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Since 1984, the "IBC" has been a Caribbean-flavored legal entity similar to the U.S.-based corporation or limited liability company. Like any corporation, the IBC has shareholders, officers, and directors.
International Business Companies are generally
created in a "tax haven" jurisdiction, and must be owned or controlled by
non-residents. IBCs are authorized and readily accepted to do business
world-wide, excluding the country of incorporation. In exchange, IBCs pay NO
taxes, whatsoever, in the jurisdiction of incorporation.
History and the BVI:
In order to attract new financial business to their islands, many
Caribbean countries re-invented themselves by enacting "exempt" legislation
laws. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) was the first to implement the
International Companies Act ("the ACT") of 1984. Because of it’s spectacular
success others followed. Today there are approximately 2.5 million
International Business Companies registered globally, of which 37% are to be
found in the Caribbean and Latin America, 25% in Europe, 30% in Asia and the
Pacific, 8% in Africa and the Middle East.
BVI remains the most sought after IBC registration jurisdiction. The
desirability of the BVI jurisdiction is related to the pro-business
environment, flexibility as a corporate vehicle, minimal information and
disclosure requirements, global identity, widespread recognition, and
exemption from local taxation. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has the most
registered IBCs, estimated at 480,000 more than three times the next highest
jurisdiction.
And, here you will find the U.S. Big Six accounting firms, major banks and
large law firms who maintain fully staffed offices.
To quote the International Monetary Fund (IMF):
"OFCs (Offshore Financial Centres) can be used for legitimate reasons,
taking advantage of: (1) lower explicit taxation and consequentially increased
after tax profit; (2) simpler prudential regulatory frameworks that reduce
implicit taxation; (3) minimum formalities for incorporation; (4) the
existence of adequate legal frameworks that safeguard the integrity of
principal-agent relations; (5) the proximity to major economies, or to
countries attracting capital inflows; (6) the reputation of specific OFCs, and
the specialist services provided; (7) freedom from exchange controls; and (8)
a means for safeguarding assets from the impact of litigation etc.
They can also be used for dubious purposes, such as tax evasion and
money-laundering, by taking advantage of a higher potential for less
transparent operating environments, including a higher level of anonymity, to
escape the notice of the law enforcement agencies in the "home" country of the
beneficial owner of the funds.”
Benefits of an IBC:
Typically an IBC only requires one (1) shareholder and director, and
another legal entity may serve as a director. Shareholders meetings can be
held anywhere in the world.
Assets placed within the IBC are protected from creditor suits, court
judgments, or government seizure. IBC's are exempt from all corporate taxes,
income tax, capital gains tax, any tax on the transfer of assets or securities
to any person, all withholding taxes on dividends, interest or other returns
to shareholders from local jurisdiction.
There are no minimum share capital requirements, and the IBC is able to issue
bearer shares (undisclosed owners in the IBC). There are no statutory audit
restrictions or requirements and no annual returns or accounts
requirements.Company books can be kept anywhere in the world.
What can an IBC do:
In general, an IBC "Legal Entity" may engage in any lawful activity(ies)
not restricted by the country of incorporation or the jurisdiction in which it
may want to operate, including shipping, manufacturing, consulting,
transportation, communication, licensing, sub-licensing, etc.
An IBC may act as a holding company with ownership in other legal entities,
hold title to real and intangible property such as real estate or a patent and
enter into leasing arrangements for real or personal property such as
equipment, motor vehicles, or other machinery.
An IBC may provide loans, collection services, act as a finder, collect
finder’s fees and commissions. However an IBC may not engage in banking
without a proper license, may not engage in trust services, insurance,
re-insurance, or captive insurance without a proper license, may not engage in
a stock broker or commodity trading company without proper licensing.
An IBC can license intellectual property.
If You Are a “US Person”:
When a “U.S. Person" forms a foreign corporation in a favorable "no-tax"
international jurisdiction, the United States laws will recognize that
corporation, for "LEGAL" purposes, as a corporation. However, for "TAX"
purposes (not legal purposes), the IRS may classify that legal corporation for
TAX purposes as something else, such as a "disregarded entity" (one owner) or
a partnership (two owners). A "disregarded entity" for TAX purposes means the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will assign whichever entity produces the
greatest tax liability for the disregarded entity.
We are not tax advisors, and caution you to discuss any tax issues with your
tax advisor. In particular discuss the issues relative to a Controlled Foreign
Corporation (CFC) classification is complex (IRC §951 thru §960), consult with
a competent professional.
"U.S. Persons" are taxable on their world-wide income, no matter
what/where/when/how the source of such income, unless there’s an exception or
exemption i.e. Tax Treaty.
What's included in an IBC package?
Regulatory (from the attorney):
o One Registry stamped copy of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of
Association.
o Certificate of Incorporation
o Subscriber's Appointment of the first directors
o Consent to act by the first directors
o Director's Initial Resolutions; addressing matters such as issue of shares,
appointment of directors, approval of corporate seal and location of company's
books and records.
o Application for Shares
o Share certificates
o Register of Directors
o Register of Shareholders
o Corporate Seal
o Act as registered agent and provide the registered office, both of which are
statutory requirements in the British Virgin Islands
Financial:
o International Business World Cash account with $4 million maximum
account balance
o Insurance for up to $1 million in your account
o ATM card which can be used at 601,000 ATMs worldwide to extract up to
$10,000 per day
Investment:
o Annual fees - $4,995
o Initial account balance - $5,005
o Total initial investment - $10,000
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