IRS Tax Penalty Forgiveness: Challenge Of Proving “Reasonable Cause”

Tax penalties can be a harsh reality for many taxpayers, especially those dealing with complex international tax obligations. The IRS imposes penalties to encourage compliance and deter negligence. This article provides a general overview of commonly encountered tax penalties, and then delves into the often-misunderstood penalty relief, "reasonable cause.” Overview Of Tax Penalties Tax penalties … Continue reading IRS Tax Penalty Forgiveness: Challenge Of Proving “Reasonable Cause” →

Offshore Investments, U.S. Tax Traps: What Every American Must Know

Navigating the labyrinth of overseas investments can be particularly challenging for American investors. The landscape is often littered with enticing sales pitches from expat investment advisors who, more often than not, lack a deep understanding of U.S. tax laws. While it’s true that investments in certain offshore jurisdictions might not incur local taxes, significant and … Continue reading Offshore Investments, U.S. Tax Traps: What Every American Must Know →

IRS Commitment To Assist International And Overseas Taxpayers

As indicated in its responses this summer to several key recommendations from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, the IRS is making strides towards enhancing the taxpayer experience. Among these, significant attention is being given to improving services for international and overseas taxpayers, a group that has faced unique challenges and severe penalties. This article highlights IRS responses … Continue reading IRS Commitment To Assist International And Overseas Taxpayers →

National Taxpayer Advocate – Pushes for Positive Changes for Americans Abroad

The law requires the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to submit two annual reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, without any prior review or comment from the Internal Revenue Service. The NTA Report for FY 2025 was just issued and includes various NTA advocacy objectives. Two of the … Continue reading National Taxpayer Advocate – Pushes for Positive Changes for Americans Abroad →

U.S. Tax – Think Carefully Before You Get (Or Keep) A Green Card

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes June 19, 2024 – link here. It explains the important U.S. tax rules to know before getting (or keeping) a green card. Unfortunately, the U.S. government never explains these rules as part of the green card application process! In all my years of tax practice, I have … Continue reading U.S. Tax – Think Carefully Before You Get (Or Keep) A Green Card →

How Long Does The IRS Have To Catch Your U.S. Tax Mistake? 6 Scenarios

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes June 11, 2024 – link here. It explains the important rules to know when IRS comes calling to review prior filed tax returns and assess additional taxes. How long can the IRS come after a taxpayer for tax errors or worse? The tax statute of limitations can … Continue reading How Long Does The IRS Have To Catch Your U.S. Tax Mistake? 6 Scenarios →

U.S. Tax: 4 Tips For Americans Receiving A Foreign Inheritance

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes June 3, 2024 – link here. Follow me on Forbes - it's free and your gateway for easy to understand US international tax coverage. I’ve got 40 years of tax experience and am very careful with my blog posts to ensure accurate information is being provided. Just … Continue reading U.S. Tax: 4 Tips For Americans Receiving A Foreign Inheritance →

Insights For Foreigners: Navigating The U.S. Tax Maze Before Residency

As some of my readers know, I am now a contributor writing on Forbes. My coverage area is US international tax law for overseas Americans and foreigners. My article is copied below. It first appeared on Forbes April 14, 2024 here. Don't miss out on my informative and easy-to-understand US tax content - Follow me … Continue reading Insights For Foreigners: Navigating The U.S. Tax Maze Before Residency →

To Amend or Not to Amend – That is the Question

Discovered an error in a prior year’s tax return? Everyone is busy preparing US tax returns for 2023. Taxpayers should note that thorough preparation of the current year’s tax return should include a review at least, of the return filed for the prior tax year. (Taxpayers using new return preparers should be wary if … Continue reading To Amend or Not to Amend – That is the Question →

FATCA Reporting of Compensatory Foreign Stock Option on Form 8938

My earlier blog post covered some US tax issues faced by the individual granted options on foreign company stock by his non-US employer. When it comes to foreign information return reporting, the grant of options to an employee on foreign stock can get confusing. Is an option granted to an employee with respect to foreign … Continue reading FATCA Reporting of Compensatory Foreign Stock Option on Form 8938 →