Small Business

What should I do to complete the registration of my non-USA company

Hi all, I have a small LTD in the UK and would like to buy wholesale products to resell here. I have an EORI/TAX number for UK customs/HMRC, so they can trace my activity. Do I also need an EIN to purchase certain items in the USA? Or can I buy goods w/o it? Also, some websites request an EIN to open a business account, eg, Amazon USA. Can I register my UK-based company with the US system, or is there an alternative solution for obtaining an EIN? PS. I need invoices for my UK-based company.

Quick Answer:

For purchasing wholesale products from the USA directly from suppliers, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is generally not required for your UK LTD. Your UK EORI/TAX number is relevant for UK customs and tax purposes. However, US platforms like Amazon often require an EIN to open a business or seller account. This is for identification and potential US tax reporting purposes. Yes, your UK-based company can obtain an EIN from the US tax system (IRS). This is done by filing Form SS-4, "Application for Employer Identification Number," which allows foreign entities without a US office or employees to get an EIN. This process formally identifies your company within the US tax system for these specific

Note: This answer is provided for convenience only. It is important that you speak to a CPA about your individual tax situation.

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