Insights For Foreigners: Navigating The U.S. Tax Maze Before Residency

As some 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 14, 2024 here. Don't miss out on my informative and easy-to-understand US tax content - Follow me … Continue reading Insights For Foreigners: Navigating The U.S. Tax Maze Before Residency

Taxpayer Wins Again on 5471 Penalty – IRS Cannot Assess

In a holding by the US Tax Court on April 8, 2024, the case of Raju J. Mukhi v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue brought into sharp focus the principle of stare decisis and its implications for tax law.  The Tax Court rejected the IRS’ assessment of penalties under Section 6038(b), for failure to file Form … Continue reading Taxpayer Wins Again on 5471 Penalty – IRS Cannot Assess

Accidental Americans Learning They Are Citizens Face A Tax Dilemma

As some 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 9, here. Don't miss out on my informative and easy-to-understand US tax content - Follow me on … Continue reading Accidental Americans Learning They Are Citizens Face A Tax Dilemma

Transparency Triumph? How the Corporate Transparency Act Impacts Foreign Investors in the USA

In a globalized economy, foreign investment plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation. For years, the United States has been a beacon for international investors seeking lucrative opportunities. However, concerns surrounding transparency and accountability have often loomed large, creating barriers for foreign investors navigating the complex landscape of American business. Enter the … Continue reading Transparency Triumph? How the Corporate Transparency Act Impacts Foreign Investors in the USA

Corporate Transparency Act: BEWARE! The Scammers have Already Arrived!

As most of my readers know the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires US entities (including for example, US LLCs, corporations, partnerships), and many foreign entities including those that register to do business in a state, to disclose to FinCEN of the Treasury Department, the identity of their beneficial owners. Information to be provided: name, date … Continue reading Corporate Transparency Act: BEWARE! The Scammers have Already Arrived!

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

Corporate Transparency Act Declared Unconstitutional

With this surprising court decision issued March 1, 2024, millions of overwhelmed small business owners can now take a breather from scouring FinCEN’s website and go back to running their businesses.  The Northern District Court of Alabama has enjoined all relevant US government agencies from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The UNITED STATES DISTRICT … Continue reading Corporate Transparency Act Declared Unconstitutional

Taxpayer Denied “Reasonable Cause” When Preparer Fails to e-file Returns

How difficult is it for a taxpayer to establish “reasonable cause” such that penalties for various tax mishaps can be forgiven or abated?  It’s very difficult. The recent case of Wayne Lee v. United States, No. 22-10793 (11th Cir. 10/24/23) underscores the point and reminds taxpayers to get reliable tax advisors and return preparers.  Going … Continue reading Taxpayer Denied “Reasonable Cause” When Preparer Fails to e-file Returns

How do Estate Tax Treaties Work? They Don’t if the Decedent is a US Citizen or Domiciliary

My recent blog posts here, here and here have been examining the US estate tax and its impact on foreign investors in the US.  The posts explored estate tax basics, the concepts of “domicile”, ”situs” of assets, the troublesome Federal Transfer Certificate and the paltry estate tax exemption of USD60,000 given to non-US non-domiciliaries for … Continue reading How do Estate Tax Treaties Work? They Don’t if the Decedent is a US Citizen or Domiciliary

US Estate Tax – What is “Situs”? Location of Assets Makes a World of Difference

My recent and upcoming blog posts are examining the US estate tax and how it often comes as an unwelcome surprise to the foreign investor in the US and to the foreign heirs when the investor passes away.  The family is often left to clean up the mess if the investor has not properly planned … Continue reading US Estate Tax – What is “Situs”? Location of Assets Makes a World of Difference