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Read our latest articles covering key topics that your company needs
to understand when expanding in the USA.
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.
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