Crypto – Harvest Your Tax Losses / Use Offsetting Positions While You Can – Deadline 12/31

The House Ways and Means Committee tax proposal unveiled last month has two provisions to shutter lucrative crypto tax loopholes. These are the subject of today’s blog post: the “wash sale” rules and the “constructive sale” rules, both contained in the Internal Revenue Code at Sections 1091 and 1259, respectively. First let’s discuss the so-called … Continue reading Crypto – Harvest Your Tax Losses / Use Offsetting Positions While You Can – Deadline 12/31 →

Coming Soon! Higher Income and Capital Gains Taxes & More – Beware Trusts, Expatriation Planning

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 →

Escaping Tax Penalties – “Reasonable Cause” & Reliance on Professional Advice

Today' lesson - Choose your US tax advisor very carefully. If he or she lacks the US international/foreign tax experience you may need, reliance on the tax advice may not be considered "reasonable," leading to plenty of penalties. Let's explore! Various civil tax penalties can be assessed when a taxpayer fails to pay the correct … Continue reading Escaping Tax Penalties – “Reasonable Cause” & Reliance on Professional Advice →

International Taxpayers Need – But Can’t Have an IRS Online Account

An IRS online account is a safe and easy way for individual taxpayers to view specific details about their federal tax account. The American Abroad REALLY Needs an Online Tax Account How the US taxpayer living overseas would appreciate having such an online account! Time zone differences, long distance telephone charges when trying to reach … Continue reading International Taxpayers Need – But Can’t Have an IRS Online Account →

Constitutionality of NIIT and Passport Revocation Rules Stand: Taxpayers Sacrificed in US Supreme Court and Tax Court

The US Supreme Court and the Tax Court issued two big decisions impacting many US individual taxpayers. Here’s a short and not-so-sweet summary of what went down: The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax Stands On June 17, 2021, by a clear majority vote, the Affordable Care (ACA) was upheld by the US Supreme Court, including … Continue reading Constitutionality of NIIT and Passport Revocation Rules Stand: Taxpayers Sacrificed in US Supreme Court and Tax Court →

Checked “YES” to the Crypto Question on Form 1040? Have NFTs? Get Ready….

It’s been no secret that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has cracked down on crypto. With many more taxpayers investing in cryptocurrencies the agency has targeted crypto investors who are often not complying with the US tax rules (many unknowingly). IRS “John Doe” subpoena activity of crypto exchanges has been successful with the biggies such … Continue reading Checked “YES” to the Crypto Question on Form 1040? Have NFTs? Get Ready…. →

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! →

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 →