US business basics, explained simply
Short, plain-English guides to the parts of the US business system that trip founders up — written for people who are new to how it works, especially those setting up a company from abroad. Each one answers a single question without assuming you already know the jargon.
Lost Your EIN? The 147C Letter
Where a misplaced EIN hides, the CP-575 vs the 147C letter, calling the IRS from abroad — and what doesn't work.
W-8BEN vs W-9
Which tax form a platform actually needs from you — W-9, W-8BEN, or W-8BEN-E — and the LLC twist for foreign owners.
Form 1099-K for Foreign Sellers
The marketplace payout form, the 2026 threshold, and why your US LLC gets one when you personally don't.
Bookkeeping Basics for E-commerce
What to track from day one, why a payout isn't revenue, and inventory and COGS in plain words.
What Is an ITIN?
The US tax ID for individuals who can't get an SSN — the W-7 process, and why owning an LLC usually doesn't require one.
What Is Form 1120?
The US corporate income tax return — and the pro-forma version foreign-owned LLCs attach to Form 5472 each year.
What Is an EIN?
The federal tax ID number every US business needs — and how founders without a US Social Security Number can still get one.
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN
Three nine-digit numbers, three different jobs. Which one applies to you, and which to your company.
What Is a Registered Agent?
The in-state address that receives official mail for your company — required in every US state.
LLC vs C-Corp, Explained Simply
The two most common US company types, compared in plain language so the choice fits your plan.
Form 5472 in Plain English
The once-a-year form many foreign-owned US companies must file — and the steep penalty for missing it.
Sales Tax vs Income Tax
Two completely different US taxes that get confused all the time. How each one actually works.
What Is an Annual Report?
The recurring state filing that keeps your company alive — and why states charge you a fee for it.
What Is a Resale Certificate?
The document that lets you buy inventory without paying sales tax twice — and that suppliers ask to see.