I've fielded a ton of questions related to joining Amazon Merch as a non-US citizen.
Literally... tons.
I'm happy to help, but the fact remains - I live in the U.S., so I can't provide proper guidance on how to overcome this issue, as it's not a problem I've had to face.
If you've seen some of my YouTube videos, you know I try to speak from first hand experience as often as possible.
But I have no first hand experience here.
That said, it sounds like the commonality shared between those that reach out to me for help is one of two things:
- Their applications are all rejected
- The 30% cut Amazon keeps is killing their margins
I think there are two solutions / workarounds if you're in this predicament... you can:
- Buy someone's account & use Payoneer to get paid out
- Or, read further
I've recently partnered with Mollaei Law ("Business Lawyer for Entrepreneurs"), who specializes in helping international entrepreneurs start their businesses here in the United States.
From their website:
I've learned a lot since I've started and I've completely STREAMLINED my service to make it easy to help my clients start their U.S. business from anywhere in the world.
You'll save an incredible amount of time & headache by enlisting their services.
Step 1) Get a United States ITIN
ITIN = Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Definition: An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a United States tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Applying with a US tax ID should dramatically reduce the likelihood of rejection.
If you apply without one, Amazon has to remit taxes on your behalf (there's no avoiding taxes!)... hence, the 30% penalty.
Click here for ITIN Service With EIN ExpressWhat's included:
- Get ITIN to open U.S. bank account, file tax return, open merchant accounts like Stripe and PayPal, get credit card without an SSN and more
- All-Done-For-You "Just Sign" Express ITIN Service
- Online Video Meeting to Certify Your Passport Remotely
- No Lost Passport or Identification Documents
- Unlimited Revisions Until You Get Your ITIN
- All IRS Correspondence Handled
- 100% Money Back Guarantee to Make Sure You Get Your ITIN: Get Your ITIN or Your Money Back.
Step 2) Open US Bank Account
This one should be relatively straight forward.
Everyone needs a bank account of some sort to get paid out... until cryptocurrency replaces fiat money (fingers crossed)
Mollaei Law can get you setup with a US checking account with Citibank if you have a U.S. registered LLC.
Click here for Open U.S. Bank Account ServicesWhat's included:
- Service to open U.S. business checking account with Citibank for foreign non-US resident entrepreneurs who own U.S. registered LLC./li>
- Accept payments from U.S. clients, deposit/wire transfer money into your company's U.S. business checking account.
- Online Banking and Money Management: Get full access to view and monitor your U.S. business checking account balance online and on your mobile phone.
- Avoid unnecessary multiple currency exchange fees.
- Ability to open U.S. credit card ((to build credit and earn credit card points)
- You get a choice of 3 different business checking accounts at Citibank: 1. CitiBusiness Streamlined Checking 2. CitiBusiness Flexible Checking 3. CitiBusiness Preferred Banking Package. Check Citibank brochure for more details.
Step 3) Register a U.S. LLC
LLC = Limited Liability Company.
Definition: A limited liability company (LLC) is a corporate structure in the United States whereby the owners are not personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities. Limited liability companies are hybrid entities that combine the characteristics of a corporation with those of a partnership or sole proprietorship.
Within a month of graduating college with a degree in Information Technology, I was working as a web developer & had created my own LLC.
Long story short: everyone knew someone that needed a website, and many of those people found their way to me. I didn't have to advertise... word of mouth alone had resulted in a growing clientele for Hogue Web Solutions LLC, almost immediately.
Which was perfect, because I was essentially getting paid to learn - a concept I try to instill in my students each semester.
Click here for LLC Company RegistrationWhat's included:
- LLC Company Registration
- Dedicated Registered Agent Service
- "Just-Sign" Express EIN Service
- Custom Operating Agreement
- Custom Banking Resolution
- All State Filing Fees Included
- Essential Business Contract Templates For Hiring Independent Contractors and Employees
- Free Tax Assessment With Expert Accountant to Help You Save Money in Taxes
- Post-Incorporation Advice and Support For 1 Year
- Peace of Mind With a Business Lawyer On Your Side
In Summary
I chose to partner with Mollaei Law because their services align so perfectly with the needs of a large portion of my passive income community.
Establishing a business in the United States is a necessary step to legitimize your entrepreneurial efforts if you plan on selling to US markets, beyond just increasing the odds of getting accepted into Amazon Merch.
If you don't have the time or expertise to get it done on your own, Mollaei Law is here to help, and they have my seal of approval.
