Physical Business & Import TaxAnswered

Do I need a customs broker, and if I use one am I still liable for mistakes?

NS
Nadia S.new member
May 19, 2026 1,610 views 1 answer
customs-brokerliabilityclassificationcustoms

Everyone tells me to hire a customs broker to handle my entries. Do I legally have to use one? And if the broker classifies my product wrong or undervalues it, is that on the broker or on me? I'd feel safer if the broker carried the liability, but I want to know the truth before I lean on them.

Related Questions

Physical BusinessAnsweredFeatured

Can my foreign-owned US LLC be the importer of record if I have no SSN?

I'm a non-resident and I formed a US LLC to sell private-label goods on Amazon FBA. The factory and my freight forwarder keep asking who the 'importer of record' is. I have no SSN. Can my LLC actually...

RN
Rafael N.·May 2, 2026
2,6401
Physical BusinessAnswered

My U.S. LLC imports inventory, but my broker handles everything. Do I still need to care about customs records personally?

I run a product business from Singapore through a Delaware LLC and we have started importing small container shipments into the U.S. for resale. A customs broker handles the entries, duties, and paper...

MS
marcus_sg_493a·Jan 30, 2025
2,0801
Physical BusinessAnswered

Are import duties deductible right away, or do they go into inventory under section 263A?

I paid a lot of customs duties this year on inventory that's still mostly sitting in the Amazon warehouse unsold. Can I deduct all those duties now as an expense, or do they have to be capitalized int...

CV
Clara V.·May 17, 2026
1,7401
Physical BusinessAnsweredFeatured

My first U.S. shipment is ready, but my broker keeps asking about importer setup and bond details. What do I actually need to confirm?

I live in the UAE and formed a Delaware LLC to import home goods into the United States. My customs broker is now asking me to confirm the importer of record details, identification number, and whethe...

O2
omar_2e49·May 14, 2025
2,1651
Physical BusinessAnswered

Single-entry vs continuous customs bond for recurring FBA replenishment — which do I need?

I'll be sending pallets into US ports every few weeks to replenish Amazon FBA, sometimes through different ports. My broker quoted me both a single-entry bond and a continuous bond and I don't know wh...

SD
Sofia D.·May 7, 2026
1,6901
Physical BusinessAnswered

What is CBP Form 5106 and how do I get a CBP-assigned number with no EIN or SSN?

My freight forwarder mentioned a 'Form 5106' to set up my importer record, and something about a CBP-assigned number. I don't fully understand what 5106 does. My LLC is brand new and I'm still waiting...

ML
Mei L.·May 5, 2026
1,8201
Physical BusinessAnswered

CBP says my importer record could not verify the EIN even though the IRS already issued it. What is usually missing?

I am in India and my LLC has an EIN from the IRS, but my customs broker says CBP could not verify the importer record cleanly. I sent state formation records and the SS-4 copy, but apparently that may...

R0
rohan_00c8·May 16, 2025
1,8701
Physical BusinessAnswered

If my LLC manufactures products in the U.S., is it basically impossible to argue I am not in a U.S. trade or business?

I am a Canadian founder and my Delaware LLC is considering a small U.S. manufacturing setup with local staff and local production. Right now we only import finished goods, but the numbers suggest manu...

OC
owen_ca_8952·Feb 3, 2025
2,2601
Physical BusinessAnsweredFeatured

I only use a U.S. warehouse for distribution, not retail. Does that still create a major U.S. tax issue?

I live in the UAE and use a New Mexico LLC to sell branded products online. We do not have a store or office in the U.S., but a New Jersey warehouse stores inventory and ships all U.S. orders. Revenue...

S8
salma_86c9·Feb 1, 2025
2,3701
Physical BusinessAnsweredFeatured

My warehouse helper in Texas works regular shifts. Can I still call him a contractor because he has his own LLC?

I am based in Brazil and use a U.S. LLC to import products. We have one person in Texas who helps with receiving inventory, packing, and occasional returns. He invoices through his own small LLC, whic...

F5
felipe_5a1f·May 20, 2025
2,3101

Have a similar question?

ForeignLLCTax members get expert answers with IRS citations. One CPA consultation costs $200+. Full access is $9.99/month.

Become a Member — $9.99/mo

Disclaimer: All content on ForeignLLCTax.com is created by a tax professional and is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Every tax situation is different — for advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a licensed CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney. By using this website, purchasing a subscription, or accessing any tools or services, you acknowledge that no client-professional relationship is established between you and ForeignLLCTax.com or its operators. This website is not affiliated with the IRS.

Watch the walkthroughs