Originally Posted by
Joshua
Setting up an LLC is relatively simple to do, but you'll be stuck having to file U.S. taxes. I just set one up and took care of the appropriate tax filings, and I can attest I'd much rather pay YQ than deal with U.S. corporate taxation.
Other Canadians seem to be moving their credit cards to stuff that earns Starwood points.
Dealing with U.S. taxation is even worse if you're a non-resident. Speaking as an accountant in public practice, I would never recommend that a Canadian incorporate in the U.S. for frivolous reasons. The annual compliance costs would be much more than the value of the miles earned. And would a new company with no credit rating and no assets be able to get a U.S. credit card anyway?
Starwood allows flexibility, but the problem is that the transfer ratio to UA & CO is bad -- 2 Starpoints = 1 mile. You could transfer to US Airways instead at 1:1, though I'm not sure of the status of surcharges at US.