Summary
International advisors are responsible for understanding and complying with local requirements
Fora's E&O insurance only covers claims brought against Fora in the US
Tax obligations follow your home country rules—Fora cannot advise
You may need to register locally as self-employed or form a company
W-8 or W-9 form required at first commission payment
Consult local legal and tax professionals for jurisdiction-specific guidance
Your responsibilities
Local requirements
International advisors are responsible for understanding and complying with local requirements, which may include:
Requirement | Details |
Business registration | Registering as self-employed or sole trader |
Forming a legal entity if required | |
Local licensing | Any travel-specific licenses in your jurisdiction |
Consumer protection | Local consumer rights compliance |
Tax registration | VAT, GST, or other local tax obligations |
Fora cannot advise on local requirements. Consult local legal and tax professionals.
Insurance coverage
What Fora's E&O covers
Scenario | Covered? |
Claim brought against Fora in the US | Yes |
Claim brought against you in your home country | No |
Client in a restricted country | No (booking should not have been made) |
If you want local coverage
Option | Details |
Form a US LLC | Purchase US-based E&O coverage |
Local professional liability | Coverage in your jurisdiction |
Consult a local advisor | Understand tort liability in your country |
Tort liability laws vary by country. What constitutes a claim, how liability works, and what insurance is available differs in each jurisdiction.
Tax obligations
How Fora handles taxes
Item | Details |
Tax withholding | Fora does NOT withhold taxes from commission |
Year-end statement | Earnings statement provided (typically January) |
Reporting | Your responsibility per home country rules |
Documentation required
At time of first commission payment, you'll complete:
Form | Who uses it |
W-8 | Typical for non-US persons |
W-9 | If applicable (US tax setup) |
Your responsibilities
Obligation | Details |
Report income | Per your home country tax rules |
Pay taxes | Including any estimated or periodic payments |
Maintain records | Documentation for tax purposes |
File returns | Per local requirements |
Fora cannot provide tax advice. Consult a local tax professional.
Regional notes
Canada
Province | Notes |
British Columbia | Fully licensed |
Ontario | Licensed; TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) exam required |
Quebec | NOT licensed; advisors in Quebec cannot join |
United Kingdom
Aspect | Details |
ATOL/ABTA | ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) and ABTA (UK travel association membership)—Fora does not hold these; not required for individual advisors under the UK model |
Restriction | Cannot book flight + hotel packages (package travel regulations) |
Local rules | Understand UK consumer protection requirements |
European Union
Consideration | Details |
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) | EU client data handling requirements—governs how you collect, store, and process client personal information |
Package Travel Directive | May affect how you structure bookings |
VAT | Understand VAT obligations in your country |
Australia
Consideration | Details |
ABN | May need an Australian Business Number |
GST | Goods and Services Tax considerations |
Local regulations | Consumer protection requirements apply |
Setting up your business
Questions to ask local professionals
Topic | Questions |
Business structure | Sole trader vs. company? |
Registration | What registrations do I need? |
Tax | How do I report commission income? |
Insurance | Do I need local professional liability? |
Banking | How do I receive international payments? |
Common business structures
Structure | Typical use |
Sole trader / Self-employed | Simple, individual operation |
Limited company | Liability protection, formal structure |
US LLC | Access to US banking and insurance |
Common scenarios
If... | Then... |
You live in the UK | Understand UK consumer rules; cannot book flight+hotel packages |
You live in Australia | Consider ABN and GST requirements |
You live in Ontario, Canada | TICO exam required |
You live in Quebec | Cannot join Fora at this time |
A client sues you in your home country | Fora's E&O won't apply; local coverage needed |
You're unsure about tax reporting | Consult a local tax professional |
You want a formal business structure | Consult a local accountant and lawyer |
FAQs
Does Fora handle my local taxes?
No. Fora provides an earnings statement. You handle local tax reporting and payments.
Do I need a business license in my country?
Depends on your jurisdiction. Research local requirements or consult a professional.
What if I operate in multiple countries?
You may have obligations in multiple jurisdictions. Consult professionals familiar with each.
Can Fora recommend local professionals?
No. Fora cannot provide referrals for legal, tax, or insurance professionals.
What currency will I receive commission in?
Fora supports multiple currencies through Routable. If yours isn't supported, international transfer via Mercury.
Is my commission taxable income?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Report it according to your local rules.