A Complicated U.S. Tax Life: Foreign Spouses And Community Property

When love crosses borders, tax complexity often follows. I know this from first-hand experience having married a Swiss national almost 4 decades ago.  When U.S. citizens marry foreign nationals who are not U.S. tax residents a host of U.S. tax rules can upend marital bliss by causing tax compliance complexities that are often difficult to … Continue reading A Complicated U.S. Tax Life: Foreign Spouses And Community Property

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!

WEBINAR – Back By Popular Demand FBAR, FBAR, FBAR!

Learn all about FBAR and expand services to your clients with confidence.  Maybe even land Pope Leo XIV as a new client since his Holiness probably has to file FinCEN Form 114 for the Vatican Bank's accounts.  Understand your own compliance risks and what to do if you are not compliant.  This is the FBAR … Continue reading WEBINAR – Back By Popular Demand FBAR, FBAR, FBAR!

Does Pope Leo XIV Have to File an FBAR? U.S. Citizenship and God’s Bank

Yesterday, the world welcomed Pope Leo XIV, a U.S. citizen, as the newly elected Pope, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church. But amid the papal fanfare, a quirky tax question arises: could His Holiness need to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) for the Vatican Bank’s accounts? It’s a … Continue reading Does Pope Leo XIV Have to File an FBAR? U.S. Citizenship and God’s Bank

The Hendler Case: FBAR Penalties Survive Beyond Death

A recent decision reminds taxpayers and the tax compliance community of the importance of filing the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.  The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in United States v. Hendler, 23 Civ. 3280 (Sept. 17, 2024) has clarified the enduring nature of penalties tied to FBAR. … Continue reading The Hendler Case: FBAR Penalties Survive Beyond Death

Offshore Tax Evasion: U.S. Clients Of Trident Trust Target Of IRS John Doe Summons

The Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service have recently reaffirmed their strong commitment to pursuing offshore tax evasion through the use of powerful investigative tools. One such tool is the IRS John Doe Summons. On Dec. 23, 2024, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the IRS authority … Continue reading Offshore Tax Evasion: U.S. Clients Of Trident Trust Target Of IRS John Doe Summons

IRS Tax Records, Foreign Assets: When (And What) To Keep Or Toss

Many people face the dilemma of what to do with old tax returns and supporting paperwork, often wondering when it’s safe to discard them. However, determining the right time can be tricky, especially for taxpayers with foreign assets. Those with overseas financial interests must pay particular attention for several reasons, including expanded statutes of limitation … Continue reading IRS Tax Records, Foreign Assets: When (And What) To Keep Or Toss

Need an FBAR Escape Hatch?

The Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FinCEN Form 114) commonly called the FBAR is a crucial reporting requirement for US persons (citizens, green card holders and those meeting the substantial presence test) with foreign financial accounts. With the deadline for the 2023 FBAR set for October 15, my Forbes article provides information to … Continue reading Need an FBAR Escape Hatch?

11th Circuit Holds FBAR Penalties Are Subject to the Excessive Fines Clause: A Significant Taxpayer Weapon

A recent decision from the 11th Circuit in United States v. Isac Schwarzbaum brings a major development in FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting) penalties and their relationship with the Eighth Amendment's Excessive Fines Clause. The court's holding that FBAR penalties are subject to this constitutional protection under the Excessive Fines Clause is significant, offering taxpayers … Continue reading 11th Circuit Holds FBAR Penalties Are Subject to the Excessive Fines Clause: A Significant Taxpayer Weapon

Filing A U.S. Tax Return – Even When Not Required – A Very Smart Move

Many taxpayers, especially retirees living abroad, may find themselves in a situation in which their income is too low to meet the threshold for filing a U.S. tax return. Retirees who only receive Social Security income (or small amounts of other additional income), for example, often fall below the tax filing requirement. Understandably, many people … Continue reading Filing A U.S. Tax Return – Even When Not Required – A Very Smart Move