UK to US - Tech Business

By : Business Start Up
Published 22nd January 2013 |
Read latest comment - 20th February 2013

Hello everyone ,

I am am based in the UK, and about to start a new business in the US. I am the founder, but I am working with two friends to get the business started. However, neither are founders.

I have been thinking about the various structures my business can have. LLC, Partnership etc. However I am not sure which one will be most suitable for my business, in both structure, legal requirements and tax responsibilities.

I have done quite a lot of research and I am leaning towards LLC. However, will this enable me to be the sole founder with different levels of employees? In this case, myself the founder, and two directors.

In terms of taxation, I understand that as an LLC, tax is paid out individually by each member/owner. I slightly understand this point, but it has not been made clear on the sources I've read.

My business will have an investment capital of $1m, 1 founder, 2 employees (all UK - British Citizens with no US affiliations or US based familial contacts), technology software-as-a-service product, based in Palo Alto or San Francisco.

Please let me know of any information you may require to help me with my queries.

Just to let you guys know, I will be visiting experienced individuals to ensure everything is done perfectly correctly. But for now, I would just like a basic overview of the different options available to me.

Thank you in advance!

ukus2012
Comments
Welcome aboard

I'm no expert, and personally I think for the amount of money you are talking about, you would be better spending a few hundred quid and getting professional advice from someone who will have access to all the facts.

US or UK Limited Liability is a good route to go, when it comes to personal risk, but does come with responsibilities, reporting, accounts etc.

If you are UK based, and your product SAS, so I assume online, does it have to be a US LLC? Why not set up a UK Ltd? We run our US based directory under our UK Ltd. Tax wise is then as per your tax return, and business via Corporation Tax once in profit.

But like I say, I think you need professional face to face advice to get the right solution for your personal circumstances.

Steve Richardson
Gaffer of My Local Services
My Local Services | Me on LinkedIn

Hi, you should definitely get good professional help before deciding. However here's something to get you started. LLC or LP: What is best for your business? | LegalZoom

alicemenezes

Hi...
I am Kelly Walker and I am new here. This is unfortunate but I just unable to find sole aim of your wording. Can you please tell me your query in summarized manner so that, it is easy to find proper answer to you.

Welcome aboard

Their question seems pretty straight forward enough. What route they should take their business, i.e an LLC or something else. Any advice for them perhaps?

Thanks,
Dreamraven

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