Forms W-8BEN and W-9: Which to Use, When, and Why Many Get It Wrong

It is crucial to understand the differences between Form W-8BEN and Form W-9 when receiving payments from U.S. sources. This is especially so if the taxpayer operates, invests, or maintains financial accounts overseas. Many taxpayers get this wrong, often to their detriment. This article provides the guidance needed to understand which form is required and … Continue reading Forms W-8BEN and W-9: Which to Use, When, and Why Many Get It Wrong

Exciting Update: Revamped US Tax Primer for Expats & Global Citizens + Must-Watch YouTube Interviews!

Hello subscribers, global go-getters, expats, and anyone navigating the maze of US taxes abroad! I've got some exciting updates that'll make your financial life smoother and your dreams of living overseas a whole lot less taxing. First, I just rolled out a complete refresh of my flagship US Tax Primer for American Expatriates Worldwide and … Continue reading Exciting Update: Revamped US Tax Primer for Expats & Global Citizens + Must-Watch YouTube Interviews!

U.S. Tax Rules: IRAs After Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card

Imagine over the years that you’ve built a nest egg in a U.S. Individual Retirement Account, Roth IRA, or Simplified Employee Pension IRA.  This is a common scenario for many U.S. citizens and green card holders while working in the United States. In a scenario that is becoming increasingly more common, imagine that after years … Continue reading U.S. Tax Rules: IRAs After Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card

A Tale Of Two Retirees: New Senior Tax Deduction And Foreigners’ Social Security

While a campaign promise by President Donald Trump to eliminate income taxes on Social Security benefit income was not fulfilled, seniors were granted certain relief.  The landmark tax legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025 introduced a temporary special deduction for taxpayers aged 65 or older. The Social Security Administration … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Retirees: New Senior Tax Deduction And Foreigners’ Social Security

New Self-Employment Tax Risks For U.S. Investors In Global Funds

The U.S. Tax Court decided Soroban Capital Partners LP v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo 2025-52) in May 2025 leaving financial, tax and legal advisors concerned.  The court upended assumptions about the self-employment tax exemption for limited partners in hedge funds, and by analogy to venture capital, and private equity partnerships both in the U.S. and abroad.  U.S. … Continue reading New Self-Employment Tax Risks For U.S. Investors In Global Funds

“Revenge Tax” is Scrapped From The One Big Beautiful Bill

BREAKING NEWS --- On June 26, 2025, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a "deal" between the US and the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK) to exempt US companies from certain foreign taxes, prompting him to request Congress to drop proposed new Internal Revenue Code Section 899 from the One Big … Continue reading “Revenge Tax” is Scrapped From The One Big Beautiful Bill

One Big Beautiful Revenge Tax: Hits Foreigners From “Unfair Tax” Jurisdictions

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” by a narrow margin, with the vote being 215 to 214.  Foreign persons (including foreign governments) considering inbound investments should pay close watch as this develops.  The OBBBA has many tax provisions, but one (Section 112029 of the OBBBA) would … Continue reading One Big Beautiful Revenge Tax: Hits Foreigners From “Unfair Tax” Jurisdictions

Moving Overseas? 6 U.S. Tax Tips For Expats And Digital Nomads

Imagine the freedom of working from anywhere in the world, with just an internet connection and a trusty laptop. For many Americans, this dream is becoming a reality as the allure of lower taxes, improved quality of life, and better weather beckons. Before embarking on a global adventure, it's essential to understand the intricate U.S. … Continue reading Moving Overseas? 6 U.S. Tax Tips For Expats And Digital Nomads

The New York Times, USSCt Justice Clarence Thomas, Juicy Gifts & the Tax Lessons!

Sometimes I like to bring up issues occurring strictly in the USA and take a peek at how the US tax rules would shake out if foreigners were involved in the transactions.  It always makes for a much more complicated analysis. Here is one for today!  Let’s look at the juicy story of Justice Clarence … Continue reading The New York Times, USSCt Justice Clarence Thomas, Juicy Gifts & the Tax Lessons!

Tax Things Get Ugly for Foreigners When a Foreign Partnership has a US Partner

Last week I blogged about the US income tax issues that plague a US partnership when it has a foreign partner. That post showed things can get ugly when a US partnership has a foreign partner. The post got a lot of views and feedback so it is evidently a topic of interest. I thought … Continue reading Tax Things Get Ugly for Foreigners When a Foreign Partnership has a US Partner