running a US business remotely. While non-residents should be mindful of tax obligations, using Firstbase.io offers an efficient, compliant pathway to enter the US market without the administrative burden typically involved in traditional US business setup.

With Firstbase.io, international founders can focus on growing their business, secure in the knowledge that their compliance, financial, and operational needs are handled efficiently and professionally.

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