Exit Tax – A Comment on Richardson / Zelinsky Debate on Citizenship Based Taxation

Recently, a debate took place on the merits of the United States' income tax regime which is based on "citizenship". This lively debate was between the esteemed John Richardson (a US and Canadian attorney) and Professor Edward Zelinsky (a tax scholar and professor at Cardozo Law School in New York City). You can watch the … Continue reading Exit Tax – A Comment on Richardson / Zelinsky Debate on Citizenship Based Taxation →

Attorney-Client Privilege & John Doe: Your Secret Is Safe … But Your Identity Isn’t!

Most of my readers are aware of the “attorney-client privilege”. Generally speaking, the privilege preserves the confidentiality of communications between a lawyer and her clients. When the privilege is in place, attorneys may not divulge their clients’ secrets and cannot be "forced" to divulge them (for example, in a court proceeding or to the Internal … Continue reading Attorney-Client Privilege & John Doe: Your Secret Is Safe … But Your Identity Isn’t! →

It’s About Time! Clearer Tax Guidance for Cryptocurrency…. on the Way

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commissioner Charles Rettig announced that the IRS plans to issue further guidance on the taxation of cryptocurrency. Commissioner Retting wrote that “We have been considering these issues and intend to publish guidance addressing these and other issues soon.” Can it be? Is an "IRS rescue" really on the way? Will it … Continue reading It’s About Time! Clearer Tax Guidance for Cryptocurrency…. on the Way →

US Citizenship And Worldwide Taxation: Justified?

Tune in to the amazing debate between John Richardson and Edward Zelinsky, two renowned tax and citizenship professionals, taking place on Friday May 17. Not only is it free, but viewers will receive an unparalleled education about the major issues surrounding US citizenship, its tax consequences for the typical American abroad and Accidental Americans, effects … Continue reading US Citizenship And Worldwide Taxation: Justified? →

Outrunning (and Outwitting) the IRS Using the Statute of Limitations

With tax returns either filed, in progress for Americans abroad, put on extension... (or late because an extension was not properly filed), now is a good time to look at the various statutes of limitations (SOL) applicable to US tax matters. What is a tax SOL? Simply, the SOL prescribes the length of time permitted … Continue reading Outrunning (and Outwitting) the IRS Using the Statute of Limitations →

House Blocks IRS Free-File Tax Help: Who Cares!

In early April, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would re-design the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It had a nifty and promising title, the "Taxpayer First Act of 2019". Despite its sweet title, part of the bill would prohibit the IRS from providing taxpayers with free tax preparation software. The for-profit tax preparation … Continue reading House Blocks IRS Free-File Tax Help: Who Cares! →

Americans Abroad: Separate But (Not) Equal

I will be posting here a series of eight related videos which discuss the premise that the United States is imposing a separate and more punitive tax system on U.S. dual citizens who live in (and are tax residents of) other countries. The videos were motivated by recent posts by Toronto lawyer John Richardson and … Continue reading Americans Abroad: Separate But (Not) Equal →

The Foreigner and the Taxman: Are You “Married” for US Income Tax Purposes?

Life gets confusing when you’re an American and you’ve married a “foreigner”. Aside from the cultural and social differences you may encounter, you cannot forget that your US tax situation will now become even more complex. Many of my tax blog posts explain the thorny side of filing US income tax returns, FBARs and various … Continue reading The Foreigner and the Taxman: Are You “Married” for US Income Tax Purposes? →

Do You Have Foreign Life, Sickness, or Casualty Insurance? A Foreign Annuity Contract? Excise Tax / FBAR / Form 8938….

Many US persons living abroad have foreign life, sickness or accident insurance or a foreign annuity. Yet, only a handful have any knowledge of the US Foreign Insurance Excise Tax provisions affecting these policies. Foreign asset information reporting may also apply. Here's what you need to know! Foreign Life Insurance Generally, an excise tax of … Continue reading Do You Have Foreign Life, Sickness, or Casualty Insurance? A Foreign Annuity Contract? Excise Tax / FBAR / Form 8938…. →

US Tax Law to American Abroad – “How Do I Hate Thee, Let Me Count the Ways”

Regular readers of my tax blog will not be surprised by the title of this post and the content it hints at delivering. They likely realize by now that the American person abroad is not looked upon favorably by the US tax laws. The tax laws look at anything “foreign” with a jaundiced eye when … Continue reading US Tax Law to American Abroad – “How Do I Hate Thee, Let Me Count the Ways” →