Freelancers, especially those working internationally, face significant challenges in setting up a cost-effective and straightforward business structure. The current tax burdens and complex regulations in many jurisdictions make it difficult for freelancers to manage their income efficiently.
Pain Points
- High tax burdens in home countries
- Complex regulations and compliance requirements
- Difficulty in setting up a straightforward business structure
- Challenges in opening business bank accounts as non-residents
- Delays in obtaining necessary tax identification numbers
Hey everyone, I'm thinking of creating a New Mexico LLC for freelance services, is it actually as simple as it looks? I'm a freelancer in the service industry (working full-time for as single client based abroad). I'm currently at a crossroads with my business structure. I've lived outside my home country for a while now, and since the tax burden back home is spiraling, I'm looking for a more stable and cost-effective way to manage my income. I only need to issue one invoice per month. My research keeps pointing toward New Mexico as the best pick for low-maintenance setups, but I’m looking for some real-world sanity checks before I file. NM LLC seems to be the cheapest in the US. $50 filing fee and $0 annual report fees. I compared it to California’s $800 yearly tax or even Wyoming’s annual report, it feels like a steal. I’m not looking for complex tax shelters. I just want a straightforward structure to receive USD and keep my accounting clean. And I know New Mexico is famous for privacy, but honestly, I don't really care about that. I just want a structure that won't give me a headache during taxes. HOWEVER, I’ve heard that even if the LLC is easy to set up, getting a business bank account (like Mercury or Relay) as a non-resident can be a coin toss. Has anyone done this recently? Do I really need a physical US address, or will a CMRA (mail forwarder) suffice? I know I need an EIN to do anything. I’ve heard the "faxing the SS-4" route for non-residents is taking ages lately. Is it still taking 4–6 weeks, or has it gotten better? I’m planning to use a registered agent service to handle the initial filing. But before I pay the fees, I want to know, has anyone here actually regretted going the New Mexico route?
I am a freelance graphic and 3d designer and for the past couple of weeks work has been steadily declining, to the point where I haven't been able to make enough income I will need for my expenses and rent (due 15th). I have tried Fiverr , Upwork and similar programs to no avail. Please suggest ways in which I could come up with the funds or please refer me to someone who needs my services. Thank you.