Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D. — US tax matters affecting international clients
My earlier blog post discussed the rules that apply to a US taxpayer who sells his personal residence, whether located abroad or in the US. If the home qualifies as the “principal residence” and other requirements are satisfied the taxpayer may exclude up to US$250,000 ($500,000 for joint returns) of taxable gain from income. As … Continue reading Covered Expatriates, Exit Tax and the Principal Residence
The House Ways and Means Committee recently released its proposal (HWM Proposal) to fund the US$3.5 trillion "Build Back Better Act" reconciliation spending package. Not unexpectedly, the proposal takes aim at high income earners. Here’s a few pointers that are important for many of my readers, especially those with US trusts or those looking at … Continue reading Coming Soon! Higher Income and Capital Gains Taxes & More – Beware Trusts, Expatriation Planning
An alternative title for this post could be: "Hasn't the State Department Heard About Zoom?" What’s become of the right to relinquish one’s US citizenship? It has been thrown a curveball for the past year and a half. Many US Embassies and Consulates throughout the world are not offering the service. Those that did (or … Continue reading Cannot Expatriate! US Consulate in Dubai – Joining Others Worldwide, Closes the Door on Expatriations
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
The ‘‘Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act of 2021’’ (the “Act”) was proposed by Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders on March 1 2021. Like all other tax proposals I have seen in my over 35+ years of tax practice, once the bee is in the bonnet, legislation will inevitably, inexorably, eventually blossom and flourish. The Act … Continue reading Senator Warren’s Proposed Wealth Tax and the 40% Tax Hit on Expatriation
UPDATE: Sadly - the US Consulate in Dubai has just informed me that they cannot accept appointments for non-emergency services for non-UAE residents. Expatriation is considered a non-emergency to them, although I feel sure the individual wishing to expatriate would disagree. I have requested the Consulate to update me if the situation changes. Welcome … Continue reading Dubai: Combine your Renunciation with a Vacation
The number of individuals ending their US status, or “expatriating” continues to rise unabated. “Expatriates” as used in this context refers to citizens renouncing US citizenship or “long term residents” giving up a green card. On October 28 the Treasury Department released the names of 732 individuals who “expatriated” during the third quarter of 2020. When … Continue reading Expatriation: More than just a Fashionable Trend — Numbers Climb
Looking at Mr. Biden’s tax proposals and now faced with his win of the presidency, coupled with Democrat control of the House, Americans abroad are in for a rough time. This is especially true for anyone considering giving up US citizenship or long term permanent residency (LTR). Those thinking about expatriation must take immediate action … Continue reading Mr. Biden’s Tax Plans – Serious Pain in Store for those Expatriating, Pain for Americans Abroad…. And Others!
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) recently issued its report “More Enforcement and a Centralized Compliance Efforts Are Required for Expatriation Provisions”, (Reference Number: 2020-30-071, September 28,2020) telling the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that it needs to do more to make sure that the rising number of US citizens and long term residents … Continue reading Expatriation – IRS Told to Get Tough and Enforce the Law
This post is a sequel to "Expatriation – Giving up US Citizenship – Will I be Banned from Re-entering the USA?" my earlier blog post analyzing the so-called "Reed Amendment". As discussed in that post, since the statutory language of the Reed Amendment applies only to those who “officially renounce” United States citizenship it may be … Continue reading Divorcing the United States: Two Methods – Renunciation and Commission of an Expatriating Act with “Intent”
Virginia - US TAX TALK 