…more than 800 000 Companies have been registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)?

As of June 2008, 823,502 companies had been registered in the British Virgin Islands as of of which 445,865 were ‘active’. In 2000 KPMG reported in its survey of offshore jurisdictions for the United Kingdom government that over 41% of the world’s offshore companies were formed in the British Virgin Islands.

Some Basic Characteristics of an International Business Company (IBC) in Belize

Belize is a popular jurisdiction for incorporating offshore companies and IBC’s incorporated in Belize are often used by high net worth individuals to lease and own property, estate planning, tax optimization and also in conjunction with trust and by international companies in cross border transactions.

A Belize IBC is a tax-free and exchange control-free Limited Liability Company, incorporated under the laws of Belize. However all its profit-earning activities must be conducted outside Belize. A foreign company also has the option to continue under the law of Belize as an IBC and would still have all the benefits provided by law.

A fundamental feature of the IBC in Belize is how the law was specially designed to be cost saving. Because there are no minimum capital requirements, no need for audited accounts, no annual returns, no requirement for a local director or secretary and no requirement for an annual general meeting, the costs of maintaining a Belize IBC are kept to a minimum.

Another feature that makes a Belize IBC attractive is its flexibility. Only one director and one shareholder are necessary and it may have bearer shares or registered shares, voting or non-voting shares as well as the authorized share capital may or may not have a par value. The IBC may conduct any business that is not prohibited under the laws of Belize save and except for banking, insurance, trust management and collective investments, which requires a license. The IBC may also purchase its own shares and redeem its own shares.

Although the Belize IBC must conduct all its profit earning activities outside Belize, it may lease an office in Belize, obtain the services of Belize professionals and trust companies, keep its company records and hold meetings in Belize, operate an account with a local Banking institution, hold shares in another Belize IBC and own vessels registered in Belize.

To register a company in Belize proper due diligence is carried out by the registered agents in compliance with The Money Laundering Act and Code of Conduct in Belize. A company may choose to have nominee directors or nominee shareholders; however, the only document presented for public filing at the registry is the Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation. There is no requirement for public disclosure or annual filing of accounts under the act. The Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize and the International Financial Services Commission of Belize are the only two organizations that have privy to client’s information upon request.

Information from Deloitte about the Tax System in Cyprus

Deloitte is one of the largest providers of audit, tax,consulting and financial advisory services in Cyprus and constitutes a part of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTT) that is one of the world’s leading professional services firms with almost 170.000 people in more than 140 countries.

Deloitte’s professional services in Cyprus includes:

• audit of financial statements in accordance with International, UK or US audit standards tax services to both Cyprus and foreign companies,
• consulting services including financial and management consulting,
• EU advisory services,
• information technology (IT) and human resource consulting,
• investment & wealth advisory services,
• e-business services including technical and tax services,–
• corporate finance services as well as advice andassistance to private companies considering to go public, –
• accounting services, formation of companies with lawyers and special services to international business companies.

Deloitte has published en excellent brochure/book with the title ‘Cyprus Tax Facts 2010′ that gives an easy to understand but still comprehensive description of the Cyprus Tax System. The publication is a must for anyone thing about incorporating a company in Cyprus or in any other way setting up an offshore structure where Cyprus is included.

The publication informs about almost everything in the Cyprus Tax system from offshore companies and International Business Companies to Royalties and pensions.

The publication is in pdf-format and can be downloaded directly by the link below and the website of Deloitte Cyprus can be reached at the following address: http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_CY/cy/index.htm

Download: Cyprus Tax Facts 2010

Why Offshore Tax Haven Company Incorporation

Why Incorporate an Offshore Tax Haven Company?

An Offshore, International Company is commonly set up in a tax haven like the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Caymans Islands etc, where there are no corporate or personal income taxes, capital gains taxes, reporting requirements, or restrictions on company employment policies.

As the “world” becomes global, fewer businesses are local and many corporations are increasing going internationalization. Corporate structuring and planning have achieved higher levels of complexity than ever before while the need for anonymity remains strong.Corporation must keep pace and be constantly on the look out for new ways to profit. One way is to have a clear understanding of the characteristics offshore foreign corporations and how they may be put to advantageous use.

Offshore Companies are only applicable if you are doing business overseas and not in the country where you’re offshore was incorporated. All income derived in and from the incorporated country is normally taxable. eg. An offshore incorporation in Bahamas, doing business in Bahamas will require to pay taxes in Bahamas, where else, if the business was done in USA or Hong Kong, all profit are not taxable.

Singapore and Hong Kong although not typically regarded as tax haven, has a favourable tax regime which effectively means that correctly structured, managed and administered these companies can be utilised for offshore business and international business without paying tax in Singapore or Hong Kong provided that any profits arising are not made in the respective country (non resident company) and the earned money can be remmitted back. This type of tax regulation is known as “territorial taxation”. With the strict rule in place for prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, opening bank account for other tax haven jurisdictions can be difficult. On the contrary, to open a corporate bank account for companies in Singapore or Hong Kong is easier as these companies are more transparent due to the strict compliance control by the government.

What is Tax Haven?

A tax haven is normally known as a jurisdiction, which actively makes itself available for the avoidance of taxes, which would otherwise be paid in a higher tax jurisdiction. A more correct term to use would be tax mitigation or planning, because there are ways of mitigating taxes without breaking the law, whereas tax avoidance is generally classified as a crime.

Is it legal for me to have offshore companies, and bank accounts?

Yes, because most nations encourage international trade and enterprise, there are usually no restrictions on residents doing business or having bank accounts in other countries. Reporting requirements on such accounts however, differ from country to country. Sophisticated and reputable high-net-worth individuals and corporations routinely use offshore investment vehicles worldwide.

Main keys benefits for having your an offshore company.

The main reasons to incorporate offshore are:

Asset Protection – Protect assets in combination with a Trust, an offshore company can avoid high levels of income, capital and death taxes that would otherwise be payable if the assets were held directly. It can also protect assets from creditors and other interested parties. From competitors, adverse claimants and other parties from whom you wish to keep your business interests private and to secure against future claims such as bankruptcy, judgment creditors and other litigants, etc.;

Confidentiality – Keep business affairs confidential, Offshore Companies offer complete privacy. If the company shares are held by a Trust, the ownership is legally vested in the trustee, thus gaining the potential for even greater tax planning advantages.

Estate Planning – Family and Protective Trusts (possibly as an alternative to a Will) for accumulation of investment income and long-term benefits for beneficiaries on a favorable tax basis (without income, inheritance or capital gains taxes);

Simplify the transfer of assets and properties held in several countries: The sale or probate of properties in different countries can become complex and expensive. If an offshore company collectively holds these, ownership can be transferred by company shares rather than transferring the actual properties owned by the company.

International Tax Planning – Conduct business without corporate taxes: Tax havens, such as British Virgin Islands, allow the formation of International Companies that have no tax or reporting responsibilities. This means you save money not only from the absence of corporate taxes, but also from reduced compliance and other regulatory costs. Reduce payroll and travel expense administration: Allow employment or consultancy fees to accumulate in a low tax area: Offshore corporations can contract the services of professionals to employers resident in high tax locations or politically unstable areas. This allows the fees to accumulate in a low tax jurisdiction.

Conduct business as an international entity: International Companies have the same rights as an individual person and can make investments, buy and sell real estate, trade portfolios of stocks and bonds, and conduct any legal business activities – so long as these are not done in the country of registration. Offshore Companies set up in offshore need not pay social security, withholding tax, or associated expenses of employees working in other foreign countries.

Major savings for companies that have staff working on overseas projects. Minimize tax exposure when dealing with international transactions: An offshore corporation can buy or lease products from one country and then sell or lease them to a company in another country so the profits of the transaction are accumulated in the offshore company where there is no taxation on profits. Maximize profits from intellectual property rights, franchising and licensing: An offshore company can franchise or license intellectual property rights in other foreign countries allowing the profits to accumulate in a tax-free environment.

Protect investments in other foreign countries: International Companies can loan funds to corporations in other foreign countries. Investors may set up, but not directly own, an offshore company that loans funds to a development company set up in another country and charge interest rates that will lower tax obligations and protect the long term ability to repatriate investment funds. This can be especially important when working in countries with strict exchange controls and high tax profiles.

Own or lease ships or pleasure craft: Shipping companies may own or lease ships or pleasure craft and pay no taxes on income derived from the vessels. Registration fees are low and vessels are welcomed in ports worldwide.

Set up an Offshore Company:

Rikvin International will set up an offshore company anywhere in the world on your behalf. It normally takes 24 hours to register an offshore company. An offshore bank account can be set up, although it will take longer for full access due to the need to have original signature cards (providing you wish to have direct access to the bank account in your own name.

Rikvin Offshore offers a convenient way to incorporate your company. We provide a comprehensive range of services to both local and international clients. When you want to set up an offshore company, you can rely on us to be there every step of the way for you.

For more information, please visit http://www.rikvinint.com or call us at 65- 64388887

Tags: offshore Incorporation, offshore business registration, setup offshore company

About the Author

http://www.rikvinint.com

(ArticlesBase SC #1571940)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Why Offshore Tax Haven Company Incorporation

Offshore Mail Forwarding Address

Often an offshore company address is nothing more than a mail drop assigned to the offshore company. Bank statements, invoices and any other type of company mail may be sent to this address. The mail will typically be picked up each or every two weeks by the offshore company administrator or facilitator. The mail will be put into a plain envelope and mailed to the address of the beneficial owner’s choice. Only the domestic return address and the recipient’s address appear on the envelope and there are no signs that in contains mail sent to the offshore company. Almost all offshore company providers give the possibility to have an offshore mail forwarding address for the offshore company.

Is it expensive to create an offshore company?

Not long ago it could be quite expensive to create an offshore company. And rather complicated too. But this changed a lot with the arrival of the Internet. Today it is easy to find a lawyer or any other consultants that are willing to assist you in creating your offshore company. However, find a good one can be a completely different issue.

Only creating an offshore company is in many offshore jurisdictions not very expensive and you can easily create a company for less than 1500 USD or 1200 Euros in several jurisdictions. The problem is that this amount only covers the creation of the company without any services included. Often it is not sufficient to only create the company, you will also need someone to take care of certain paper work, a nominee shareholder, a nominee board member and maybe the offshore company should be owned by a trust or an offshore foundation etc and of course none of these services are for free.

As always when considering an offshore solution it is vital to analyze your own situation and your purpose with going offshore. Only when you have done this analysis you can estimate the total cost creating an offshore solution that fit your specific needs.

But in order to answer the question in the title – no, generally speaking it is not especially expensive to create an offshore company. At least not when comparing the prices with similar ‘onshore’ services in Northern America or Europe.

Nominee Shareholder

A nominee shareholder is when the real or beneficial owner chooses not to have his or her name on the share certificate or in the share register. Instead another person agrees to appear on the share certificates and in the share register. In order to protect the real of beneficial owner the nominee should sign Declaration of Trust to the beneficial owner giving up any right to exercise any powers over the shares including voting rights or the right to sell or transfer the shares.

Registered Shareholder

A registered shareholder is when the real or beneficial owner records his or her name on the share certificates or in the share register. However, concerning offshore companies very often the real or beneficial owner is not registered in the Register of Shares and not on the share certificates. Instead nominee shareholders are used in order to not disclose the beneficial owner.

Offshore Company

The term offshore company is somewhat ambiguous. It can mean either a company incorporated outside of the jurisdiction of its primary operation or any company that is incorporated in a tax haven or offshore financial center.

Most often the definition of ‘offshore company’ is a mix between the two above and an offshore company is defined as a company that:

a) is incorporated in a jurisdiction where the owner not is domiciled at the time of incorporation,
b) do not perform any business in the jurisdiction where it is incorporated,
c) is incorporated in a jurisdiction with low taxes, and
d) is incorporated in a jurisdiction with strong secrecy laws.

Bearer Shares

Bearer shares are physical share certificates that are owned by the person that is in possession of the share certificates. The ownership of bearer shares is not recorded and the ownership remains entirely private. Thus, the ownership of an offshore company with bearer shares is only known by the holder of the bearer shares and the bearer shares may be bought, sold, or exchanged in complete privacy without any form of registration, reporting or alike.

The concept with bearer shares exists in many offshore jurisdictions and is used by many investors and corporate officers who wish to retain anonymity but ownership is extremely difficult to recover in the event of theft or loss.

Next Page »