Income of a foreign corporation that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business is: Subject to withholding at the same rates applicable to US taxpayers.
United States Citizens are subject to U.S. Tax law regardless of where they live. U.S. persons who own foreign corporations are subject to subpart F of the Internal Revenue Code – and must file form 5471. U.S. Citizens who own foreign investments – U.S. Tax law applies to foreign corporations.
US citizens involved with foreign businesses must file various reporting forms, including Form 5471 and Form 926 (foreign corporations), Form 8865 (foreign partnerships), Form 8858 (foreign limited liability companies), Form 3520 and Form 3520-A (foreign trusts), and FBAR.
Foreign trusts and trusts with nonresident alien beneficiaries are also prohibited from owning S corporation stock. This restriction can create complications in international estate planning scenarios.
An ITIN holder who qualifies as a U.S. resident can establish an S Corp, provided they meet all other S Corp requirements.
US citizens involved with foreign businesses must file various reporting forms, including Form 5471 and Form 926 (foreign corporations), Form 8865 (foreign partnerships), Form 8858 (foreign limited liability companies), Form 3520 and Form 3520-A (foreign trusts), and FBAR.
Only a green card or meeting the IRS' “substantial presence test” enables an alien to be eligible to be an S Corporation shareholder.
Can a foreign national start a business in the U.S. without being a resident? “Yes, You Can!” Every day, foreign nationals are setting up US businesses, from major enterprises to small shops. Accessing the US marketplace is the key to success for many businesses around the world.
If you're not a citizen, you must qualify as a resident alien to own a stake in an S Corp. Resident aliens are those who have moved to the United States and have residency but aren't citizens. Of the below, only permanent residents can own an S Corp.
Similarly, all the members of the U.S. corporation's Board of Directors and all its officers can, if so desired, be non-U.S. nationals and U.S. non-residents. Most states require that all companies formed in the state have a registered agent in the state (more about registered agents can be found here).