Accounting for US Companies

Written by the Miami Soluções team

Most companies registered in the United States have ongoing accounting and tax obligations — the specifics depend on entity type, ownership, tax classification and the state of registration, and can apply even when a company has little or no revenue. Proper accounting is what keeps the company in good standing with the IRS (the US federal tax authority) and its state of registration — and helps prevent penalties from late or incorrect filings.

Accountant and client reviewing financial reports in an office, with the flags of Brazil and the United States on the table

What an accountant does for your US company

Ongoing accounting work for an American company typically includes: organizing financial transactions (bookkeeping), preparing and filing federal and state tax returns, calculating any taxes owed, and supporting the annual obligations required by the state of registration, such as the Annual Report.

Accounting for founders based outside the US

The American tax system works in layers — federal obligations (with the IRS) plus state and, in some cases, municipal obligations, which vary by state and activity. Deadlines, forms and the underlying tax logic tend to differ from what founders coming from Brazil or other countries are used to. A common mistake is assuming that, because there's no revenue or the owner isn't physically in the US, the company is automatically exempt from filing — whether that's the case depends on the company's specific structure and classification, so it's worth confirming with an accountant rather than assuming either way.

Accounting for LLC and Corporation

How the company is taxed changes depending on its type and how it's classified with the IRS. LLCs have more flexibility in how they're taxed; Corporations follow a more standardized regime, with their own filing obligations. Getting the classification right from the start avoids rework and higher costs later.

Ongoing tax obligations

Among the most common obligations are annual federal filings and, depending on the state and activity, additional state filings. This page is informational — the specific tax treatment of your company should be assessed by an accountant based on your actual situation.

When to hire an accountant

Ideally, ongoing accounting support starts from the moment the company is opened, not only when a problem arises. If you've already opened or are in the process of opening your US company, this is the right time to get your accounting organized.

Haven't opened your company yet? See the full guide →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an accountant even if my company had no revenue?
Often, yes. Depending on the entity type, ownership structure and tax classification, US companies may have federal and/or state filing obligations even with little or no revenue — and missing a required filing can result in penalties even when no tax is owed. This surprises many first-time founders. An accountant can confirm exactly which filings apply to your specific company.
How is US accounting different from what I may be used to?
The US tax system is structurally different from most countries' — in deadlines, forms and the responsible agencies (the IRS at the federal level, plus each state's revenue department). An accountant experienced with international clients, including those coming from Brazil, prevents habits from other tax systems from being incorrectly applied to US accounting.
Does Miami Soluções provide individualized tax consulting?
Ongoing company accounting is handled by qualified professionals. For complex tax situations or more in-depth individualized consulting, the right referral depends on the case — talk to us to understand what applies to your situation.
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