Understanding Shared Foreign Sales Corporation: A Guide for Exporters

Definition & Meaning

A Shared Foreign Sales Corporation (SFSC) is a type of corporation that allows multiple unrelated exporters to come together to make export sales. This arrangement can provide favorable tax treatment for the income generated from those sales. An SFSC can include between two and twenty-four businesses, which may even be competitors, allowing them to combine resources and expertise while sharing the costs associated with operating the corporation.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A group of five technology companies decides to form an SFSC to export their software products together. By pooling their resources, they reduce costs related to marketing and distribution while benefiting from tax advantages.

Example 2: A clothing manufacturer and several independent retailers form an SFSC to export their goods to international markets, allowing them to share expertise in logistics and compliance with foreign regulations. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Description Key Differences
Foreign Sales Corporation (FSC) A corporation that allows U.S. businesses to defer taxes on foreign sales income. An SFSC involves multiple unrelated exporters, while a FSC can be formed by a single company.
Export Trading Company (ETC) A business that assists U.S. companies in exporting goods. An ETC may not necessarily provide the same tax benefits as an SFSC.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering forming a Shared Foreign Sales Corporation, start by consulting with a legal professional to understand the requirements and benefits. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in creating the necessary documents to establish your SFSC.

Quick facts

  • Minimum of two and maximum of twenty-four unrelated exporters.
  • Provides favorable tax treatment for export sales.
  • Streamlined organizational guidelines compared to other foreign sales corporations.

Key takeaways