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US Payroll & Benefits Blogs
Employee Handbook Essentials | Why Templates Fail Multi-State US HR
Template employee handbooks cost $49 but create thousands in liability. California requires daily overtime and meal break policies. New York mandates specific sexual harassment elements. Texas needs strong at-will language. One generic template satisfies no jurisdiction completely, creating under-compliance in strict states and over-promising in at-will states.
State Disability Insurance in the USA
State Disability Insurance provides temporary wage replacement for workers unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Only five US states mandate these programs: California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. International employers must understand state-specific contribution rates, benefit calculations, and compliance requirements.
How To Open a US Bank Account | Challenges for International Founders
Opening a US business bank account as an international founder requires proper documentation, a registered US entity, and the right banking partner. Traditional banks reject most international applications, but online solutions like Mercury and Revolut offer FDIC-insured accounts designed specifically for remote businesses without US physical presence.
US Bank Holidays Calendar 2026 | Guide for International Business
International companies expanding to the United States face unexpected challenges with American holiday expectations. The 2026 calendar includes 11 federal holidays, but understanding which ones matter most to employees determines whether your benefits package attracts or repels top US talent. Here’s what European companies consistently get wrong.
US Pay Transparency Laws
For international businesses expanding into the United States, successful market penetration requires thinking beyond a single-location strategy. The US market demands a multi-regional approach that reflects America’s diverse business ecosystem, with strategic presence across key regions like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and emerging growth markets.
10 Critical Bookkeeping Mistakes International Companies Make in the US (And How to Avoid Them)
International companies entering the US market face a harsh reality: American bookkeeping compliance differs dramatically from home-country standards. With audit rates 3-5 times higher than domestic firms and penalties exceeding $50,000, understanding these ten critical mistakes (and their solutions) can mean the difference between successful market entry and financial disaster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
401(k) Plans: A Comprehensive Guide for International Companies Expanding to the US
International companies expanding to the US must navigate the complex landscape of 401(k) retirement plans. This comprehensive guide explains what 401(k) plans are, outlines legal requirements, addresses unique challenges for foreign employers, and offers best practices for implementation—helping international businesses attract talent while ensuring compliance with US regulations.
US Salary Benchmarking Guide: A Comprehensive Guide
International businesses expanding to the US face complex compensation decisions. This comprehensive guide analyzes salary benchmarks across states, roles, and industries, providing essential data for competitive hiring strategies in the American market.
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