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Invest in the US

Why invest in the U.S.? Our strong democratic tradition and economic stability make the United States a magnet for foreign investors, individuals and corporations. 

Here are some of the reasons why companies are investing in the U.S:

  • Each state has its own laws governing business within its jurisdiction
  • Only one currency and no internal trade or customs barriers
  •  Efficient advertising and distribution systems
  • Advanced communications systems
  • Economic policy and regulations that create an open and reliable environment

Tax Advantages
Incorporation Issues
Duties and Tariffs

Tax Advantages

There are also state tax advantages available for foreign businesses that choose to locate a division or branch in North Carolina. Although there is a state income tax in North Carolina, there are no city or county income taxes.

 

North Carolina boosts a significant federal tax advantage for S corporations. For federal tax purposes, most large corporations are classified as C corporations, requiring them to file a federal corporate income tax return every year.

 

However, if the corporation qualifies, it may elect to be an S corporation.  S corporations do not (with certain exceptions) pay corporate tax on income.  Their income is instead passed through and taxed to shareholders who are taxed at the individual rates.

 

State and Local Taxes 
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Incorporation Issues

Issues surrounding company incorporation in the U.S. are sometimes complex. There are some general areas of corporate federal and state law that overlap, especially when incorporating a new company.

 

Fortunately, our team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce can guide you through the process. Please contact us for assistance in these areas:

  • Corporations
  • Securities
  • Partnerships
  • Labor issues
  • Planning and development
  • Transactions and trademarks
  •  Environmental issues
  • Visas
  • Product liability and terms and conditions

For more information about the convergence of corporate federal and state law in these areas, refer to the document: North Carolina 2006 Legal Aspects North Carolina 2006 Legal Aspects or consult legal counsel.
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Duties and Tariffs

Import duties are tabulated by the U.S. International Trade Commissions’ Tariff Database. This interactive database enables you to get an approximate duty rate for a particular product by inputting requested information. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) make the final determination of the correct duty rate, not the importer.

 

For very specific duty information on a particular item, you may request a Binding Ruling.  For additional guidance call a CBP office in North Carolina at:

Charlotte                                               704-329-6100

Raleigh-Durham                                    919-467-3487

Morehead City                                       252-726-5845

Wilmington                                             910-772-5900

Winston-Salem                                      336-668-7272

 

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) implemented in January , 1994 removes tariff barriers between the United States, Canada and Mexico by 2008.  In brief, goods produced entirely in the United States qualify for NAFTA tariff treatment. In some cases, at least 50% of the product must be produced in the United States. Goods processed outside of the U.S., Mexico, or Canada regardless of the original content do not qualify for NAFTA tariff treatment.
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