What is a DBA and How Does it Work?
October 1, 2024
Understand what a DBA is, how to obtain it, who needs it, and the key differences between a DBA and other legal structures like LLCs and corporations.
English
.svg){kind=icon}
Did you know that starting a business in the United States can unlock new opportunities, maximize your income, and protect your assets as a digital nomad or freelancer? By forming an LLC in the U.S., you can access tax benefits, separate your personal finances from your business, and operate in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up your LLC in the U.S. and make the most of this business model.
Starting an LLC in the U.S. offers multiple advantages for freelancers and digital nomads, starting with asset protection. By separating your personal finances from your business, any legal issues tied to your LLC won’t impact your personal assets. This is crucial when you’re working remotely with international clients and managing global payments, where tax or contract errors can happen.
Additionally, tax optimization is a significant benefit. You’ll be able to deduct business-related expenses like software, equipment, and travel. According to the IRS, many freelancers can deduct up to 50% of their annual expenses, effectively increasing their net income. This allows you to better manage your finances and gain more control over your taxes.
Take María Cristina, a freelance photographer from Spain, for example. By setting up her LLC in the U.S., she was able to offer faster international payments with lower fees through platforms like Stripe and PayPal. This expanded her international client base and reduced her costs, helping her business grow.
Starting an LLC in the U.S. as a foreigner is easier than you might think. Here are the essential steps to ensure your business is well-structured from the start and complies with all local regulations. Each step is crucial for the success of your business and to avoid any legal or tax issues.
The first step is choosing the state where you will register your LLC. Not all states offer the same benefits, so making an informed choice is critical. States like Florida provide easy access to international markets, while Wyoming stands out for its business privacy and low maintenance costs. The state you choose will directly impact your operating costs and the regulations you’ll need to follow.
This is the formal document that registers your LLC with the state. By filing the Articles of Organization, you officially declare the creation of your company. You can do this directly or through specialized services like Prodezk. It’s typically a straightforward step and can often be completed online, but it’s essential for legal recognition of your LLC.
A U.S. business address is required for any LLC. If you don’t live in the U.S., you can use virtual office services or hire a registered agent to handle legal documents on your behalf. This is especially helpful for receiving official notices and ensuring that your LLC's creation and maintenance process is handled correctly.
The final step is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is essential for opening a bank account and managing payments. Brex and Mercury are popular options among freelancers for opening remote bank accounts.
One of the biggest perks of a U.S. LLC is the ability to optimize your taxes. The U.S. tax system offers broad deductions, allowing you to write off a significant portion of your business expenses, such as tech tools, office space rentals, or even business travel. This makes an LLC a very appealing option for freelancers who want to maximize their income.
To fully enjoy these benefits, it’s crucial to work with an accountant who specializes in freelancers and LLCs. This professional can help you navigate the tax system and make the most of available deductions while ensuring compliance with all regulations. Not only will this save you money on taxes, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your business is in good standing.
According to a Deloitte study, many freelancers operating under an LLC can save up to 20% on their annual tax costs. This tax reduction allows you to reinvest in your business and grow faster. Don’t miss the opportunity to structure your LLC to take advantage of these tax benefits.
Having a U.S. bank account not only makes it easier to manage payments in dollars but also allows you to receive money from international clients more quickly and with fewer fees. This is crucial for freelancers and digital nomads who work in global markets. Platforms like Wise and Mercury offer virtual solutions, allowing you to open a U.S. bank account without being physically present in the country.
A U.S. dollar bank account gives you credibility and trust with international clients, who often prefer to make payments in strong currencies like the dollar. Additionally, operating with U.S. accounts helps you avoid hefty international transfer fees, optimizing your cash flow. This is especially important when dealing with contracts and invoices across multiple countries.
For example, Diego Armando, a web developer from Colombia, opened a Brex account. Thanks to this, he was able to receive payments from clients in Europe and Asia without the high international transfer fees, improving his cash flow and helping him expand his global business. Having an international bank account is undoubtedly a key tool for any freelancer's success.
While starting an LLC in the U.S. has many advantages, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can cost you time and money. One frequent error is not doing enough research on which state is the best for your LLC registration. While states like Florida, Texas, and Wyoming offer attractive tax and legal benefits, the wrong choice could lead to additional maintenance or tax costs.
Another common mistake is mixing personal and business finances. Opening a separate bank account for your LLC is critical to avoid legal and tax issues down the road. If your personal and business income are mixed, you could violate the legal protection an LLC offers, potentially putting your personal assets at risk in a lawsuit.
Lastly, many freelancers forget the importance of keeping their LLC’s legal documents up to date. Renewing licenses, filing tax returns, and maintaining the company’s registration are obligations you can’t overlook. Failing to do so could result in unnecessary fines and penalties that could hurt your business's financial health.
Starting a business in the U.S. as a digital nomad or freelancer is one of the best decisions you can make to improve your financial stability, protect your assets, and optimize your taxes. With an LLC, you’ll have access to a global market full of opportunities.
If you're ready to take the next step, Prodezk offers full advisory services to help you create your LLC, open bank accounts, and maximize your financial success.
Contact us today and start your journey to success.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.webp)
