Expert: Nancy Torres - 10/30/2009

Question
I will be doing business in Puerto Rico in the next few months.I need a sales tax number and find it difficult to apply for one one the Internet. I am looking for someone in PR to assist me in getting the sales tax No and answer any questions that might arise while I am doing business in PR. This will be an ongoing business with possible multi locations. Anyone you can put me in contact with would be very helpful.

Answer
Hola, Chris.
Well, I can't recommend you a specific person to assist you in your case, but I would gladly share with you some ideas.
Perhaps you should start by contacting the Municipality where you are thinking to establish your offices. In San Juan, for example:  787.724.7171 and ask them for any governmental office that you may contact for additional information on the requirements your must comply with for your  business in Puerto Rico.

To be able to start a business in the Island and comply with local laws and regulations, you should get the advise of an accountant.  They are used to the whole process, they know about all agencies, permits and forms you need to submit.  Here is a link:
Colegio de Contadores Públicos Autorizads de Puerto Rico
http://www.colegiocpa.com/

Here are some other links that would be of help:

--Starting a business in Puerto Rico
http://www.doingbusiness.org/exploreTopics/StartingBusiness/Details.aspx?economy...

http://www.business.gov/states/puerto-rico/start.html

--Small Business Administration
 http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/pr/

Finally, for general information about the Island of Puerto Rico:
http://www.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml

Buena suerte.
Saludos desde Puerto Rico,
Nancy