If your business is based outside the US and you sell into US states, you'll need a few things in place before you can register for sales tax. Here's what's required and what's optional.
Must-haves for registering and filing in the US
A US address
This can be:
The address of your registered agent
A USPS street address
A virtual office
A co-working space
States will not accept a PO Box. Most international customers use a virtual mailbox service. Common providers include iPostal1, US Global Mail, and Earth Class Mail.
A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Apply for a FEIN through the IRS at irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-identification-number.
A US bank account
This is the account you'll use to remit sales tax to states. International payment platforms like Wise allow you to make US payments through partner banks. We recommend doing your own research to choose the right banking option for your business.
Nice-to-haves (with workarounds available)
SSN or ITIN
The "responsible party" listed in your registrations must have a Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Social Insurance Number (SIN). The responsible party should be an officer, executive, or owner of the company.
A large number of states will validate this information. Placeholder numbers like 111-11-1111 or 999-99-9999 will not be accepted. If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, the IRS provides instructions for applying for an ITIN.
US incorporation
You can incorporate in any state you choose, though most international customers select Delaware. Incorporating typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. You can do it remotely through services like LegalZoom, Firstbase, or Globalfy. Incorporation requires filing articles of organization or incorporation and appointing a registered agent with a US address.
Need help?
If you're an international customer and would like to discuss your specific setup, reach out at [email protected].