Setting up or transacting in China comes with enormous promise, but the bureaucratic burden, especially in taxation, remains a major hurdle. For many international businesses, whether selling on e-commerce platforms, providing SaaS to Chinese users, or operating distribution chains, navigating China’s tax system without a proper Tax Identification Number (TIN) is like driving without a license. 

In Kenya’s formal economy, the Personal Identification Number (PIN) issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) functions as a central identifier for individuals and entities engaged in taxable or regulated activities. It is required at nearly every critical point in the business lifecycle, whether registering a company, applying for licenses, clearing goods through customs, or managing tax obligations. Understanding the structure, purpose, and compliance expectations tied to the KRA PIN is essential for both local and foreign stakeholders navigating the Kenyan business environment.

A Business Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a government-issued unique identifier for businesses to track and manage tax obligations. It is mandatory for all entities engaged in taxable activities, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance. 

Sales tax is a state-imposed tax on the sale of goods and certain services, charged at the point of sale. Typically, the seller adds the tax to the purchase price and remits it to the state tax authority. 

Not all states impose a sales tax. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon do not have a statewide sales tax, so sales tax is generally not collected in these states. However, some local jurisdictions within these states may have their own tax regulations.

Sales tax rules in the U.S. can be complex, especially when purchases or sales happen across state lines. That’s where sales tax exemption becomes important. Certain buyers, such as resellers, nonprofits, or manufacturers, government agencies and diplomats may not be required to pay sales tax on qualifying purchases. But to benefit, the process must be handled correctly, with proper documentation and an understanding of state-specific regulations. 

Sales tax exemptions become especially important and often more complicated when businesses operate across multiple states. Whether you’re a buyer claiming an exemption or a seller accepting one, the rules can vary significantly. Each state sets its own criteria, documentation requirements, and renewal policies, making compliance a moving target. This complexity affects both sides of the transaction: buyers must provide accurate, state-specific certificates, while sellers are responsible for verifying and storing them correctly. 

Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is no easy task—especially when your customers or operations stretch across borders. While global markets offer exciting growth opportunities, they also bring a complex layer of tax responsibilities that many entrepreneurs aren’t prepared for. 

For companies expanding internationally, understanding how Value-Added Tax (VAT) works in different countries is not just helpful—it’s essential. The global VAT landscape can feel overwhelming at first glance, with each country applying its own rules, rates, and procedures. However, grasping the basics of these systems is crucial to keeping your business compliant and avoiding unexpected tax liabilities. 

Taking your business global can unlock incredible opportunities—but before you make your first sale abroad, there’s one crucial step you can’t overlook: securing the correct tax identification numbers (TINs) and VAT numbers. 

Without the right tax IDs, your business could face penalties, delayed shipments, or even blocked payments. Whether you’re launching an e-commerce store, offering SaaS services, or entering new markets through partnerships, understanding how to obtain these tax IDs is fundamental to staying compliant and operating smoothly.