Is your Canadian company considering expanding its presence to the U.S.? Whether setting up an office across the border is your first foray into international expansion or a single aspect of your globalization plan, the complexities of U.S. business regulations require careful planning and meticulous attention to detail.
Establishing an international presence is an important step forward for many companies—one that can open doors to new markets, supply chains, and capital & local expertise. Becoming a global corporation sends a message that your company is growing in scope and relevance. If the time has come for your business to establish a division in the U.S., we are here to help make that process seamless.
Setting up shop in the U.S. involves much more than leasing an office. One of the first considerations is what type of legal entity to form: this will affect every aspect of your operation across the border so it’s worthwhile to explore your options with an expert. Once you have decided on the type of entity, you will be better prepared to choose where to locate; the 50 states offer varying incentives depending on your industry. Furthermore, some states offer tax incentives to companies that “go green” by taking specific steps to protect the environment.
Whether your firm sets up in the Big Apple or Silicon Valley—or anywhere in between—you will contend with a mix of state and federal regulations that govern employment, banking and taxes, along with considerations unique to Canadian companies with a branch or branches in the U.S. From the earliest planning stages, establishing a business presence in the U.S. requires taking all the right steps in the proper order.
We’re here to help you with:
- Forming the most appropriate type of legal entity for doing business in the United States;
- Determining the most favorable states in which to form a U.S. entity from a tax and legal standpoint;
- Complying with employment and immigration laws applicable to staffing your operations in the U.S.;
- Establishing banking and investment accounts;
- Structuring financial transactions between your home office and U.S. branches; and
- Assessing the costs of establishing and maintaining a presence in the U.S.
Congratulations on growing your business to the stage at which you’re considering this step. You have no doubt made investments of time, talent and treasure to get this far. As you move forward, an informed, expert strategy with your best interests at heart will protect you and your Canadian business in the long run. The value of peace of mind? Priceless.
Terry Ritchie is the Director of Cross-Border Wealth Services at the Cardinal Point, a cross-border wealth management organization with offices in the United States and Canada. Terry has been providing Canada-U.S. cross-border financial, investment, tax, transition, and estate planning services to affluent families for over 25 years. He is active as an author, speaker and educator on international tax and financial planning matters. www.cardinalpointwealth.com