FBAR Developments: “Non-Willful” Taxpayer Wins & “Willful” Dead Taxpayer Loses Beyond the Grave!

Here are two recent cases regarding FBAR - One, a taxpayer win and the other a taxpayer loss. Let's start with the good news: The taxpayer win! The penalty for non-willful FBAR violations is generally US$10,000 per violation. The question is, what is the "violation"? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) believes this penalty applies for … Continue reading FBAR Developments: “Non-Willful” Taxpayer Wins & “Willful” Dead Taxpayer Loses Beyond the Grave! →

State Income Taxes When Residing Overseas… They Hate to Let You Go!

When a taxpayer is a “resident” of a State which imposes income tax, he has to pay State tax on worldwide income, not just the income earned from sources within that State. If a taxpayer is working and residing overseas for an indefinite period of time and may or may not return to the State … Continue reading State Income Taxes When Residing Overseas… They Hate to Let You Go! →

Pres. Biden: 3d Party Information Reporting to be Increased – Foreign Accounts and Crypto Included

President Biden has an economic agenda and a big part of it is strengthening taxpayer compliance by increasing what must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about client accounts by third party financial institutions and similar entities. The President’s proposal would require information reporting on both business and personal financial accounts. The reporting … Continue reading Pres. Biden: 3d Party Information Reporting to be Increased – Foreign Accounts and Crypto Included →

Closing the International Tax Gap: IRS Doing Virtually Nothing With FATCA

Today’s blog post discusses the overall and international tax gaps, takes a look at the offshore world and how enforcement of the tax laws is faring (hint - not so good). It summarizes some important testimony given on May 11, 2021 by the Honorable J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration before the … Continue reading Closing the International Tax Gap: IRS Doing Virtually Nothing With FATCA →

An Eye for Moving Abroad? Bye-Bye USA, Hello Tax Complications!

Bloomberg Tax - I invite readers to enjoy my recently published article, copied in full below. Reproduced with permission. Published April 20, 2021. The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (800-372-1033) http://www.bloombergindustry.com. Daily Tax Report International, published online here and in PDF format here. It has certainly been a year to remember. So many changes have … Continue reading An Eye for Moving Abroad? Bye-Bye USA, Hello Tax Complications! →

Taxpayer’s FBAR WIN: “Willful” Penalty over $9.8 Million for Mere Signature Authority — Removed Entirely

Today’s post involving the case of Jonathan Zuhovitzky presents some important takeaways: The IRS can get very aggressive when it comes to assessing “willful” FBAR penalties. We see this trend is on the rise. A diligent representative, however, can get the IRS to settle an FBAR matter that is favorable to the taxpayer. It takes … Continue reading Taxpayer’s FBAR WIN: “Willful” Penalty over $9.8 Million for Mere Signature Authority — Removed Entirely →

Selecting a Trustee for Your US Trust – What About a Foreign Family Member?

Many parents establish a trust for their children and intend that the trust be a domestic (US) trust. Often, this will be a testamentary trust. That is, one that comes into being upon death of the testator, created pursuant to a Last Will & Testament. Many parents struggle with the decision as to who to … Continue reading Selecting a Trustee for Your US Trust – What About a Foreign Family Member? →

GILTI – Act Now! Stop Toxic GILTI Changes on the Horizon

On November 8, 2020, I participated in a podcast with attorney John Richardson. We discussed some of the reasons why the incoming administration was likely to increase the pressure on Americans abroad. The podcast is here. On March 25, 2021 the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on International Taxation. The hearing discussed changes to … Continue reading GILTI – Act Now! Stop Toxic GILTI Changes on the Horizon →

Renouncing One’s US Citizenship: More Audits, Virtual Currency, CLN & Travel

COVID-19 restrictions have severely limited services at US embassies and consulates around the world. As a result, renouncing one’s US citizenship has become very difficult, and in many cases, just about impossible at the current time. This gives individuals more time to make sure they have properly planned for expatriation. It's a big step. I … Continue reading Renouncing One’s US Citizenship: More Audits, Virtual Currency, CLN & Travel →