Many Argentine founders launch U.S. businesses to tap into global markets, secure U.S. investors, or accept payments from U.S. clients. But this raises an important question: do you need to file U.S. taxes if you own a U.S. company from Argentina?
Yes, you do. If you’ve formed a U.S. corporation or LLC, you’re required to file taxes in the U.S. every year. Your physical location doesn’t change that—filing obligations are based on where the company is registered.
U.S. Federal Tax Obligations
What Forms You Need to File (By Entity Type)
C-Corporation
- Form 1120 – U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
- Form 5472 – If 25% or more of the company is foreign-owned and there are reportable transactions
Single-Member LLC (Disregarded Entity)
- Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 – Required even if there's no income, as long as there are reportable transactions
Multi-Member LLC (Partnership)
- Form 1065 – U.S. Return of Partnership Income
- Schedule K-1 – Provided to each partner
Individual Filing
- Form 1040-NR – Required if you personally earned U.S.-sourced income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
What Is ECI (Effectively Connected Income)?
ECI is income that is tied to a U.S. trade or business. It includes:
- Income from work physically performed in the U.S.
- Revenue from employees or agents operating in the U.S.
- U.S. real estate or rental income
Selling to U.S. clients alone from Argentina does not mean you have ECI. But if you have a team, office, or any physical presence in the U.S., you likely do.
Common Argentine Business Types That Must File
- SaaS businesses with U.S. users
- Tech startups raising U.S. venture capital
- Consultants and developers working with U.S. clients
- E-commerce stores using U.S. fulfillment centers
U.S. Tax Culture vs. Argentina
Audits and Financial Statements
In Argentina, companies may be used to regular audits and public filing of financials. In the U.S., most startups and small companies are not audited and do not need to file formal financial statements. U.S. tax filings are also private and not publicly accessible.
VAT vs. Sales Tax
Argentina has VAT. In the U.S., sales tax is:
- State-level (not federal)
- Mostly applies to physical goods
- Rarely applies to services or SaaS
If your U.S. business sells physical products, you may need to register for sales tax in multiple states. Bookmate does not offer sales tax services.
Other Misconceptions
- If there’s no income, no filing is needed – False. You must file even if your business didn’t earn anything.
- You only file U.S. taxes if you live in the U.S. – False. Filing is based on where your business is formed.
State-Level Obligations: Delaware and Wyoming
Delaware Franchise Tax (C-Corps)
- Due: March 1
- Cost: $225–$400+, depending on share structure
- Payment: Online or via your registered agent
Delaware LLC Franchise Tax
- Due: June 1
- Cost: $300 flat
Wyoming Annual Report (for LLCs and C-Corps)
- Due: Anniversary month
- Cost: Starts at $60, based on assets in Wyoming
These are required even if you earned no income.
Do You Need an ITIN?
If you personally have U.S.-sourced income and must file a 1040-NR, then yes, you’ll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
Summary
If you're based in Argentina and own a U.S. business, you have U.S. tax responsibilities. The forms you file depend on your entity type and activities. Avoiding filing—even if no tax is owed—can lead to steep penalties.
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