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 →

Mr. Taxman @IRS: Looks Like My Money, But It Really Isn’t…

The Department of Justice and the IRS are champing at the bit to nail former defense contractor, Douglas Edelman, and his French wife Delphine Le Dain. They were charged with schemes to defraud the United States and evade taxes on more than $350 million using a complicated nominee arrangement. "Oh Mr. Taxman, I know it looks like my … Continue reading Mr. Taxman @IRS: Looks Like My Money, But It Really Isn’t… →

3 Ways To Safeguard Finances Of The Vulnerable, Yet Navigate U.S. Tax

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes July 2, 2024 – link here. Scams have become increasingly more convincing, posing significant financial risk to vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly. Financial security arrangements should be implemented, but when global financial assets or multi-nationals are involved, the U.S. tax issues can get complicated and require extra diligence. … Continue reading 3 Ways To Safeguard Finances Of The Vulnerable, Yet Navigate U.S. Tax →

How Long Does The IRS Have To Catch Your U.S. Tax Mistake? 6 Scenarios

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes June 11, 2024 – link here. It explains the important rules to know when IRS comes calling to review prior filed tax returns and assess additional taxes. How long can the IRS come after a taxpayer for tax errors or worse? The tax statute of limitations can … Continue reading How Long Does The IRS Have To Catch Your U.S. Tax Mistake? 6 Scenarios →

IRS “Direct File” Will Become a Permanent Option – But Not for Americans Overseas

The IRS announced on Thursday May 30, it will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season. Taxpayers who can fit within the Direct File eligibility parameters will be able to file their federal tax return for free, directly with the IRS! No middleman, no TurboTax, … Continue reading IRS “Direct File” Will Become a Permanent Option – But Not for Americans Overseas →

Foreign Spouse? Vexing U.S. Tax Issues For The American Half

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes May 20, 2024 – link here. Follow me on Forbes - it's free and your gateway for easy to understand US international tax coverage. I’ve got 40 years of tax experience and am very careful with my blog posts to ensure accurate information is being provided. Just … Continue reading Foreign Spouse? Vexing U.S. Tax Issues For The American Half →

No U.S. Tax Honeymoon When Americans Marry Non-U.S. Citizens

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes May 11, 2024 – link here. It provides some important tax tips for those in a US/non-US citizen mixed marriage! Follow me on Forbes for easy to understand US international tax coverage. I’d loved to be your “go-to” person when it comes to US tax issues impacting Americans … Continue reading No U.S. Tax Honeymoon When Americans Marry Non-U.S. Citizens →

Death Of The American Abroad: Untangling U.S. Tax Across Borders

Many of my readers know I am now a contributor writing on Forbes. My coverage area is US international tax law for overseas Americans and foreigners. My article is copied below. It first appeared on Forbes April 22, 2024 here. In our global society, more and more Americans are living and working overseas. This inevitably … Continue reading Death Of The American Abroad: Untangling U.S. Tax Across Borders →

To Amend or Not to Amend – That is the Question

Discovered an error in a prior year’s tax return? Everyone is busy preparing US tax returns for 2023. Taxpayers should note that thorough preparation of the current year’s tax return should include a review at least, of the return filed for the prior tax year. (Taxpayers using new return preparers should be wary if … Continue reading To Amend or Not to Amend – That is the Question →

Too Many Days in America? The “Closer Connection Exception” May Save the Day (& the Tax Hit)

Most people have heard of it, but not many truly understand it. I will hear a foreign individual proudly state he cannot be taxed by the US since he has no income from US sources and has not spent 183 days or more in the US in any calendar year. Therein lies the “misunderstanding” and … Continue reading Too Many Days in America? The “Closer Connection Exception” May Save the Day (& the Tax Hit) →