Setting up an office in the US

[ADBC]

I'm moving to America in September with my wife who is American. I have full right to work in the US status.

I run a business in the UK and want to carry it on in the US while my business partner maintains the UK office. The company is very small (just me and my business partner at the moment)

I guess my question is has anyone out there done this already? And what is it you needed to do to satisfy all parties with regards to taxation etc?

Thanks

[Bevdeforges]

You probably need to consult with a tax adviser, an accountant or an attorney before you set up your US office. There is a range of options for how to conduct business in the US - everything from being "self-employed" and just reporting the results of your business as part of your personal tax returns, up to and including incorporating your business, issuing shares of stock and the whole megilla.

In between there are options such as partnerships and S corporations (which are sort of a mix between a corporation and a partnership). The various options vary mainly in your ability to keep your business and personal assets separate (in case of lawsuit or bankruptcy) and precisely how you are taxed on the business. And, like most things in the US, what state you are located in and/or incorporated in can make quite a bit of difference. There are even some cities that impose business taxes on certain types of operations. Unlike in many countries, each governmental level that imposes taxes is independent of the other levels and can't really assist you with making sure you have all parties covered.

You also want to consider just how your business in the UK is set up (self-employment, partnership or some sort of corporate entity) to make sure you're not complicating matters for yourself. (Depends a bit, too, on how much interaction you will have with your UK office.)

One place to start getting information is SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives), which is an association of volunteers with business experience who share their knowledge and expertise with those just getting started. Start with their website Free Small Business Advice | How-to Resources | Tools | Templates | SCORE and then try contacting one of their local groups in the area where you'll be settling.
Cheers,
Bev

[ADBC]

Thanks Bev,

Thats really helpful. The company is a Limited Company in the UK and I will be interacting with the UK everyday as I will still be working for clients in the UK. (The advantage being the time difference, based in LA, means that while the UK sleeps I will be working. Thus a 24hr shop so to speak)

Thanks again