Las Vegas is a dynamic city right in the middle of the desert. It is primarily known for the many casinos and tourism industry, but it is also a great place to open a branch office for your UK business. If you have ties to the gambling industry, or opening a branch office in Nevada makes sense for other reasons, Las Vegas is a top location. In this article, we are going to discuss what you need to know before you open your office.
Business Licensing
To operate a business in the US, you need a business licence. You will first need to apply for a business licence from the State of Nevada. Next, you will need a local licence from the City of Las Vegas. The good news is that this can be done online, so you can apply for your licences before you leave the UK.
You will also need an EIN from the IRS. This is a federal identification number, which you can get for free.
Before you proceed to the next step, lodge your business’s details with the Nevada Department of Taxation. The DoT can advise you on all of the important stuff, like audit processes, piling dates, and any specific tax-related issues you may need help with.
Next, you need a business address. This will be required before you start filing any paperwork.
Virtual Offices
Virtual offices are popular with overseas businesses looking to open a branch office in a new city. There are many advantages to opening a virtual office. Firstly, a virtual office requires very little investment, so if you decide Las Vegas isn’t working out for you, you won’t have lost too much money.
Secondly, you can enjoy the benefit of a premium address since virtual offices are usually located on the central business district as opposed to an office above a strip mall in a low-rent area.
Virtual offices provide a mailing address, a receptionist to take messages and forward on mail, and meeting rooms if required. This is useful if you want to establish a local presence without physically moving to the new city.
A Local Office
If you decide to open a physical office in Las Vegas, look for a building in a suitable area. Check that the building is code compliant. Ask to see the Certificate of Occupancy before you sign a lease. Make sure the building is suitable for your business, as codes change.
Consider the running costs of the business. Utility bills will be higher in an older, less energy-efficient building. In the UK, you can compare business gas suppliers on a site like Utility Bidder, so look for a similar US site to do the same. Why pay more than you need to?
Start a Marketing Drive
Before you open your doors, start marketing your business in Las Vegas. Add a new page to your business website so customers know you are opening a new office. Wine and dine potential clients and start looking for new business.
Tick all the boxes and prepare your move carefully. Opening a branch office could be the best move you make this year.
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