Mr. Biden’s Tax Plans – Serious Pain in Store for those Expatriating, Pain for Americans Abroad…. And Others!

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! →

Expatriation – IRS Told to Get Tough and Enforce the Law

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 →

Using a “Foreign Grantor Trust” – I Heard of it, but Hmmmm … I Want to Know More

Most tax practitioners and wealth planning professionals have heard of the “foreign grantor trust” (FGT) but many are unsure of what it is, how it works, or what it can accomplish in US tax planning. My post today provides an overview. The use of a so-called “foreign grantor trust” is a traditional planning technique that … Continue reading Using a “Foreign Grantor Trust” – I Heard of it, but Hmmmm … I Want to Know More →

Section 965 Transition Tax – Enforcement & Audits Begin Next Month

By now most of my readers will have some familiarity with Internal Revenue Code Section 965, and the “deemed repatriation” or “transition tax” introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) in 2017. My earlier blog post provided significant detail about this new tax law provision which is intended to move the US international tax … Continue reading Section 965 Transition Tax – Enforcement & Audits Begin Next Month →

2020 Tax Returns & Latest Crypto Developments – In the Crosshairs

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) just recently released the 2020 draft Form 1040. In your face right on page one, on a separately colored block: “At any time during 2020, did you receive, sell, send, exchange or otherwise acquire any financial interest in any virtual currency?” This question first appeared for the 2019 tax return, but … Continue reading 2020 Tax Returns & Latest Crypto Developments – In the Crosshairs →

Getting a Green Card – Is it Really Worth It?

I recently spoke on the US tax issues faced by the holder of the green card. To be or not to be such a holder? The podcasts (links below) may help you decide. The podcasts were made with John Richardson, a US and Canadian attorney. John, who is based in Canada, has seen his fair … Continue reading Getting a Green Card – Is it Really Worth It? →

COVID-19: Is Employer Provided Assistance due to the Pandemic Taxable Income? What if the Employer is “Foreign”?

Last week's blog post discussed the home office tax deduction and burst the bubble for many who were working at home for months under COVID-19 restrictions. Unfortunately, as discussed in that earlier post, this tax break cannot be used by an individual who is an “employee” as opposed to "self-employed". This restriction is a result … Continue reading COVID-19: Is Employer Provided Assistance due to the Pandemic Taxable Income? What if the Employer is “Foreign”? →

COVID-19: Can I Take a Home Office Deduction?

In the face of the corona virus, just about everyone I know has been working from home for quite some time. Home can be Stateside or overseas. Many are now asking if they are entitled to take a tax deduction for their “home office”. Here’s everything you need to know. The home office tax break … Continue reading COVID-19: Can I Take a Home Office Deduction? →

Warning: Marriage to a ‘Foreigner’ May Be Hazardous to Your Tax Health

Recently, I am seeing more and more married couples of dual nationality (with one US individual partner) struggling with the US tax issues wrought by such a "mixed marriage". Some are same sex couples married under the laws of a foreign (non-US) jurisdiction. Believe it or not, marriages taking place in a foreign country (whether … Continue reading Warning: Marriage to a ‘Foreigner’ May Be Hazardous to Your Tax Health →

Surrendering a Green Card at the Border – COVID-19, Stuck Abroad, “Forced” to Surrender Green Card?

Before delving into the nitty gritty, let me start with a disclaimer. I am not an immigration specialist and this post does not address, other than in a very general manner, immigration issues associated with surrendering a green card at the border. Today’s blog post examines the US tax issues that surround relinquishing the green … Continue reading Surrendering a Green Card at the Border – COVID-19, Stuck Abroad, “Forced” to Surrender Green Card? →