Two Expansion Paths – One Starting Point
Whether you stay on the same marketplace or switch to a new one, the compliance requirements differ.
We identify which lane you’re in, then build the plan around it, starting with our
Verified Clearance Plan.
Path A · Amazon EU/AU → Amazon U.S.
What changes: mostly tax & filings; not platform verification.
- Decide foreign (W-8) vs. U.S. entity (W-9) based on USTB/ECI and treaty PE.
- Map filings: EIN, 1120-F (protective) + 8833 if foreign path;
or 1120/1065 (and 5472 + pro-forma 1120 for a foreign-owned DE LLC) if U.S. entity. - Sales-tax plan: FBA inventory or economic thresholds can still require
state registrations/zero returns even with marketplace collection. - Optional transfer pricing if both foreign and U.S. entities touch ads, logistics, or contracts
(distributor/commissionaire/services/license).
Educational plan — not a tax opinion. Includes structure, filings, and state map.
Path B · Amazon (or other) → TikTok Shop / Walmart U.S.
What changes: treated as a new seller with strict verification.
- Form or align a U.S. entity (W-9 required).
- Pre-vet PBR / UBO (U.S. person with SSN and U.S. ID); lock roles before submission.
- Use a non-CMRA address with proof; match EIN / CP-575 and W-9 to the application.
- Submission pre-check so you don’t burn the account with avoidable rejects.
- Tax plan: file 1120/1065 (or 5472 + pro-forma 1120 if applicable) and set
state registrations for any DTC channels (e.g., Shopify).
Our 3-Step Expansion Flow
Decide
Foreign vs. U.S. entity based on USTB/ECI and treaty PE.
Plan
Written expansion map, filings calendar, and state compliance via our
Verified Clearance Plan.
Execute
Entity, EIN, address, PBR, banking, and platform submissions — sequenced correctly.
Not Sure Which Lane You’re In?
Book a free discovery call with our team. We’ll identify your expansion path
and show you exactly which services fit — starting with the Verified Clearance Plan.