Natalie Gombalova

Your US Employee Handbook: Legal Shield or Ticking Time Bomb?

The termination seemed straightforward—documentation was thorough, legal counsel approved everything. Three weeks later, a lawsuit arrives. Your outdated 2019 handbook becomes evidence against you, promising policies you didn't follow. Settlement starts at $100,000. Welcome to US employee handbooks: legally binding documents that either protect you or destroy you.

Reference Checks in the US: What International Employers Can (and Can’t) Ask

Your perfect US candidate is identified, interviews completed, and salary negotiated. Then your UK HR manager conducts a detailed reference check—and receives a cease-and-desist letter three weeks later. Welcome to America's legally complex reference check landscape, where practices differ dramatically from international norms. Here's your essential compliance guide.

Setting Up Your US Books That Scale With Your American Expansion

Your Delaware corporation is registered, your US bank account is open, and your first deal is closed. But who's handling your US books? This critical decision affects everything from IRS compliance to scaling operations and raising capital. Learn how to establish proper US bookkeeping from transaction one.

US Venture Capital Guide

International founders seeking US venture capital face unique challenges beyond crafting compelling pitches. This comprehensive guide covers everything from Delaware C-Corp requirements and US GAAP compliance to navigating top VC firms, understanding valuation premiums, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing your company for successful fundraising in America's competitive venture ecosystem.

US Thanksgiving Business Closure Guide for International Employers

Should your US office close for Thanksgiving? International employers face complex decisions balancing American cultural expectations with business needs. This comprehensive guide reveals what federal law requires, what employees actually expect, and practical closure strategies that strengthen team relationships while maintaining operational effectiveness during America's most-observed holiday.

Open Enrollment Season

When your US HR manager mentions "we need to prepare for open enrollment," do you understand what this means? For international companies operating in the United States, benefits enrollment season represents one of the most critical annual HR responsibilities, with significant compliance requirements, tight deadlines, and substantial financial implications extending far beyond simple paperwork.

Understanding ITIN: Your Essential Guide to Tax IDs

This comprehensive guide explains Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for international business owners expanding to the US. Learn what ITINs are, who needs them, how they differ from EINs and SSNs, the complete application process, renewal requirements, and how ITINs fit into your US tax compliance strategy for personal income obligations.

What is COBRA?

When your US employee resigns after eight months and demands information about "COBRA rights," do you know how to respond? For international companies expanding to America, understanding COBRA isn't optional—it's a federal legal requirement that protects employees' health insurance after job loss.

What is the FLSA? Fair Labor Standards Act Explained

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the cornerstone federal law governing wages, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor in the United States. For international companies expanding to the US, understanding FLSA compliance is critical for avoiding costly violations—with the Department of Labor recovering $149.9 million in back wages for 125,301 workers in 2024 alone, and individual cases reaching tens of millions in penalties.

Understanding FICA

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a critical federal payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare programs, requiring both employers and employees to contribute 7.65% each (15.3% total) on wages up to specific limits. For international companies expanding to the US, understanding FICA compliance is essential—the IRS collected $120.2 billion in unpaid employment tax assessments in 2024, with the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty holding business owners personally liable for 100% of unpaid taxes.

Thanksgiving to New Year: A Complete Guide for International Employers Navigating US Holiday Culture

The seven-week stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day represents the most culturally complex period for international companies operating in the United States. During this time, American workplace expectations shift dramatically, creating both challenges and opportunities for global organizations building productive US team relationships.

Q4 Cultural Reset: How International Companies Can Revitalize US Team Culture Before Year-End

The final quarter presents a critical window for international companies to reset and revitalize their US team culture. As American employees navigate Q4's unique rhythms—from Thanksgiving to year-end deadlines—forward-thinking global organizations can leverage this period to strengthen team cohesion and position for breakthrough performance.

Q4 Team-building Across Time Zones: Strengthening US-International Cultural Connections

International companies managing remote teams across time zones face a critical Q4 challenge: building genuine cultural connections beyond video calls. With global employee engagement at just 21%, strategic team-building activities that bridge American workplace expectations with international cultural diversity become essential for retention and performance success.

Delaware vs Other States for International Companies: Tax Calculator & Decision Matrix

International companies expanding to the US face a critical decision: where to incorporate. While Delaware hosts 68% of Fortune 500 companies, recent corporate exodus including Tesla and Meta signals changing dynamics. This comprehensive guide analyzes incorporation costs, tax implications, and strategic considerations across Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, Texas, and California for international executives.

1120 vs 1120S vs 1065

Choosing between Form 1120, 1120S, and 1065 represents critical decisions for international companies entering the US market. These corporate tax forms determine your business structure, tax liability, and operational flexibility for years to come. Understanding each form's requirements helps international businesses establish compliant, strategic foundations for American expansion success.Retry

FEIN vs EIN vs SSN

Navigating US tax identification requirements can overwhelm international companies expanding to America. From EINs to ITINs, understanding which tax ID numbers you need—and when—determines your market entry success. This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses common questions about business tax IDs, helping foreign entities establish compliant US operations efficiently.

US Market Entry: East Coast vs. West Coast vs. Middle America Strategy

For international businesses planning US market entry, choosing the right regional strategy determines success. The United States offers distinct regional ecosystems—from East Coast financial powerhouse to West Coast innovation engine and Middle America's operational efficiency. Your expansion strategy must align with business objectives and growth timeline.

American Business Etiquette: Cultural Missteps That Kill Deals

International executives face complex American business etiquette expectations that determine deal success or failure. From meeting punctuality to email response times, networking conversations to crisis communication—master the unspoken cultural rules that drive business relationships in America's dynamic market environment.

Bootstrapped vs. Funded US Expansion:

International companies face a critical decision when expanding to the US: bootstrap with existing resources or secure external funding. Each path offers distinct advantages, risks, and financial implications. This comprehensive guide helps business leaders evaluate both strategies and select the approach that aligns with their company's goals and market realities.

The American Work Calendar: Holidays, PTO, and Cultural Expectations

Expanding into the US means understanding America's unique work culture around holidays and time off. Unlike other countries, the US has no mandatory paid leave, creating both challenges and opportunities for international companies seeking competitive advantage in talent acquisition and retention.

Speed to Market: How EOR Services Accelerate US Expansion Timelines

The race to establish US market presence has never been more competitive. International companies face urgent reality: market opportunities emerge rapidly, customer expectations evolve constantly, and competitive landscapes shift overnight. Traditional entity setup approaches have become critical disadvantages when speed determines long-term success in America's dynamic business environment.

PEOPLE SERVICES

LEARNING