When you are running a business abroad with a U.S. entity, the last thing you want is to feel confused or overwhelmed about tax compliance. At Bookmate, we know that foreign founders already have enough on their plate. That is why our very first interaction with you is designed to be simple, transparent, and free of charge.
The 15-minute introductory call is where everything begins, and it sets the tone for how we work with our clients from start to finish.
In this article, we will walk you step by step through what happens during that initial call, what information you can expect to share, and how the process moves forward from there. By the end, you will understand exactly what your first 15 minutes with Bookmate look like and why this quick call is such an important part of making sure your U.S. company stays compliant.
Booking the Call
Scheduling your first conversation with Bookmate is simple. You can book a slot directly online at a time that works best for you. The call is always free and lasts about 15 minutes, which makes it easy to fit into your day no matter what time zone you are in.
Unlike other firms that limit how many times you can reach out, we keep this process open. If you have new questions later on or if your business circumstances change, you can book as many introductory calls as you need. There is no limit, and our tax sales consultants are always ready to walk you through your obligations or clarify details.
Meeting Your Tax Sales Consultant
The person you will speak with is one of our dedicated tax sales consultants. Think of them as a mix between a sales representative and a knowledgeable guide. Their role is not to throw complicated jargon at you but to listen, understand your business, and explain what needs to happen next.
During this conversation, the consultant will ask you about:
- Where you are based and what country you operate from
- What type of U.S. entity you have, such as an LLC or a C-Corp
- The nature of your business and what services or products you provide
- Whether you have any partner companies or other business interests connected to your entity
- Your financial activity during the year, including income, expenses, and transactions
This diagnostic step is essential. Every business is different, and every founder has unique circumstances. By asking the right questions, our consultants are able to build a clear picture of your situation and identify exactly which federal tax obligations apply to you.
Clarifying Your Obligations
For many non-resident founders, the U.S. tax system feels intimidating. The introductory call is where we simplify it. Once your consultant understands the details of your business, they will explain in plain terms which forms and filings you need to complete.
If you are the owner of a foreign-owned single-member LLC, you will likely need to file Form 5472. If you operate a multi-member LLC, you will need Form 1065. C-Corps have their own set of filing rules, including Form 1120. These distinctions are often confusing for founders who are new to the U.S. system, but our consultants will spell it out for you clearly so you know exactly what applies to your company.
This part of the conversation is not just about compliance. It is also about giving you peace of mind. Many of our clients come to us worried that they may have missed something or that they will face penalties for late filings. The introductory call is your opportunity to ask every question you have and to leave the call with clarity.
Getting Your Quote
Once we have all the necessary information, we will provide you with a personalized quote during the call. The cost of your filing depends on the complexity of your company structure, the number of partners, and the level of financial activity. By the end of the 15 minutes, you will know exactly how much it will cost and what is included in our service.
Unlike automated platforms that give you a flat fee regardless of your situation, our quotes are tailored to your specific needs. That ensures you only pay for what you actually require while still receiving full CPA-backed support.
Next Steps After the Call
The introductory call is just the beginning. Once it is finished, we immediately send two key items to your email:
- The Engagement Letter: This is our contract that officially outlines the scope of work. It is sent via a secure Dropbox link for easy electronic signature.
- The Invoice: This document reflects the quote you received on the call. It includes a payment link so you can pay quickly using your preferred method, whether that is a credit card, Apple Pay, or another option.
Once both the engagement letter is signed and the invoice is paid, we move forward with the compliance process.
The Web Form
The next step is for you to receive a secure web form by email. This is where you provide us with the important details our CPA team needs in order to prepare your return. Typical information requested includes:
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Articles of Incorporation or formation documents
- Transaction details for the year
- Any additional financial records relevant to your business activity
The form is designed to be simple and user-friendly, and it allows you to upload documents directly so everything stays in one place.
Once your web form is submitted, our CPA team takes over. They review the information, prepare the appropriate return, and ensure that everything is accurate and compliant.
Before anything is officially filed, you will receive a draft version of your return in your email. This draft is for you to review and sign off on. We want you to be fully comfortable with what is being submitted on your behalf.
After you approve the draft, we file the return through the official IRS portal on your behalf. This is an important part of how Bookmate works. We do not stop at filling out forms. We handle the full submission process so you can be certain your obligations are properly taken care of.
Once the filing is complete, you will receive both a tracking code and a copy of your submission. This gives you documentation for your records and peace of mind that the process has been finalized.
Why the Introductory Call Matters
At first glance, a 15-minute call might not seem like much. Yet in practice, it is the foundation of everything we do. It is the moment where you meet a real person from our team, where your unique situation is carefully considered, and where you gain a roadmap for compliance.
This call also reflects Bookmate’s core philosophy. We believe that compliance is not something to be outsourced to faceless automation. It is a partnership between you and a dedicated team that takes responsibility for every step of the process, from the first diagnostic conversation to the final IRS submission.
Final Thoughts
Your first 15 minutes with Bookmate are more than just an introduction. They are the start of a working relationship built on trust, clarity, and full-service support. During this short call, you will walk away knowing what your obligations are, how much it will cost, and exactly what steps come next.
For foreign founders, compliance often feels like a black box. Our goal is to open that box, explain what is inside, and handle it with you every step of the way. Whether you need help catching up on late filings or staying ahead for the current year, the journey begins with a simple, free, 15-minute call.
