Tips For Starting A Successful Small Business As An Expat

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Tips For Starting A Successful Small Business As An Expat

Expatriates who live outside the country can still start a business and make it a success. The key is to know what the requirements are for filing taxes and to put in place excellent business systems to grow your revenue and take care of the day-to-day operations.

Build a Smart Business Model

The first step in any new business is to find the right idea. If you are living in a new country, carefully consider what your new location means for your business. You may need to make adjustments to your plans so that you can find the right resources to fulfill your orders and build your brand.

Modern technology, especially the internet, has made it possible to work from nearly anywhere once you make the right accommodations. One of the most important is to utilize revenue operations to meet your goals. This is an important business model that can help you effectively use data gathered from customers to recognize new opportunities, as well as determine the best pricing structures and marketing.

Another essential aspect of business to tackle is supply chain consulting. You need to find workable solutions to store your products in warehouses, along with finding and monitoring the labor force needed to process and ship your orders. A consultant can help you discover the methods that will generate the most success while taking into account the scale and nature of your business needs.

Remember Your Tax Responsibilities

A big part of operating your own business is tax reporting. It’s essential that you keep detailed records and file all tax forms, along with sending payment to the appropriate agencies. The type of business that you set up will affect how you pay your taxes.

Many small business owners choose to register their business as a limited liability company, or LLC. The main reason being that LLCs within the domestic United States are able to file their business taxes with their personal income tax, instead of filling out complicated separate forms. You can still file your taxes this way a foreign -run LLC, but it requires a little extra effort. To get started, you will need to file Form 8832. After that, you must continue to file a Form 8858 annually alongside your other tax forms.

Use All Relevant Deductions

Taxes and financial obligations can add up quickly. If you want to keep as much revenue as possible to grow your business and live a comfortable lifestyle, you should take advantage of the tax deductions that you are eligible for.

When living as an expatriate, how to pay taxes can be confusing. Your responsibilities to both your home country and current country of residence may seem to overlap and have you paying more. Fortunately, the United States offers credits specifically for this purpose, to help you avoid dual taxation.

Other tax benefits allow you to exclude a certain amount of foreign-earned income if you meet the requirements of living outside the U.S. for enough days out of the year. Additionally, you can deduct expenses that are required to run your business. If you are confused about your tax obligations, or possible savings through deductions and credits, ask for advice and assistance until you are sure you understand your options.

Choose Your New Country Carefully

Every country has different tax rates and requirements. Some countries have high income tax percentages, while others have no taxes. Before you make your move or begin your business, do your research so you understand the requirements of your new country. If you are unsure, speak to a professional tax consultant who can give you specifics so you can make an informed decision.

Beginning your own business is an exciting time, made even more so because of the lack of location restrictions. Today, you are free to live where you choose and still start a promising new venture. Set yourself up for success by laying the groundwork with thorough preparation. Understand your options and obligations so you can make the best choices to grow your business.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.