Form 1042-S: If your business pays a foreign contractor for services performed within the United States, and the income is U.S.-sourced, you must file Form 1042-S to report these payments to the IRS.
This is a key point in understanding how can a US company hire a foreign independent contractor. As long as the contractor complies with the tax and legal requirements of their home country and the U.S., they can provide services to a U.S. company without being considered an employee.
While this opens doors to diverse talent and skill sets, it also introduces unique challenges in terms of tax compliance. One critical aspect of this compliance involves Form 1099, which US-based businesses may need to issue to foreign contractors for reporting payments made during the tax year.
Today, it's possible to hire independent contractors from any part of the world, thanks to improvements in technology and communications. It's a great idea to consider Mexico if you're looking to expand your team. Its proximity and strong economic ties to the US are definite advantages.
You likely need to set up your own US company and pursue an E-2 visa to work in the US as an independent contractor.
Conversely, if the independent contractor is not a US person and did not perform any of their services within the US, you will not be required to issue Form 1099. Instead, the foreign contractor will have to complete and file Form W-8BEN.
Ing to IRS rules, any business “engaged in trade or business” with a U.S. citizen individual (freelancer / independent contractor), a U.S. business, or a foreign business with a U.S. citizen owner may be required to file a 1099 with the IRS, per the rules outlined above.
Nonresident aliens who both qualified for a treaty exemption and completed the necessary paperwork (Forms W-8 BEN or 8233), may receive a Form 1042-S and/ or a Form W-2 showing their treaty exempt earnings/other wages and taxes. The Form 1042-S is required before you can complete your income tax return.
Wire transfers are one of the best options when speed is paramount. If you need to make a payment quickly, a wire transfer is one of the quickest ways to make the funds available. While international transfers can take a few days, domestic transfers usually process within 24 hours.