The United States presents a landscape rich with opportunity for Australian businesses, characterised by its vast economic environment and diverse consumer base. Navigating this promising terrain, however, comes with its unique set of intricacies and challenges.
BlueRock, in collaboration with Amesto Global , brings to the table a comprehensive partnership that serves to guide and empower Australian enterprises looking to chart their course in the expansive US market. With a shared vision to facilitate successful business ventures, the alliance melds international expertise with innovative solutions, positioning clients at the helm of their US expansion journey.
In this article we explore some key considerations and challenges around doing business in the US, and explain how we, in partnership with Amesto Global, can set you up for success.
Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating a Business in the US
The first step in establishing US operations is selecting the appropriate business structure and state of formation . This choice significantly impacts taxation and regulatory obligations.
Options range from Corporations and Partnerships to LLCs, each bearing its own tax implications and regulatory requirements. The challenge for business owners lies in selecting a structure that not only complies with the complex web of state and federal laws but also aligns with their long-term business objectives and growth strategies.
Key questions to consider include:
- Where will your business be located?
- Will you be hiring staff?
- What kind of product or service will you be selling?
- Do you plan on having office space?
- Where are your US customers located?
Market Entry: Research is Key
While Australia is composed of 6 federated states, the US is composed of 50 individual states, each with its own distinct culture, compliance requirements and market dynamics. Conducting extensive market research and understanding these nuances is essential for a successful market entry strategy.
Australian business owners need to thoroughly analyse the market landscape, identify their target client audience and pinpoint their locations across different states. This is key to crafting a tailored approach that resonates with diverse consumer preferences and behaviours.
Once the commercial strategy is solidified with these considerations in mind, BlueRock and Amesto Global stand ready to assist Australian businesses in establishing a robust US Market Entry Operational Infrastructure.
Profit Repatriation and Compliance Complexity: What You Need to Know
The process of profit repatriation involves strategic navigation through the realms of international tax laws and currency fluctuations. Australian entrepreneurs must understand the nuances of bilateral tax treaties and harness them efficiently to bolster the monetary returns that fuel their continued growth and success within their home territory.
Creeping compliance complexity as a result of expansion can be overwhelming for businesses. Planning for this complexity, such as transfer pricing obligations, can be crucial to ensuring you know what is ahead.
“Many businesses need to “go-to-market” quickly, with the structure and compliance implications as an afterthought. Fast decisions can eventuate to tax leaks or increase tax risk profiles that can be hard to unwind or costly to execute.” - BlueRock’s Director of International Tax & Advisory, Mark Fancellu
Banking in the US: Setting Up For Success
The task of establishing a US bank account extends beyond the mere mechanics of finance into the domain of stringent regulation and compliance. Business owners often grapple with the complexities of this foundational step, pivotal for setting up a trustworthy and efficient base for all subsequent financial operations.
This is where Amesto Global can help, with their global business solutions around payroll, accounting and much more.
Payroll Management
Constructing a robust payroll system in the US intertwines with comprehensive employment laws and tax regulations. For newly arrived Australian enterprises, the challenge stretches far beyond salary distributions. It's about creating a compliant, seamless payroll mechanism across potentially disparate state laws.
"In attempting to manage US payroll from overseas without a clear understanding of the challenges, our client encountered a costly ordeal. Their failure to register in the correct locations resulted in a cycle of penalties and fees. This unfortunate situation underscores the critical importance of proper initial setup, which could have averted these financial setbacks altogether.” - Amesto Global’s Founding Partner, Armin Kirchner .
Hiring and Employment
Building a strategically rounded team requires an understanding of the US's nuanced employment landscape. The challenge is to balance workforce development to avoid overloading early hires and ensure that new additions to the team can drive growth without compromising long-term efficiency.
"Time and again, we've seen our clients fall into the trap of entrusting the entirety of their new market's operations to their initial US hire. From spearheading sales growth and overseeing day-to-day operations to grappling with complex accounting tasks and financial reporting, this lone employee invariably finds themselves stretched thin, eventually succumbing to burnout.
Establishing efficient hiring practices from the outset, coupled with clearly defined parameters outlined in the employee contract, is paramount. Not only does this preempt staffing headaches, but it also curtails turnover rates, ensuring a smoother transition and sustained success in the US." - Amesto Global’s Director of Growth, Sims Tullos .
Remote Workforce: State-Specific Compliance
The management of a distributed workforce across the US opens the door to a complex array of state-centric compliance requirements. Entrepreneurs must skillfully navigate this multifaceted legal environment to ensure nationwide operational harmony.
Employee Benefits: Navigating US Requirements
For businesses accustomed to Australia's healthcare norms, the employer-centric healthcare system in the US can pose a significant challenge. The task is to offer attractive benefit packages that align with competitive standards while ensuring adherence to a layered legal framework between state and federal guidelines.
Bringing It All Together to Do Business in America
For Australian businesses eyeing off US horizons, the journey involves a spectrum of operational, legal, and cultural challenges. It demands meticulous planning and a committed approach to understanding the depth and breadth of the US market. Preparing for these challenges is as vital as the vision for expansion itself, often requiring strategic expertise and knowledge-sharing to lay the groundwork for sustainable advancement.
The partnership between BlueRock and Amesto Global offers Australian businesses a unique edge. A combined international outlook with tailored solutions to steer you through the complexities of US market entry.
As you contemplate this significant step for your business, engaging with seasoned international business advisors can provide a critical advantage in realising your US market aspirations. Get in touch to discuss your global business adventure.
