Tax and Legal Advice in the USA Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

This article is the final part of our series on US market entry. Many people associate hiring an attorney or tax advisor in the USA with opaque fees and business practices that differ from those back home. With the right preparation, though, you'll find the service that suits you on this side of the Atlantic too.

Many companies are put off expanding to the States by possible differences between American and European legal and financial services. In this article, we explain what you should keep in mind.

1Attorneys and tax advisors in the USA

These should of course be specialists with the experience and expertise to advise international companies investing in the US market. An attorney should already have advised foreign companies in the USA. And a tax advisor should have experience not only with US accounting but also with international taxation.

When choosing a bank, too, make sure it has experience doing business in the countries where you operate. The large banks with their own international business are generally the best positioned. Your advisor there should understand your company's domestic requirements and handle international financial transactions efficiently.

Beyond that, your business may need other people for a US expansion. These include real estate brokers to find suitable property, a staffing agency for potential employees, a customs expert for importing goods, and a specialist in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations if you plan to sell food or drugs.

For a successful expansion of your company to the USA, you need a team that helps you prepare for every eventuality and minimize potential risks. As mentioned, depending on your plans you need at least three service providers (attorney, banker and tax advisor), and possibly more.

There are many ways to find suitable, trustworthy advisors for your company:

1. Personal recommendations from others whose needs are similar to your company's
2. Online search for advisors, focusing on experience and reviews
3. Recommendations from the state or local chamber of commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
4. Social networks (especially LinkedIn, but also specialist forums and accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), etc.)

Before you start looking, get clear on what you need and how much you're willing to spend. A reliable partner should be able to make you an offer tailored to your needs and be transparent about fees. In the end, weigh costs against benefits. Sometimes slightly higher fees pay off later. Here, too, online reviews and testimonials can help.

These are just some of the ways to find reliable advisors. With offices in several countries, Mount Bonnell Advisors is glad to support you with your plans. Thanks to our many years of work in the States, we have a wide network of capable partners in the USA who can help you enter the American market. With our experience, we support you on everything from tax questions to accounting in the USA and, where needed and depending on your industry, recommend specialists and advisors who fit your needs.

2What this means for your US market entry

Finding legal, tax and other advisors matters for business success in the USA. If you follow the steps above, you'll quickly find the right partners your company needs to expand to the States. You'll find all ten facts about US market entry in this overview.

In short

• For a US expansion you need at least three service providers: an attorney, a bank and a tax advisor.
• Your attorney should already have advised foreign companies in the USA; your tax advisor should know US accounting and international taxation.
• Depending on your plans, you may also need real estate brokers, a staffing agency, customs experts and FDA regulation specialists.
• You'll find good advisors through recommendations, reviews, the chamber of commerce and professional networks.
• A reliable partner makes you a tailored, transparent offer; in the end, weigh costs against benefits.

How we help you

• US market entrySubsidiary, staff, taxes: your start in the US market.
• US Tax ConsultationYour US tax question, answered by people who know both sides.
• Company formation consultationEntity type, state and tax consequences, before you commit.
• Corporation tax returnForm 1120 and Form 5472 for your US corporation.
• PayrollPayroll, payroll taxes and filings for your employees in the USA.