Reminder – All About Alimony and the Foreign Spouse….If You Hate Your Spouse As Much as You Hate Paying Taxes …

My readers know that broad US tax reform was enacted in December under the commonly called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). Today’s post is a reminder of how the new tax rules will impact any US spouse who will be either paying or receiving alimony. The clock is ticking and action must be taken … Continue reading Reminder – All About Alimony and the Foreign Spouse….If You Hate Your Spouse As Much as You Hate Paying Taxes … →

Jail Time for Plastic Surgeon Hiding Money in Dubai

This FBAR case hit close to home. In fact, it hit home! The Department of Justice proudly announced that it flushed out a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon hiding money in Dubai and got him sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison. Marc Edward Mani, 50, will serve jail time for failing to … Continue reading Jail Time for Plastic Surgeon Hiding Money in Dubai →

Americans Abroad: Sept 18, LONDON – Push to End Citizenship-Based Taxation

A lively discussion is set to drum up support to convince US lawmakers to end America’s increasingly-unpopular “citizenship-based” tax regime. The meeting will take place in London next week. When: Tuesday 18 September 2018 - 17:30 to 19:00 Where: Central London location – to be confirmed upon RSVP (nearest tube: Westminster) Venue: To be provided upon RSVP (nearest … Continue reading Americans Abroad: Sept 18, LONDON – Push to End Citizenship-Based Taxation →

New FBAR “Willful” Penalty Case: But You Can’t Blame the IRS!

I don’t have much to say about this case, simply because not much needs to be said. In United States v. Gentges (USDC SDNY Dkt. 7:18-cv-07910), the Government is bringing a lawsuit to collect a “willful” FBAR penalty for the tax year 2007 in an amount close to USD904,000. The penalties relate to two Swiss bank accounts … Continue reading New FBAR “Willful” Penalty Case: But You Can’t Blame the IRS! →

OVDP Ending / IRS To Announce New Procedures

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers yesterday that they have until September 28 to apply for the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP). In March, the IRS announced the program would end on the 28th of this month. The IRS has made clear that it will continue to hold taxpayers with undisclosed offshore holdings accountable after … Continue reading OVDP Ending / IRS To Announce New Procedures →

Tax Primer: US Expats & Foreigners

Everything you need to know about US tax is right here at your fingertips! My primer provides information for overseas Americans and green card holders on US tax obligations including Income Tax, Estate Tax and Gift Tax as well as IRS reporting requirements and State income tax. It also provides detailed information for foreign individuals … Continue reading Tax Primer: US Expats & Foreigners →

Flying Under the Radar: Personal Use of “Business” Frequent Flyer Miles

Do I have to pay tax on that? Get the full scoop in today's post! “Expat” taxpayers living abroad are often given certain perks from their employers that would not be provided if the individual remained State-side. For example, provision by the employer for airline tickets home for the taxpayer and his/her family; or payment … Continue reading Flying Under the Radar: Personal Use of “Business” Frequent Flyer Miles →

Americans Abroad – May Legislative Relief Be Forthcoming?

I have blogged extensively about the US tax problems faced by Americans living and working overseas (for example, see my posts here, here and here). There is a possibility that the US Congress may introduce, debate and vote upon a bill that may ease the US tax burdens placed on such overseas Americans. A bill … Continue reading Americans Abroad – May Legislative Relief Be Forthcoming? →