Non U.S. founders choose the United States for a reason. You get access to a deep investor pool, trusted legal structures, and world class payment rails. Yet the tax and compliance path is not obvious when you are outside the country. The rules for foreign owned companies are different. The forms are different. The deadlines can be strict.
That is why Bookmate decided to specialize. We build our service around the exact problems international founders face, so you can focus on customers instead of decoding IRS instructions.
Below is a detailed look at why we focus on this niche, what our process includes, and how it helps you stay compliant with less stress.
The problems international founders face every day
The most common issues we hear from international founders are practical, everyday problems that slow you down. If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone.
- You are still deciding between an LLC and a C Corporation and want to know the tax cost. A C Corporation pays a 21 percent federal tax on profits. A foreign owned single member LLC is usually disregarded for federal income tax and instead has special reporting duties like Form 5472.
- You tried mailing forms from overseas, used the wrong IRS address, or the package arrived late. Now you worry about penalties.
- You are not sure what counts as a business expense. You ask if you can use the business card for personal spending, how to reimburse yourself, and how to fix mixed transactions that already happened. You also want a simple list of what to buy through the company and what to leave personal.
- You run the company from abroad and do not know if you personally owe U.S. tax. You ask whether you need a 1040 NR, how days in the U.S. affect tax, and whether services performed outside the U.S. change the answer.
- You are confused about who gets a W 9 or a W 8 form. You hire contractors on Upwork or directly and do not know when to issue a 1099, or whether foreign contractors ever receive one.
- You sell software or services worldwide and cannot tell what is U.S. source income versus foreign source income. You want a simple explanation that fits your specific facts.
- You have shareholders or a subsidiary outside the U.S. and hear about Form 5471 but are not sure if it applies to you yet.
Why a niche focus serves founders better
General tax firms try to be everything to everyone. That often leaves international founders with partial answers. Our team, playbooks, and checklists are built for your specific situation.
- We write guidance in clear, plain language so it is easy for global founders to follow. You should not have to learn legal jargon to keep your company compliant.
- We keep active watch lists for forms used by non U.S. owners. The list includes Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120, Form 1120 for C Corporations, Form 1065 for multi member LLCs, Form 1040 NR for individuals with U.S. source income, and Form 5471 in cases with controlled foreign corporations or certain U.S. shareholder positions.
- We design our data intake to match cross border realities. That means multi currency bank feeds, founder reimbursements, intercompany loans, and capital contributions that are common in early stage setups.
- We plan around time zones. You should not have to wake up at 3 a.m. to move a project forward.
Our step by step process tailored to non U.S. founders
1. One on one call with a tax sales consultant
You meet with a specialist for a personal diagnostic. We ask what type of company you formed, where you live for tax purposes, how you move money, who owns the company, and what your goals are for the next 12 months. The aim is to surface filing triggers and confirm the correct returns.
2. Clear quote for the tax return
We present a fixed quote for the filing that applies to your facts. You know the scope and price up front. If multiple filings are needed, we show each one and the deadline.
3. Invoice and service agreement
You receive an invoice and a short contract that explains deliverables, timelines, and support. Once signed and paid, we move immediately to data intake.
4. Secure web form for your details
You receive a web form to upload the information we need. Examples include EIN confirmation, ownership details, bank statements or transaction exports, payment processor reports, and notes on any related party transactions such as founder reimbursements or intercompany loans. The form is structured so you can complete it in a focused session.
5. Accounting team begins work
After intake is complete, our accounting team starts. Typical turnaround is one to two weeks depending on complexity. During this period we may ask simple clarifying questions, and we keep them short and specific so you can respond quickly.
6. Draft tax return for your review
We prepare the draft return and send it to you for sign off. You see the numbers, the forms included, and a short explanation of any important choices or positions taken. If you are a C Corporation, we include a summary that shows the 21 percent federal tax on taxable profits so you understand the cost clearly.
7. Electronic submission to the IRS
Once you approve the draft, we submit the return electronically when e filing is available. If a filing must be mailed, we use the correct IRS address and reliable tracking. You do not have to mail anything from overseas.
8. Confirmation and tracking code
You receive a confirmation packet that includes proof of submission and the tracking or acceptance code. We store a copy in your client folder for future reference and investor diligence.
How our approach reduces risk and saves time
- Fewer surprises because you know your deadlines in advance.
- Lower penalty risk because 5472 filings are handled on time and with complete support files.
- Faster banking and investor workflows because your books are clean and documents are in one place.
- Clear tax cost expectations. For example, if you choose a C Corporation you understand the 21 percent federal rate on profits and the personal tax that can occur on dividends.
How we compare to generic providers
- We do not assume you have a Social Security number or a U.S. address. Our intake is built for non residents.
- We understand treaty questions, source of income rules, and when activities might create effectively connected income. When needed, we coordinate with legal counsel so your structure remains compliant.
- We do not leave you to figure out 5472 on your own. We map transactions, draft the return, and keep an audit file.
- We provide simple education so you can make decisions with confidence. You do not need to become a tax expert to run your company.
What you can expect during your engagement with Bookmate
Day 1: Kickoff call and diagnostic, quote delivered, invoice and contract sent, secure web form issued.
Day 2-6: Data intake completed and reviewed, accounting team begins work, follow up questions kept short and specific.
Day 7: Draft return delivered for review, revisions if needed, final approval.
Day 8: Electronic filing with the IRS, confirmation and tracking sent, compliance calendar updated for the year.
Answers to common questions from non U.S. founders
Do I need Bookmate if I already use Stripe Tax or a banking platform?
These tools help with payments and sales tax in some cases. They do not file federal income tax returns or forms like 5472. You still need a tax partner.
Can Bookmate help if I already missed a deadline?
We do not take on late filings. If you missed a deadline, we can still help by clarifying what is required and pointing you to a specialist who handles late or penalty cases. Once you are current, we can take over ongoing bookkeeping and timely filings so it does not happen again.
Can you work across time zones?
Yes. We schedule calls at times that work for you and keep most communication in writing so nothing is lost.
Will you help during a fundraise?
Yes. We prepare clean financials and tax confirmations. This reduces diligence friction and speeds up closing.
Why our mission matters
International founders add new ideas and new jobs to the U.S. economy. They should not be blocked by confusing paperwork. By focusing only on this group, Bookmate gives founders a clear path to compliance. That means less stress for you and more time working on customers and product.
Work with Bookmate
If you are a non U.S. founder building in the United States, Bookmate was built for you. See how we work and learn more at Bookmate. Each tax situation is unique. Talk to our team so we can review your facts and create the right plan.
Ready to get started now? Book a consultation and let us put your U.S. compliance on autopilot.
