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Is my business Taxable ?

 
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  • Answered by:LEV
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Customer Question

MHD Telecom is a leading VoIP service provider with retail networks and wholesale carriers from all over the world. Company is registered abroad and already has a merchant account in UK.


Currently, we are in the process in launching our newest Voice over the internet product in the U.S.


 


Mainly we are marketing a Mobile application( On smartphones), pc application (Computer to Phone) and prepaid calling card.


 


-  Our mobile application can be downloaded for free and installed on all smartphone.                                                                                                                             


The application will allow you to call and send text messages internationally to any country in the world for very cheap rates.


- The PC application can also be downloaded for free and installed on any computer.


Pc application as will allow you to call and send text messages internationally to any country in the world for very cheap rates.


 


- Our calling cards are prepaid card that permit international calling for very cheap rates.



Plan is to open an office in Arizona, Tempe or Scottsdale. 
My concern is, do I have to pay taxes for an online business providing calling services?

Do i have to get a license from AZ state in starting this business (Online shop for calling card)? customers will only pay online to charge there accounts etc like (Skype)

Do we need a merchant account in the U.S? is it  required to have a merchant account since we don't have onground presence (office of some sort or retail store location)

can we operate through an offshore company? 

Submitted: 336 days and 23 hours ago.
Category: Tax
Value: $16
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  MyVirtualCPA replied 336 days and 21 hours ago.

You will have to pay US income tax on the US-Sourced income. You have a location in the US, so ALL income that can be tied back to the US will be taxed.

You will also be liable for income taxes to the state of Arizona for sales generated in that state.

You can check with the Secretary of State's office in Arizona to find out any licensing requirements.

Customer replied 336 days and 11 hours ago.

Relist: Incomplete answer.

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Expert:  Rachel-Mod replied 335 days and 23 hours ago.

Hi, I’m a moderator for this topic. Your Professional has opted out and I wonder whether you’re still waiting for an answer. If you are, please let me know and I will do my best to find another Professional to assist you right away. If not, feel free to let me know and I will cancel this question for you. Thank you!

Customer replied 335 days and 7 hours ago.

Yes please I am still waiting for an answer, I want to have information about the below options and what are the differences between each.

Option 1:
if we want to do business in the U.S as a foreign entity with merchant account abroad and have an office in Arizona/Tempe. what are the Taxes we have to pay, and do we need a license for our business?
- Federal Tax , Federal Excise ?
- State Tax?
- City tax?
- County Tax?

Option 2:
if we want to do business in the U.S and have an entity registered in the U.S with a merchant account in the U.S.
what are the Taxes we have to pay, and do we need a license for our business?
- Federal Tax , Federal Excise ?
- State Tax?
- City tax?
- County Tax?


Our business is online shopping for telecom services Online.
customers will only pay online to charge there accounts we wont have an on ground shop, or sell anything tangible.

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Expert:  Rachel-Mod replied 335 days and 2 hours ago.

Sometimes, finding the right Professional can take a little longer than expected and we thank you greatly for your understanding. We’ll be in touch again shortly

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  LEV replied 335 days and 1 hours ago.

Hi and welcome to Just Answer!

 

Option 1:
if we want to do business in the U.S as a foreign entity with merchant account abroad and have an office in Arizona/Tempe. what are the Taxes we have to pay, and do we need a license for our business?

In Arizona, not all businesses are required to have a license and some businesses are required to have more than one license. There is not a "generic" state business license. The basic types of licensing in Arizona are described here - http://www.azdor.gov/Business/LicensingGuide.aspx .

If you are selling a product or engaging in a service subject to transaction privilege tax, you will most likely need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue (commonly referred to as a sales tax, resale, wholesale, vendor or tax license) and a transaction privilege tax or business/occupational license from the city(ies) in which you are based and/or operate.

The City of Tempe requires a license from all businesses that have a privilege (sales) tax or use tax liability within the city. The City of Tempe does not issue a general business license.

In addition, certain businesses, such as second-hand dealers, mobile merchants, and door-to-door solicitors, may require additional licenses.

See more information here - http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1400

For federal tax purposes - a foreign entity will be taxed as a foreign corporation and will need a federal tax ID - you should Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) - see more information here - http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html
The Form 1120-F (U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation) should be used to file - www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120f.pdf
Here are instructions - www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120f.pdf

See other forms that might be required based on your specific circumstances here - http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=243965,00.html

 

if we want to do business in the U.S and have an entity registered in the U.S with a merchant account in the U.S. What are the Taxes we have to pay, and do we need a license for our business?

As long as a foreign entity does business in the US - it should have the tax ID and file the federal tax return. In additional - it should be registered in the state where the business is conducted - as stated above. Having a merchant account doesn't make any difference.

There is no general business license, but the license might be required for specific services or for selling specific products. Also - licenses might be required by the state or local governments.

 

Let me know if you need any help.

Expert TypeTax Advisor
Category: Tax
Pos. Feedback: 99.2 %
Accepts: 16488
Answered: 6/14/2012

Experience: Taxes, Immigration, Labor Relations

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