Your Questions About How To Do Business Online In Singapore
Chris asks…
I’d to get some items wholesale fr US. However, I was asked to furnish Tax Id ,etc. I’m not from US. How?
I’m not from USA, I’m planning to do a online business in Singapore. What should I do to get myself a Tax Id?
The saddest part is I have been trying to explain to them that I need not have a Tax ID as I’m not selling in US, or setting up my business in US. However, they insist that this is a procedure. They are already aware that I’m from Singapore after umpteen times of emphasis 🙂
Jere answers:
“Tax ID #” is for companies. Individuals in the USA use their Social Security number for tax purposes.
You can set up a company in the USA and just apply for a Tax ID number. You do not have to incorporate if you don’t want to; a sole proprietor, partnership, etc. Can apply and get a Tax ID number. I have one for my Sole Proprietorship and a separate one for my Corporation (I am a US citizen and my companies are here). I believe you may need to have someone represent you with a physical address here.
The costs are negligible, but I have no idea if there is much red tape for a foreign national to go through. I can tell you that Singapore is highly respected in our US business community. Also, my daughter had a tremendous time in your country, found people very respectful and respectable.
For the cheapest, fastest, and simplest way, I think I would go to a search at google or yahoo, put in “tax id number”, find the IRS site, and follow those instructions. Avoid the advertisements, as they will just charge you money for what you can do yourself. I did mine in minutes, for no additional fee.
Helen asks…
Online Business?
Hi, I wish to register a domain and do an online e-commerce. May I know how to go doing it in singapore? What kind of registration I have to go throught? Thanks.
Jere answers:
If you are a small time seller or buyer why not try Ebay, Yahoo auction, mocca or your various hobbies try the relevant group forum where you can also sell and buy. As for operating a bussiness in Singapore one had to be register with ACRA (formely know as the Registry of Companies) and IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore) check with them whether you should register with them for your ecommerce.
Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority
Add: 10 Anson Rd #05-01/15
International Plaza Singapore 079903
Tel: (65) – 62486028
Fax: (65) – 62251676
Info-Communication Development Authority of Singapore
8, Temasek Boulevard
# 14-00 Suntec Tower Three
Tel: 62110888
Fax: 62112222
Email: info@ida.gov.sg
William asks…
Do I need to copyright/trademark my designs & name for an online business?
Hi everyone. I wish to start an online business selling self-designed printed goods/merchandises, and all designs will revolve around a female character originated from me. I do hope that maybe one day, I can open a shop as well. But I do have few questions regarding Intellectual Property, and I’m hoping that you guys can help me with them. 🙂
1) Is there a need to register the trademark for the company’s name?
2) Can I trademark the female? Or is it auto-copyrighted by law? If not, how can I protect my designs?
3) Must I register the company?
Btw, I live in Singapore.
Jere answers:
The company’s name can’t be trademarked. An image incorporating the name is what is trademarked. That is, the font and layout is part of the trademark. If you try to trademark a name itself, it will be too vague and the mark will likely be rejected.
The female is not trademarked unless it is an icon of your business. If you wish, trademarking it may be done so that it can be used as a recognized icon for your business. Yes, it is yours by default by copyright law, but the only true defense against copyright infringement is to register a copyright legally, to prove ownership in a court of law.
The company does not normally need to be legally registered. If you register the company, it earns money and pays taxes. If you do not register the company, you earn money and pay taxes. I believe any business that earns over a certain amount needs to be registered for tax purposes, but this will depend on your local laws.
Steven asks…
hi. how do i register my paypal address if i live outside the US?
hi. i tried to register for a paypal account for an online business based in singapore however it seems that they only accept US adresses. Can anyone tell me what can i do?
Jere answers:
You can register I also outside us too, sri lanka I did it try again http://www.ptc1000.infoad.org
Nancy asks…
how do i collect my money if i have a paypal account?
hi. i am from singapore. i want to start a small business online and would like to include paypal payment in for the transactions.
Jere answers:
Thanks for contacting PayPal. I appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your questions.
We have a feature that would allow the funds in your PayPal account balance to be automatically transferred to your bank account.
Auto-Sweep is an optional feature that enables you to have the funds in your Business or Premier account automatically transferred to an external U.S. Bank account on a nightly basis. The funds will post to your bank account in 3-4 business days. To have the Auto-Sweep feature activated, please contact our Customer Service Department.
To enable Auto-Sweep once activated, please follow these steps:
1. Log in to your account at https://www.paypal.com/.
2. Click the “Profile” tab.
3. Click “Auto-Sweep” in the “Financial Information” column.
4. Click “Edit.”
– A bank account must be added and confirmed
– Your withdrawal limit must be lifted
5. To enable Auto-Sweep, select “Yes” under the question “Would you like to enable Auto-Sweep?”
6. Select the bank account.
7. Click “Save.”
When you add funds to your account, the Auto-Sweep feature will automatically be disabled. This is to ensure that the funds are not swept back out to a bank account. You can enable the functionality again at any time.
Account Requirements for Auto Sweep:
– Must have a Verified Business or Premier account
– Must have a confirmed bank account
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us again.
Sincerely,
Reina
PayPal Community Support
PayPal, an eBay Company
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