Operating a business based in the U.S. as a non-resident can be gratifying, but it does present particular financial and compliance difficulties.
To ensure that your U.S. business remains compliant and is fully financially operational, bookkeeping is one of the most vital activities that must be done.
Best of all, there is a boom in online bookkeeping services that serve the needs of global business owners, overseas bookkeepers, or international entrepreneurs.
In this post, we analyze and evaluate the online bookkeeping services for non-U.S. business owners and how these services assist clients who need to comply with American tax regulations and other requirements, and provide their templates with precise financial information.
Why Non-U.S. Residents with U.S. Businesses Need Specialized Bookkeeping Services
As a non-resident of the United States, owning an American LLC or C Corporation means you need specific bookkeeping services. These services ought to go far beyond tracking income and expenditures because they also need to understand:
- Filing requirements of the IRS for foreign owners, for example, Form 5472 or Form 1120
- Classification of income as U.S. vs. foreign-sourced
- Transactions in various currencies
- Considerations of tax treaties
- Integrations with U.S. banks and payment gateways
Using generic bookkeeping software may be dangerously inaccurate and might drain your finances. The bookkeeping service you choose must specialize in dealing with foreign business owners who have registered their companies in the U.S..
1. EasyBooks by EasyFiling: The Best Bookkeeping Solution for Foreign-Owned U.S. LLCs and Startups
EasyBooks is offered by EasyFiling, which caters to the needs of non-residents managing U.S. LLCs and startups. It aims to assist foreign entrepreneurs in keeping books in compliance with IRS regulations and managing their business in the United States.
Key Features:
- Customized monthly bookkeeping services that observe U.S. standards.
- Year-end financial statements to assist in tax filing.
- Help with Forms 5472 and 1120.
- Connecting Mercury, Brex, Wise, and Payoneer alongside other U.S. fintechs.
- Non-Resident Founders Custom Assistance.
Why It’s Ideal for Non-U.S. Owners:
This service caters to the challenges posed by foreign-owned LLCs and thus, regardless of whether you’re an online seller, a freelancer, or a SaaS product owner, your financial records will remain compliant thanks to EasyBooks. This service eliminates the hassle of hiring a costly accountant in the USA.
Best For:
Non-resident LLC holders that seek a simplified, comprehensive bookkeeping and compliance service that neatly sidesteps the confounding world of tax terminology.
2. Bench Accounting: A Reliable and User-Friendly Bookkeeping Service for International Entrepreneurs
Bench provides a contemporary and sleek bookkeeping system. It employs actual people to manage bookkeeping tasks for tax compliance and IRS audit readiness.
Key Features:
- Monthly bookkeeping complemented with visual dashboards
- A trained team of expert bookkeepers
- Financial statements and reports at the end of the year
- Tax filing is available to add on
Why It’s Great for Non-U.S. Founders:
While primarily targeting us businesses, Bench’s value extends to foreign business owners seeking effortless bookkeeping for their American operations.
Best For:
Non-resident business owners with uncomplicated US dealings and prefer modern aesthetics with high-level visibility into their finances.
3. QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping: Best for Customizable and Scalable U.S. Bookkeeping for Global Founders
Under the umbrella of Intuit, QuickBooks Live houses certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors and offers sophisticated real-time bookkeeping services. Their services are ideal for businesses that require higher levels of customization and scalability.
Key Features:
- Personalized chart of accounts that are reconciled in real-time
- Supported by numerous banks and other tools
- Payroll and invoicing are also available alongside tax filing
- Collaborative work by numerous users for distant teams
Why It Works for Non-U.S. Entrepreneurs:
Known all over the world, QuickBooks is a staple in accounting services, and its Live service adapts to the pace of your business. Especially useful for business owners aware of basic bookkeeping or those who employ a financial advisor.
Best For:
It’s ideal for medium to large global companies with US entities that need specific workflows and team collaboration.
4. Xendoo: The Best Bookkeeping Service for Non-Resident E-Commerce Sellers with U.S. Companies
Thousands of sellers and e-commerce entrepreneurs have Xendoo’s attention. It is an ideal option for Amazon FBA, Shopify, or WooCommerce Store owners who have a US-registered business.
Key Features:
- Synchronized daily transactions with e-commerce stores
- Cash flow and profit & loss statements
- Certified CPA and professional bookkeeper available
- Preparation and filing of taxes
Why It’s Effective For Non-US E-Commerce Owners:
For non-residents selling to US customers via Amazon or their own website, her integrated platform, along with tailored reports, helps in the effortless management of business finances.
Best For:
Online sellers, Amazon FBA merchants, and dropshippers who work with US LLCs or corporations but are outside the US.
5. inDinero: Premium Bookkeeping, Accounting, and CFO Services for Non-U.S. Startups Scaling in the U.S.
In addition to traditional bookkeeping services, inDinero serves as a complete financial department, delivering accountants and fractional CFOs. This is perfect for international startup founders who are capitalizing or moving into the US market.
Key Features:
- Track finances, complete tax returns, and file self-assessments.
- You will manage the company’s real-time dashboards.
- Oversee compliance.
- Receive insights on emerging growth strategies from specialized CFO’s.
Why It’s a Good Fit for International Startups:
International startups make rapid progress globally; With inDinero, a non-resident entrepreneur with big goals is not only assisted but in fact, partnered up with on building strategic financial plans guiding long-term success.
Best For:
For foreign non-resident founders of high-growth US startups who are in need/want of funding or want to further expand their operations.
Features You Want in a Bookkeeping Service for a Non-Resident Business Owner in the U.S.
As a foreign founder, evaluate the bookkeeping service providers considering these pointers that best serve your circumstance:
- IRS compliance expertise: Look for services familiar with Form 5472, 1120, and other foreign ownership disclosures.
- Multi-currency and international payment tracking: If you use Wise, Stripe, or Payoneer, make sure your provider supports them.
- Bank and fintech integrations: Compatibility with Mercury, Relay, Brex, or U.S. bank accounts is essential.
- Cloud-based and mobile-friendly: You should be able to access your books from anywhere in the world.
- Expert support: Choose a provider that understands your time zone, language, and communication preferences.
Conclusion
Controlling a business in the United States whilst living abroad is convenient, especially if all the finances and accounts are well managed.
Every business is different and therefore has different needs that can be met with different solutions, ranging from basic monthly bookkeeping to full-time CFO service.
For non-resident entrepreneurs seeking affordable and simple solutions, I’m sure EasyBooks by EasyFiling is a household name.
It was designed specifically for non-resident founders and provides all the necessary tools and assistance required to remain compliant and concentrate on scaling the business.
Need help with your U.S. bookkeeping as a non-resident business owner?
Visit EasyFiling and discover how EasyBooks lets you control your finances and stay compliant with tax obligations from any location in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is bookkeeping necessary if my U.S. LLC is not generating any revenue?
Absolutely, and you still need to keep a record of your expenses for the business along with filing tax returns, which in your case would be known as Form 5472 and, if you’re a foreigner, an informational Form 1120. And business bookkeeping will ensure you remain compliant and do not get fined by the IRS.
2. Is it possible to use my country’s accountant for my business in the U.S?
Not a good idea. Accountants outside the U.S. likely have little knowledge of the United States’ rules regarding taxation of foreign-owned businesses, which are very intricate and require expertise. It is easier to get a bookkeeping service that knows how to deal with U.S. taxes for non-residents.
3. What is the best bookkeeping tool for company owners who do not live in the U.S.?
Competitors like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Wave are well known, although many non-residents prefer using a bookkeeping service (such as EasyBooks or Bench) that takes care of the software and filings instead of DIY tools.
4. What paperwork is required when starting bookkeeping for a business in the U.S.?
Usually, you will require:
- Complete all official documents for your U.S. LLC or Corporation
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Bank statements (from U.S. banks like Mercury, Relay, or others)
- Payment platform account access (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Accurate income and spending records
5. Should a bookkeeping service help me with my taxes in the U.S.?
Certainly, most online bookkeeping companies provide support for tax return filing at the financial year end or contract with tax experts to assist you with required IRS filings. For instance, EasyFiling offers bookkeeping and compliance services, including tax return forms such as 5472, which is required for all foreign-owned LLCs.
Swostika Silwal
