Starting and growing an international business is no small feat, especially when you are managing a team across borders and navigating US tax compliance from another continent.
This was exactly the challenge faced by Dan Baker, Founder and CEO of Valatam, a virtual assistant placement company connecting highly skilled South American professionals with global businesses.
Dan’s story shows how the right tax partner can free up an entrepreneur’s time, reduce stress, and keep growth on track, even during rapid expansion. It also offers lessons for any founder running a US-registered company from overseas.
From a Book to a Business
Dan’s entrepreneurial journey began with a gift: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. This book planted the idea that he could design a business around freedom, efficiency, and remote work rather than a traditional office setting.
At the time, Dan was working in sales in Mexico. Like many future founders, he started by solving his own problem. He experimented with outsourcing small tasks to virtual assistants, quickly realizing how much time it saved. Seeing the benefits firsthand, he began helping other companies do the same.
When he later moved to South America, Dan noticed something remarkable. The region was full of bilingual, highly educated professionals eager for meaningful work and international exposure. Many of them were underemployed despite having strong skills.
Dan saw an opportunity to connect this talent pool with global companies in need of reliable, dedicated remote support.
That idea became Valatam, a company specializing in training and placing top-tier South American graduates as full-time virtual assistants for entrepreneurs, startups, and small teams.
Growth Accelerated by a Global Shift
Like many startups, Valatam’s early years were slow and steady. Dan focused on refining his recruitment and training processes while building a small but loyal client base. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and remote work went from optional to essential almost overnight.
Companies all over the world needed skilled remote team members, and Valatam was ready to meet the demand. Within a short period, the company grew to more than 200 employees, serving over 100 enterprise clients worldwide.
This growth was exciting, but it also created new challenges. The larger the company became, the more important it was to get financial and compliance matters right.
And for a UK founder living in South America while running a US-registered business, that meant navigating some of the most complex tax rules in the world.
The Tax Challenge for International Founders
Running a US-registered business as a non-US resident involves more than just filling out forms. It requires understanding tax treaties, knowing what income is taxable in the US versus abroad, and keeping up with filing deadlines that do not align with those in your home country.
Dan faced three primary issues:
- Understanding US Tax Law: He needed to avoid unnecessary tax liability while ensuring the business remained compliant with US regulations. Even a small oversight could lead to costly penalties.
- Managing Rapid Growth: With the company scaling quickly, tax filings and financial reporting needed to keep pace without slowing down operations.
- Navigating as a First-Time Founder: Without a background in US accounting, Dan had to make sense of complicated terms, forms, and processes, all while leading a growing company.
The stakes were high. Mishandling taxes could have created financial strain or even impacted Valatam’s ability to operate in the US market. Dan knew he needed an experienced partner who understood the unique position of international founders.
Why Dan Chose Bookmate
After researching several accounting providers, Dan found Bookmate, a US tax service specializing in helping non-US founders of US companies. Bookmate’s approach stood out for several reasons:
- Friendly, Accessible Advice: From the very first call, Bookmate offered a free consultation where Dan could ask as many questions as he needed without pressure.
- Clear and Fair Pricing: Transparent and competitive rates meant no surprise bills or hidden charges.
- Full-Service Filing: Bookmate handled everything from preparing the tax return to submitting it to the IRS, as well as dealing with any IRS correspondence.
- Fast Turnaround: The entire process moved quickly, ensuring Dan’s filing was complete in just days.
The Process
Bookmate’s process for Dan’s 2021 tax filing was both efficient and straightforward:
- February 2: Initial free consultation to review Dan’s situation and answer questions.
- February 2: Engagement letter sent along with a request for necessary information.
- February 3: Dan signed the engagement and sent the first batch of information.
- February 3: Bookmate confirmed receipt, answered follow-up questions, and began preparing the return.
- February 5: Bookmate requested clarification and additional details.
- February 7: Draft tax return sent to Dan for review.
- February 8: Dan signed off, and Bookmate filed the return with the IRS.
From the first conversation to official filing, the process took just one week.
The Results
Partnering with Bookmate brought Valatam several clear benefits:
- The partnership with Bookmate ensured stress-free compliance, with all of Valatam’s US tax obligations handled accurately and on time.
- Dan gained more time for growth, allowing him to focus on building his team and acquiring clients instead of managing paperwork.
- Having a trusted tax partner gave Dan confidence for the future, enabling him to approach each tax season with peace of mind.
- Bookmate provides ongoing support by handling any IRS notices or correspondence directly.
Dan summed up his experience simply:
“You were very helpful and patient with me when I asked a hundred questions. When tax season came around, you were the obvious choice because you provided a lot of value, you knew what you were talking about, and your prices were better than the other providers I compared. That combination made the decision easy.”
Lessons for Other Founders
Dan’s experience offers important lessons for other international entrepreneurs:
- Do not wait until tax season to find help. A good partner can advise you throughout the year.
- Ask questions until you truly understand your obligations. The right accountant will be patient and clear.
- Look for transparent pricing so you can budget without surprises.
- Choose a partner experienced in your exact situation rather than a generalist.
The Takeaway for International Founders
Valatam’s success story shows how having the right tax partner can make the difference between constant compliance headaches and sustained business growth. For founders managing cross-border operations, Bookmate provides the clarity, expertise, and responsiveness needed to operate confidently in the US market.
If you are a non-US resident running a US business, Bookmate can simplify your tax season and help you stay compliant without losing focus on growth.
Book your free consultation here to see how Bookmate can help your business thrive.
Visit trybookmate.co to learn more.
Every tax situation is unique. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Please consult Bookmate or a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
