Thanks for the replies. The problem with these platforms is that the decision to use them is on the freelancer’s side, they’re “virtual” companies. If my freelancer already has an entity in his place if residency, I can’t tell him to forget it and use this “virtual” company service to do business with me.
Ideally I’d need something that acts like Amazon FBA but for services where I deal only with one company, and without applying VAT.
I asked around and I found one site that acts like that, the only problem is that it’s not for software development, but writing and content creation.
freelancer.com issues invoices in its own name for deposits but for milestones issues invoices in the︀ freelancer’s name. Almost there, but not completely. I don’t think I’ll be able to claim︁ deposit as an expense, when they even make it possible to return the money so︂ it’s essentially just like a bank account.
Everyone else I’ve asked issues invoices in the︃ freelancer’s name, only fees in its own name.
The reason why I need this is︄ that from time to time I will be the freelancer on the other side with︅ a sole proprietorship formed in another country. I’m not sure how that would be received︆ by the tax authorities, so to be on the safe side I don’t want them︇ to see the final service provider.