BizHouston
CPA & Legal Referral

U.S. CPA & Attorney Selection — Connecting You With the Right Professionals

BizHouston provides business consulting and connects you with licensed professionals for tax, accounting and legal matters. BizHouston does not provide CPA or legal services — we connect you with the right expert at the right time.

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What's on this page?

When you need a CPA vs. attorney, Texas tax advantages, professional referral process, BizHouston's role and 12 frequently asked questions.

Who is this for?

  • Investors who have difficulty finding CPAs and attorneys when setting up in the U.S.
  • Those seeking professionals with international client experience
  • E-2, L-1, EB-5 or EB-1C applicants who need an immigration attorney
  • Business founders who want guidance on U.S. tax obligations (FBAR, sales tax, corporate tax)
  • Those seeking CPAs for accounting, bookkeeping and tax return filing
  • BizHouston clients who want to complete their legal and tax professional team

CPA vs. Attorney — When Do You Need Each?

CPA / Accountant

  • Corporate tax return (annual)
  • Sales tax registration and tracking
  • Bookkeeping and accounting records
  • FBAR / FATCA reporting
  • Payroll management
  • Annual financial reporting

Immigration / Business Attorney

  • E-2, L-1, EB-5, EB-1C visa applications
  • Company formation contracts
  • Commercial lease negotiations
  • Employment and partnership agreements
  • Legal dispute resolution
  • Green card process guidance

Tax Advantages of Setting Up in Texas

No State Income Tax

Texas imposes no personal or corporate state income tax — a significant cost advantage

Federal Tax Still Applies

IRS federal tax obligations remain in full regardless of state location

Sales Tax 8.25%

Houston applies state + city sales tax; registration and tracking are required

Texas Franchise Tax

State franchise tax applies to businesses with annual revenue above a certain threshold

FBAR Requirement

Annual FBAR filing required with a CPA if foreign account balance exceeds $10K

Holding Structure Benefits

Separate tax optimization opportunities exist for TX LLC under foreign holding structure

What BizHouston does

CPA Referrals

Access to licensed CPAs with international client experience.

Immigration Attorney

Attorney referrals for E-2, L-1, EB-5 and EB-1C applications.

Real Estate Law

Attorney referrals for commercial lease and purchase transactions.

Business Law

Guidance for company contracts and commercial disputes.

Accounting Bridge

Coordination for post-formation accounting setup.

Timeline Planning

Which professional is needed and when during your visa or setup process.

How the Process Works

1

Needs Analysis

CPA, attorney or both? Your stage in the process is clarified upfront.

2

Professional Matching

Professionals matched to your industry and language preference.

3

Timeline Planning

Which professional is needed at each stage of your process.

4

Introduction Coordination

First meeting with CPA or attorney organized.

5

Document Prep Support

Pre-preparation of documents to share with the professional.

6

Process Follow-Through

Coordination and communication bridge between professional and client.

Clear Limits

BizHouston / Orsa Consulting LLC is not a law firm, accounting firm or CPA. We do not provide tax advice, legal advice, personal case evaluation or financial planning. Working with licensed professionals is required for these matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CPA and why do I need one?+
A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a licensed accounting professional in the U.S. Working with a CPA is essential for corporate tax returns, individual income tax, sales tax registration, bookkeeping and financial reporting. BizHouston does not provide CPA services — we refer you to professionals with international client experience.
When do I need a U.S. attorney?+
A licensed attorney is required for company formation contract stages, E-2/L-1/EB-5/EB-1C visa applications, lease and commercial contract negotiations, employment agreements and any legal dispute. BizHouston does not provide legal services.
Can you refer me to professionals with international client experience?+
Yes. BizHouston can refer you to CPAs and attorneys who have experience working with international clients. These referrals are informational — the quality of the referred professional's services is not BizHouston's responsibility.
When should I engage an attorney for E-2?+
Ideally at the start of your application preparation. An attorney evaluates your complete file, identifies strengths and risks, and guides the legal strategy. BizHouston coordinates the handoff after business plan and operational preparation are complete.
What are the key U.S. tax layers for foreign business owners?+
Federal income tax (IRS), state income tax (Texas has none), sales tax (varies by state), self-employment tax and potentially FBAR/FATCA obligations for foreign-owned entities. A licensed CPA is essential for all of these.
Does Texas have state income tax?+
No. Texas is one of a small number of states with no individual or corporate state income tax. This makes Texas attractive for business formation. However, federal tax and the Texas Franchise Tax (for businesses above a certain threshold) still apply.
What is FBAR and how is it filed?+
FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) is an annual filing where U.S. persons report foreign financial accounts to the IRS. If your foreign account balance exceeds $10,000 on any day during the year, FBAR is required. Incorrect filing can result in serious penalties — manage it with a licensed CPA.
What is the tax difference between LLC and S-Corp?+
An LLC is subject to pass-through taxation by default; profits are added to the owner's personal income. An S-Corp election can optimize self-employment taxes on salary. Foreign nationals are generally ineligible for S-Corp status — always evaluate this with a CPA.
How often should bookkeeping be done?+
Monthly bookkeeping is standard for an active U.S. business. Accurate records are essential for annual tax returns. Irregular accounting increases tax penalty risk and can create serious problems in visa applications.
How much do CPA and attorney fees cost?+
Fees vary by scope and professional. Annual corporate tax returns with a CPA typically range from $500–$2,500. Immigration attorney fees for an E-2 application can be $3,000–$8,000+. BizHouston does not set or guarantee these fees — discuss directly with the referred professional.
Is BizHouston a CPA firm or law firm?+
No. BizHouston / Orsa Consulting LLC is a business consulting firm. It does not provide tax advice, legal advice or personal case evaluation. It refers clients to licensed CPAs and attorneys for these services.
Is the initial consultation free?+
Yes. BizHouston's initial assessment call is free. The referred CPA or attorney's consultation fee follows their own policy.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BizHouston / Orsa Consulting LLC is not a law firm unless otherwise specifically stated. For official and current information, users should verify details through official sources such as USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, IRS, state agencies, and other relevant government authorities. For legal advice, users should consult a licensed immigration attorney or qualified legal professional.

Take Action

Ready to Find the Right CPA or Attorney?

Tell us your need — tax, visa, or contracts? In a free 15-minute call, we'll plan the right professional referral matched to your situation.

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