Frequently Asked Questions

It's good practice (but not mandatory with Inkle).

In our experience, many founders tend to just "leave it to the deadline" - and then rush or miss the deadline. And they have little visibility into their books at any given time.

If you come to us days before the deadline, it's really tough for us to catch up your books if you have lots of transactions and missing invoices. And almost impossible to use Accrual method. So we'll be forced to used Cash method accounting, which isn't ideal for you.

Many US tax filing services compel you to pay a high monthly bookkeeping charge of more than $500/month and subscribe to Quickbooks, even if you have low activity at the start. We have fair pricing and nudge you for monthly bookkeeping because it's better for you, and it will cost you about half of the total monthly cost over 12 months in terms of annual cleanup anyway. Why not have monthly visibility instead.

Inkle strongly recommends Accrual Method (over Cash Method,) because:

- it's gives a much truer picture of your finances.

- prevents you from getting any nasty surprises.- it is easier for forecasting.

- it is GAAP-standard, and most VCs will ask for it.

- you will eventually have to do Accrual Method anyway after you cross $25mm in revenue (by law) or sooner, so why not start with it.

- the IRS does not permit you to switch to Accrual (from Cash) in the middle of a year.

- restating and translating prior years' Cash books into Accrual method would be a nightmare, if you want to compare later.

‍

Cash Method is possibly OK if you have very little activity, or just started out or have no real revenue operations in US, but consult us for a discussion on this.

Because Accrual Method is more complex, we can only offer this to monthly customers. Trying to do Accrual Method once per year would just be too difficult for you and us, as we would have to discuss every transaction and invoice.

‍

It's best to do a tax consultation with our certified professional tax experts who can help you determine the answer.

As a general rule of thumb: if you don't have a formal physical office, permanent employees in attendance, stock or inventory and business operations, then you won't need to file a State return. This is even if your US company address is located in that state. Basically: it depends on what you're doing in the state.

Just put your new address on your new Tax Filing, and they'll update their systems. Or see here for other methods: https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes/address-changes

Nil return means your US Corporation has no transactions in the concerned tax year.

Yes if your US corporation had a foreign subsidiary at any time during the concerned tax year.

Required if US corporation did any reportable transactions at any time during tax year AND has any 25%+ foreign shareholder. See here https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5472

If you have paid a US resident contractor or an LLC as a contractual payment or rent, during the Concerned Tax Year, then yes you must file a Form 1099 by 31st January of the following year annually. One filing per person/LLC. If you've missed the deadline, discuss with us how to proceed.

You may need one, the other, or both. FBAR is filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (and is based on calendar year), whereas Form 8938 goes to the IRS as part of your federal tax filing (and is based on your chosen tax year). FBAR is judged based on foreign balances controlled by your US entity's foreign accounts or its controlled entities foreign accounts, whereas Form 8938 is judged based on a threshold of specified passive income. See here for more details: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/comparison-of-form-8938-and-fbar-requirements

May 31 or June 30, 2023, for eFiling.

BE-12 is a survey conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis every five years to collect data on foreign investment in the US. US businesses with foreign ownership or control must participate.

In 2022, all companies that have foreign ownership or interests exceeding 10% at the end of the year are required to submit BE-12. This requirement applies to e-commerce platforms involved in digital product distribution as well as partnerships that hold real estate for non-personal purposes.

The Delaware Franchise Tax is an annual tax imposed on businesses incorporated in Delaware or have a presence there. It is not a tax on income but on the privilege of conducting business in Delaware.

Not paying the Delaware Franchise Tax and failing to file the Annual Report for two consecutive years will lead to the State of Delaware's automatic administrative dissolution of the corporation.

Delaware is tax-friendly due to no sales tax, business-friendly tax laws, and favourable corporate income tax rates.

Filing Form 926 is crucial because it allows the IRS to monitor and track investments made by C corporations in foreign entities, ensuring compliance with tax laws.

C corporations can electronically file Form 926 through the IRS's Modernized e-File (MeF) system.

Form 5471 is filed by U.S. taxpayers, while Form 5472 is for foreign corporations in U.S. business or U.S. corporations with 25% foreign ownership.

Detailed reporting on foreign corporation ownership, finances, operations, including key data, related-party transactions, and essential info.

Yes, there are exceptions based on ownership thresholds and specific circumstances. It's essential to review the IRS guidelines to determine if you meet the criteria for exemption from filing Form 5471.

Yes, both Form 8938 and FBAR might be necessary since they serve different purposes and have separate reporting thresholds. While FBAR has its requirements, Form 8938 is part of your annual tax return and may need to be filed, even if you're already submitting FBAR.

Form 8938 includes various foreign financial assets like bank accounts, investments, foreign entity ownership, etc. For a complete list of reportable assets, refer to IRS instructions.

Consider your residency status (U.S. or abroad) and the value of foreign financial assets on the last day of the tax year and at any time during the year. If thresholds are exceeded, file Form 8938.

Obtain a 409A valuation before issuing your initial common stock options, after completing a round of venture financing, annually or after a significant event, and when approaching an IPO, merger, or acquisition.

Companies for IRS compliance and impartiality often prefer external appraisals, as independent experts ensure accurate evaluation of complex factors. This results in well-supported reports, reducing inaccuracies and conflicts with tax authorities.

Yes, a 409A valuation can and should be updated if there are material changes in your company's financial situation or other significant events.

Yes, based on the complexity of a corporation's finances, additional schedules like Schedule R, Schedule K, and others might be required with Form 100.

Foreign corporations conducting business in California must file Form 100 if they earn income from sources within the state.

Corporations must provide detailed financial data, including gross receipts, deductions, credits, and other pertinent details essential for calculating net income and tax liability.

FBAR requires reporting on various foreign financial accounts, including bank and investment accounts, and certain foreign retirement or pension accounts if they meet the reporting threshold.

Some exceptions and rules may apply, especially for entities like trusts and tax-exempt organisations. Consult Inkle today for entity-specific guidance.

Generally, foreign real estate isn't reported on an FBAR except when held through a foreign financial account like a foreign bank account, where exceptions may apply.

Form 5472 is needed for specific reportable transactions, not all foreign-related ones. Consult IRS guidelines or Inkle to determine what to report.

Some specific exceptions and exemptions exist for certain types of transactions and entities. For example, certain de minimis transactions may be exempt from reporting.

Yes, IRS permits electronic filing using the Electronic Tax Administration system, offering convenience and extended deadlines.

Considering a bookkeeping service is an intelligent choice if you're looking to save time and money. Discover how professional bookkeeping can help streamline your finances with Inkle.

Accounting software can empower small businesses to manage their own bookkeeping efficiently, thanks to automated operations ensuring accurate financial records. Know more with Inkle.

Various factors influence the cost of bookkeeping services, from business size to required features. Find out about pricing structures, with options ranging from monthly fees to hourly rates with Inkle.

Bookkeeping is crucial to small business management, irrespective of growth plans. Understand how it not only tracks finances but also aids in accurate tax filings.

Bookkeeping providers offer comprehensive bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. Learn about key functions such as journal entries, ledger maintenance, reconciliation, and trial balances with Inkle.

While bookkeeping focuses on recording financial transactions, accounting involves interpreting, classifying, and reporting those transactions.

In 2021, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act to establish a beneficial ownership information reporting requirement. The aim is to enhance transparency and deter individuals with malicious intentions from using shell companies or unclear ownership structures to conceal or profit from illicit gains.

Starting from January 1, 2024, certain U.S. companies must share details about the people who own or manage the company (beneficial owners) with FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network). The CTA became law in 2020 as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Beneficial ownership information refers to identifying information about theindividuals who directly or indirectly own or control a company.

Reporting companies who are obligated to file are:

• Domestic reporting companies include Corporations, LLCs, and other entities created by filing with a U.S. secretary of state or a similar office.
• Foreign reporting companies include entities formed under foreign law registered to do business in the U.S. through filing with a secretary of state or similar office.

The exempted companies that do not need to file BOI are:

• Big operational companies with over 20 full-time employees in the United States maintain a physical office presence in the US and have filed a federal income tax or information return demonstrating gross receipts or sales exceeding $5 million in the previous year.
• Companies involved in investments, along with advisors for investments and venture capital funds, are officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• Pooled investment vehicles operated or advised by specific financial entities.

All reporting companies should include the following information in the Beneficial Ownership Information report -

Reporting Company Details:

1. Legal name
2. Trade names
3. Current U.S. business address
4. Jurisdiction of Formation
5. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or foreign-issued tax identification number and issuing jurisdiction.

Beneficial Owner Details:For each beneficial owner, the reporting company must provide:

1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Residential address
4. Identifying numbers from an acceptable ID document (e.g., passport or U.S. driver's license) and the issuing state or jurisdiction. (Include a copy of the identification document used for obtaining the identifying number).

Company Applicant Details:Only applicable for companies incorporated on or after 1st Jan 2024. For each company applicant, the reporting company must provide:

1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Address
4. Identifying numbers from an acceptable ID document (e.g., passport or U.S. driver's license) and the issuing state or jurisdiction. (Include a copy of the identification document used for obtaining the identifying number).

A beneficial owner is an individual who either directly or indirectly:

1. Owns or controls at least 25% of the reporting company’s ownership interests.
2. Exercises substantial control over the reporting company.

An individual is considered to exercise substantial control over a reporting company if they:

• Hold a senior officer position (e.g., president, CFO, general counsel).
• Possess the authority to appoint or remove specific officers or a majority of directors.
• Serve as an important decision-maker for the company.
• Exercise any other form of substantial control over the reporting company.

Reporting companies formed or registered on or after January 1, 2024, are required to report their company applicants. A company may have up to two potential applicants:

1. The person directly filing the document for company creation or registration.
2. If multiple individuals are involved, the person primarily responsible for directing or controlling the filing.

Reporting companies established or registered before January 1, 2024, must file their initial beneficial ownership report by January 1, 2025. For those created or registered on or after January 1, 2024, the deadline is 30 days from receiving notice of their effective creation or registration or from the first public notice by the secretary of state or similar office, whichever comes first.

FinCen will issue a penalty of $10,000 fine for intentionally not filing it and $250,000 to $500,000 for reporting incorrect information.

No. There will be no government fee for submitting your beneficial ownership information report to FinCEN.

Providing false information or failing to report/update beneficial ownership may lead to penalties. Civil fines are $500 per day, and criminal penalties include fines up to $10,000.

If a report with inaccurate information is filed without the reporting company's knowledge, there's a 90-day safe harbor to submit a corrected report.

High tech early stage product startups with at least one founder or a subsidiary based in India. Even if you are in the pre-product or pre-revenue stage, you are encouraged to apply. We have no restrictions on valuation size and are open to evaluating startups from any business model focusing on building a US or global business. Being an Inkle customer is not a prerequisite for submitting a pitch, but we'd love to help!

Our panel will systematically review pitches and curate a cohort of ambitious companies to showcase.

Notification of your selection status will be provided by Inkle by 31st Dec 2023.

If selected, you will be introduced on a double opt-in basis to the investors who wish to meet you.

If not selected, you are welcome to pitch again after further progress.

Due to the high volume of submissions, we regretfully cannot offer personalised feedback on individual pitch submissions. Nevertheless, you can enhance your pitch or prepare for future submissions by participating in our expert sessions or exploring our published content on our blog.

You are eligible to pitch once every six months.

We invite high-quality, active investors of various kinds, including VCs, angels, scouts and syndicates.

Inkle Raise is not a accelerator, incubator or investor. We provide warm introductions, events and tools for free to the community of founders who apply. Many of these founders will hopefully elect to do business with Inkle.

US VCs and angels often don't get India-based dealflow without feet on the ground, and because India founders don't reach out to you. Inkle Raise fills that gap, providing a liquid platform for receiving vetted and curated pitches from quality early stage teams that you probably haven't heard of before.

No, the batch deadlines are only for founders. Investors will stay in out database and receive all batches.

No. It's free.

No.

Generally this is the bulk of software development expense, which is often in the form of software engineer salaries. However, you can exclude the time they spend on maintenance (such as support and bug fixes).

Instead of a full deduction of the R&D expenses upfront in the year it was incurred, you'll now have to spread (amortize) them over 5 years (US R&D) or 15 years (foreign R&D).

For your 2022 tax year and beyond, your taxable income might increase, possibly leading to due taxes even if you think you were loss making.

Take the guesswork out and see the numbers for yourself.

The Delaware Franchise Tax Calculator is a tool designed to help businesses estimate their franchise tax obligations to the state of Delaware. It typically works by inputting relevant financial information, such as the number of authorised shares and gross assets, and then calculating the expected tax amount based on Delaware's franchise tax regulations.

Delaware Franchise Tax Calculators are freely available online. However, it's essential to ensure you're using a reputable and accurate calculator provided by a trusted source, such as the Delaware Division of Corporations or reputable financial websites.

The specific information required may vary depending on the calculator, but typically, you'll need details such as the number of authorised shares, par value of shares, gross assets, and any additional factors relevant to Delaware's franchise tax calculation methods.

While the Delaware Franchise Tax Calculator can offer a reasonable estimate of your tax obligations, it's essential to remember that it may only account for some possible scenarios or nuances in Delaware's tax laws. For precise tax estimates, especially for complex business structures, it's advisable to consult with a tax professional familiar with Delaware tax regulations.

While the Delaware Franchise Tax Calculator can provide valuable insights into your potential tax liabilities, it may have limitations in accommodating unique business situations or changes in tax laws. Additionally, the calculator's accuracy depends on the inputted data. For comprehensive tax planning, using the calculator as a starting point and seeking professional advice when necessary is recommended.

If you have a Delaware C-Corp which was in existence during any calendar tax year (1st January to 31st December), then yes you must file the Annual Report and pay the Delaware Franchise Tax. This is going to cost you a minimum of $400 tax + $50 government filing fee, and possibly much more if you've raised in the millions.

Your chosen tax year dates are normally Jan-Dec unless you specific asked for it to be something else in your EIN application (SS-4). - for example Apr-Mar is common for those with Indian subsidiaries to match the underlying India tax year. You can check your chosen US dates in your SS-4 (field 12)or your EIN issuance letter (paragraph 3). Depending on your chosen tax year dates, and only if you want a 6-month extension to your corporate tax deadline, you will need to file the Form 7004 either by 15th April (if your tax year is Jan-Dec) or 15th Jul (if your tax year is Mar-Apr). This buys you a 6 month breather.

C Corporations must file Form 7004 on or before the original deadline of their tax return Form 1120, which is by the 15th day of the 4th month after the taxable year ends.

The deadline for C-Corporations following the calendar tax year is April 18, 2023.

Suppose you fail to file a 7004 tax extension or tax return within the appropriate deadline (March 15, 2023, for S-corporations and partnerships and April 18, 2023, for corporations and other businesses). In that case, the IRS will charge interest and penalties on any unpaid Federal taxes.

If you do not file and owe taxes, the failure-to-file penalty is 5% per month (up to 5 months) of the amount due. If your return is over 60 days late, you may be subject to a $135 minimum penalty. The IRS will also impose a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month (up to 25%) of the amount due if you file a return or extension but don’t pay all your taxes on time.

Form 1120 is a crucial tax document utilized by corporations in the United States to disclose their income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for federal income tax goals. In Delaware, corporations are expected to submit Form 1120 if they are operating within the state or have obtained income from sources within its boundaries.

C corporations conducting business in Delaware must pay an annual fee known as the Delaware state franchise tax, a privilege fee for operating within the state's jurisdiction.

A Delaware C Corporation (C Corp) is a type of business entity formed under the laws of Delaware and is taxed separately from its owners. A C Corp is considered a separate legal entity from its shareholders, meaning it can enter into contracts, own assets, and conduct business in its name.

C corporations use Form 926 to report property transfers to foreign corporations.

Businesses, individuals, and nonprofits may need to file Form 1099 when specific payment thresholds are met, such as payments to independent contractors, rent, or interest.

You can get Form 1099 from the IRS website, request it from the IRS, or use tax software like Inkle for assistance.

Yes, you can electronically file through the FIRE system, often extending the deadline to March 31. Many tax software providers and e-filing services offer this option.

Form 8995 is used to calculate and claim the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBID) for individuals, estates, and trusts.

Individuals, estates, and trusts with qualified company income from pass-through entities, like partnerships, S corporations, and sole proprietorships, may be eligible to use Form 8995.

The QBID is a tax deduction that allows taxpayers to deduct a portion of their qualified business income from eligible businesses, potentially reducing their taxable income.

Form 8995 provides a step-by-step calculation process to determine the QBID. It involves determining your qualified business income, limitations, and other factors.

Form 8995 provides a step-by-step calculation process to determine the QBID. It involves determining your qualified business income, limitations, and other factors.

‍

Yes, there are income limits and phase-out ranges for claiming the QBID. The limits can vary based on filing status and taxable income.

Generally, income from eligible businesses, including domestic partnerships, S corporations, sole proprietorships, and certain real estate activities, may qualify for the deduction.

You typically need to attach Form 8995 or its related schedules to your tax return to claim the QBID. The exact attachments required may depend on your situation.

Yes, you may still be able to claim the QBID even if you have W-2 wage income, but some limitations and calculations take W-2 wages into account.

Tax laws and forms can change from year to year. It's essential to check the latest IRS instructions and publications for any updates to Form 8995.

You can seek assistance from tax professionals, use tax software like Inkle, or refer to the IRS website for guidance and resources on completing Form 8995 and understanding the QBID.

‍

You can use the worksheet with Form 1040-ES or online calculators to estimate the amount you should pay. It's typically based on your expected annual income and deductions.

Form 1040-ES payments are typically due quarterly, with due dates in April, June, September, and January of the following year. The exact dates may vary each year.

Individuals who expect to owe a certain amount of tax and don't have it withheld through their paychecks or other sources are generally required to file Form 1040-ES.

Form 1040-ES estimates and pays your federal income taxes if you are not subject to withholding, such as self-employed individuals or those with significant additional income.

Missing a payment deadline can result in penalties and interest charges, so making timely payments is essential. Late payments may also affect your ability to request an extension.

You can make electronic payments for Form 1040-ES through the IRS's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or by credit/debit card.

If you overpay your estimated taxes, you can apply the overpayment as a credit toward your next year's estimated taxes or request a refund when you file your tax return.

You can find Form 1040-ES and its instructions on the official IRS website. Tax professionals and tax software like Inkle can also guide you in completing the form.