Tourist Visa - Travel Expenses

[Mohsin.M 7]

Dear All,

I am a businessman and own 20% of the company i manage. Balance 80% is owned by my partner, who is not active.

I am planning to apply for B2 visa to visit my mother in USA.

I remember visa form question from last time, "WHO IS PAYING FOR THE TRIP". Is it OK if i write my company is paying for the trip or should it be that me myself am paying for the trip, as the trip is of personal nature. The expense would primarily be for the ticket, as i would be staying at my sister's place where my mother stays.

I draw monthly salary from company which is transferred to my bank account, however it is not big to keep taxes at minimal, so the balance in my personal bank account is not big. Although as 20% owner i can draw amounts for my use from the company.

Thanks for your help

Edited March 14, 2015 by emem

[Jawaree 717]

If its a biz trip , the Biz could pay for the trip, but proof would be

a good idea to provide, if its to visit mom you or her could pay

it comes down to you have to convince CO that you have a successful

biz when your application goes in, and have proof of strong ties to your

country land, home ,vehicle & that biz registration is in your name also

as part owner. then convince them U will go home after visit

[sma1488 155]

Sure sounds like fraud to me.

[Mohsin.M 7]

Sure sounds like fraud to me.

How did you reach this conclusion??

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I'm a teacher. Does it mean that every time I travel to Canada the Board of Ed pays for my trip?

Of course not, I pay based on my salary.

It sounds like YOU are paying for the trip and it is a personal trip to visit your mother, not a business trip

good luck

[Mohsin.M 7]

I'm a teacher. Does it mean that every time I travel to Canada the Board of Ed pays for my trip?

Of course not, I pay based on my salary.

It sounds like YOU are paying for the trip and it is a personal trip to visit your mother, not a business trip

good luck

Thanks for your feedback

If its a biz trip , the Biz could pay for the trip, but proof would be

a good idea to provide, if its to visit mom you or her could pay

it comes down to you have to convince CO that you have a successful

biz when your application goes in, and have proof of strong ties to your

country land, home ,vehicle & that biz registration is in your name also

as part owner. then convince them U will go home after visit

Thanks for your feedback

Edited March 14, 2015 by emem

[NickD 202]

Ha, my wife to be made several trips to the USA on a B1/B2 visa, I paid for her trips, don't recall she ever mentioned who paid for the trips. Of course the ticket had to be in her name.

What they did ask her in applying for her visa was about her family, home ownership, and income with good reason to return to her home country.

May be asked by the POE the reason for your visit, either business or pleasure. When I visit a foreign country, here to see your beautiful country, they like to hear that. USA has quite a tourist industry, and the well to do are very welcomed here.

[Mohsin.M 7]

Ha, my wife to be made several trips to the USA on a B1/B2 visa, I paid for her trips, don't recall she ever mentioned who paid for the trips. Of course the ticket had to be in her name.

What they did ask her in applying for her visa was about her family, home ownership, and income with good reason to return to her home country.

May be asked by the POE the reason for your visit, either business or pleasure. When I visit a foreign country, here to see your beautiful country, they like to hear that. USA has quite a tourist industry, and the well to do are very welcomed here.

Thanks

[NickD 202]

Dealing with out US federal Internal Revenue Service is an entirely different story. If you can prove it was a business trip, can deduct this off your income to pay less taxes. But if its personal, no deductions permitted.

Unless you are a billionaire, then can deduct your private jet even if you use it to entertain, the people you are robbing from.

Asked If I could deduct the huge expenses I paid to our USCIS, was it business or personal, couldn't lie, personal. Can't deduct it.

Also in the US, want to make darn sure you own at least 34% of your company, if less, your partner and liquidate your company, claim a loss and leave you with nothing, even though you did all the work. Each country has different laws to the percentage, suggest you look into it. If you haven't already.

Edited March 16, 2015 by NickD

[sma1488 155]

How did you reach this conclusion??

Because it sounds like you're committing tax evasion in your home country.

[Mohsin.M 7]

Because it sounds like you're committing tax evasion in your home country.

Well you can have any opinion you like.

I don't think keeping tax to the minimal amounts to tax evasion, rather it is known as tax planning.

Cheers