United States of America Business Research

Economic Overview

United States Economy – overview http://www.indexmundi.com/united_states/economy_overview.html

The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $49,800.

United States – Economic forecast summary http://www.oecd.org/unitedstates/united-states-economic-forecast-summary.htm

Economic forecast from OECD

Industry Trends & Business Climate

Current Industrial Reports – Census http://www.census.gov/manufacturing/cir/index.html

The Current Industrial Reports from the Census Bureau

2016 Industry Outlooks http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/outlooks/industry-outlooks.html

A look at the 2016 business enviroment by industry

Establishing a Presence

Most common types of business entities http://www.usa-corporate.com/setting-up-a-us-company-as-a-non-us-resident/types-of-business-entities/

The most common business structures in the US are the corporation and the limited liability company (LLC)

Types of Business Entities http://www.asha.org/practice/BusinessEntities/

This site describes the advantages and disadvantages of the four most common business types

How to start a business in the United States http://www.learn4good.com/settingup-business/starting-a-company-in-usa.htm

This site provides a step by step guide to the business registration process in the United States

Obtain Business Licenses & Permits https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/starting-business/choose-register-your-busi

A guide to registration for small businesses from the SBA

Taxes

Corporate Taxes http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/corporate-tax-rate

The Corporate Tax Rate in the United States stands at 39 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in the United States averaged 39.23 percent from 2000 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 39.30 percent in 2001 and a record low of 39 percent in 2015. Corporate Tax Rate in the United States is reported by the Internal Revenue Service.

United States Corporate – Taxes http://taxsummaries.pwc.com/uk/taxsummaries/wwts.nsf/ID/JDCN-89HU8Z

The US corporate income tax (CIT) rate is based on a progressive rate schedule; however, an alternative minimum tax (AMT) provides for a flat rate with fewer deductions.

United States Personal Income Tax Rate | 2004-2016 http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/personal-income-tax-rate

The Personal Income Tax Rate in the United States stands at 39.60 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in the United States averaged 36.15 percent from 2004 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 39.60 percent in 2013 and a record low of 35 percent in 2005. Personal Income Tax Rate in the United States is reported by the Internal Revenue Service.

United States Individual – Taxes http://taxsummaries.pwc.com/uk/taxsummaries/wwts.nsf/ID/JDCN-89HU8X

The United States levies tax on its citizens and residents on their worldwide income. Non-resident aliens are taxed on their US-source income.

Visas

U.S. Department of State Visas http://www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

Many non-U.S. citizens need a visa to enter the United States to visit, work, and live.

Visitor Visa http://www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

Infrastructure

United States: Traveling by Car in the US http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c1867/United-States:Traveling.By.Car.In.The.United.States.html

Advice for those visiting the US and traveling by car

U.S. Department of Transportation https://www.transportation.gov/

A guide to the various modes of commercial transportation

Communications in the United States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_in_the_United_States#Telephone

A guide to the telecom market and carriers in the United States

Telecommunications – EY – United States http://www.ey.com/US/en/Industries/Telecommunications

Telecommunications operators are mastering the demands of technological and regulatory changes while illustrating transparency, customer innovation and bringing new services to the market.

Employer Obligations

The Basic Labor Laws (United States of America http://www.iww.org/organize/laborlaw/Lynd/Lynd3.shtml

This site provides a summary of the laws that have shaped employer/employee relations in the US

State Labor Laws – United States Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/state.htm

This site discusses the labor laws that are enacted by the states

Unemployment Insurance | United States Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance

The Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own, and meet certain other eligibility requirements.

State Unemployment Insurance Benefits http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp

Facts on state unemplyment law

Culture/Living

Climate information for United States http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/united-states/

Climate information by state

Climate United States http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/united-states/us

Climate information by state

Safety and Security – Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/safety-and-security

Travel and safety advice for the United States from the UK government

Education in the United States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_the_United_States

Public education is universally required at the K–12 level, and is available at state colleges and universities for all students.

Business Etiquette – United States: Customs, Habits, and Etiquette http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c3541/United-States:Customs.Habits.And.Etiquette.html

United States of America has a history of unified etiquette protocols that may not seem obvious to foreigners.

Cost of Living in United States http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+States

Average prices of more than 40 products and services in United States

Cost of Living in the United States – Expat Forum http://www.expatforum.com/articles/cost-of-living/cost-of-living-in-the-united-states.html

The cost of living in the United States can differ depending on location and lifestyle. Big cities like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago tend to have highcosts and quality of goods and other commodities but there are also a number of states offering lower standards of living.

Business Etiquette – USA – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/usa.html

See “Customs and Etiquette in the U.S.A” on this site

Holidays 2016 http://publicholidays.us/

Federal holidays in the United States are public holidays that have been recognized by the federal government, and are applicable to federal employees. State holidays are public holidays recognized by states – and often (though not always) include the same holidays recognized at the federal level.

Demographics – CIA: The World Factbook: United States https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html

Demographic information from the CIA

Culture/Living http://www.infoplease.com/us/census/data/demographic.html

Demographic statistics from the US Census Bureau

Education – United States Education Stats http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/profiles/United-States/Education

Education statistics for the United States

Holidays and observances in United States in 2016 http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/

Overview of holidays and many observances in United States during the year 2016

Trade

Free Trade Agreements – State http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tpp/bta/fta/

Free trade agreements have proven to be one of the best ways to open up foreign markets to U.S. exporters. The United States has agreements in force with 20 countries

customs regulations – United States of America https://united-states.visahq.com/customs/

United States of America Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border.

United States Import Registration Requirements http://www.importexportcustoms.com/Import_Requirements.html

A guide to information for thise interested in importing product to the United States

Free Trade Agreements of the U.S. http://export.gov/fta/index.asp

Why should you care about free trade agreements (FTAs)? If you are looking to export your product or service, the United States